Author of 'Nadia the Willful,' other children's books

In 1968 Alexander helped found the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, an international organization formed to support active and would-be authors and artists. It now has 22,000 members around the world. A longtime board member, she helped create and administer the society's Golden Kite Award, given annually to recognize excellence in children's literature. The society's Sue Alexander Award, established in 1996, goes to writers who have produced promising manuscripts, several of which have since been published.

Valued as a mentor to writers, librarians and teachers, Alexander received the Dorothy C. McKenzie Award from the Children's Literature Council of Southern California in 1980 for distinguished contributions to the field of children's literature.

Besides her husband, Alexander is survived by sons Glenn and Marc, daughter Stacey Finn and two grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday. More information: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators at (323) 782-1010.

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claire.noland@latimes.com