Lesley University

Evelyn Boyle Finnegan '48

Evelyn Finnegan has had a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher, a children's librarian, and a stint as an innovative children's book author. Evelyn's special gift is her way with children.

Her acclaimed My Little Friend series of children's books offers readers a heartwarming friend, a tiny gnome to accompany them wherever they go – their first day of school, a visit to the dentist — helping them to overcome their fears, attain their aspirations, and aspire to new heights through self discovery. Evelyn used a stuffed toy duck in her classrooms to do a similar thing. She recognized that through the duck she could draw children out of their shyness and inhibitions and help ease them through anxious times. Similarly readers of the My Little Friend books, incidentally originally written for each of her grandchildren, find comfort and companionship to try and conquer new things. My Little Friend Press, a Finnegan family enterprise was born, and in addition to publishing Evelyn's and others' children's books, offered a line of sweaters (with secret pockets for the tiny gnome) and puppets.

In recognition of her 60th Lesley Reunion and her special talents, Evelyn's son, Paul J. Finnegan established an endowed scholarship fund in her name – The Evelyn M. Finnegan '48 Creative Writing Scholarship Fund at Lesley University. The scholarship will benefit future authors studying in the Writing for Young People concentration of Lesley's Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing.

This profile was compiled from a previously published source: Lesley Magazine, Winter 2008.