Helen Bannerman was a Scottish author and illustrator, best known for her children's book, Little Black Sambo, published in 1899. Born on February 15, 1862, in Edinburgh, she spent much of her life in India, which influenced her storytelling and illustrations. Bannerman's work often featured themes of adventure and imagination, appealing to young readers. Despite its popularity, Little Black Sambo has faced criticism for its racial stereotypes, leading to discussions about cultural sensitivity in children's literature. Bannerman passed away on October 1, 1946, leaving a lasting impact on children's storytelling.