Charles Spain Verral (November 7, 1904 – April 1, 1990) was an author and illustrator born in Ontario, Canada. Although he never became a best-selling writer, Verral's work is loved by many who read it. He wrote Street & Smith's Bill Barnes pulp series novels, among others. Among the most widely read of his books are the Brains Benton Mysteries, a six book series published from 1959 to 1961. He also published many other children's works, including Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Popeye.