Ben Lucien Burman (December 12, 1895 – November 12, 1984) was an American author and journalist born in Covington, Kentucky. He also fought in both World War I and World War II, and graduated from Harvard University. He was married to Alice Caddy who illustrated many of his children's books, including his most popular books, the Catfish Bend series, which became popular with both children and adults. The series, set in Catfish Bend, Mississippi, tells a tale of the many animal residents of Catfish Bend. It was published in eleven languages.
Burman died from a stroke at the age of 88.
Mississippi, illustrated by wife, Alice Caddy, 1929
adapted to film as Heaven on Earth in 1931, directed by Russell Mack
Then There's Cripple Creek, 1930
Steamboat 'round the Bend, illustrated by Caddy, 1933
adapted to film as Steamboat Round the Bend in 1935, directed by John Ford
Blow for a Landing, 1938
Big River to Cross: Mississippi Life Today, illustrated by Caddy, 1940
Miracle on the Congo: Report from the Free French Front, 1942
Rooster Crows for Day, illustrated by Caddy, 1945
Everywhere I Roam, illustrated by Caddy, 1949
Children of Noah: Glimpses of Unknown America, illustrated by Caddy, 1951
The Four Lives of Mundy Tolliver, 1953
It's a Big Country: America off the Highways, illustrated by Caddy, 1956
The Street of the Laughing Camel, illustrated by Caddy, 1959
It's a Big Continent, illustrated by Caddy, 1961
The Generals Wear Cork Hats: An Amazing Adventure That Made World History, illustrated by Caddy, 1963
The Sign of the Praying Tiger, illustrated by Caddy, 1966
Look Down That Winding River: An Informal Profile of the Mississippi, illustrated by Caddy, 1973
High Water at Catfish Bend, 1952, reprinted, 1981
Seven Stars for Catfish Bend, 1956, reprinted, 1981
The Owl Hoots Twice at Catfish Bend, 1961, reprinted, 1981
Blow a Wild Bugle for Catfish Bend, 1967
High Treason at Catfish Bend, 1977
The Strange Invasion of Catfish Bend, 1980
Thunderbolt at Catfish Bend, 1984
Steamboat 'Round the Bend: Songs & Stories of the Mis