Elsie Dinsmore is a character from a series of children's books written by Martha Finley in the late 19th century. The series follows the life of Elsie, a young girl growing up in the antebellum South. Elsie is a pious and obedient child who strives to live according to her strict religious beliefs. The books are considered to be a classic of children's literature and have been adapted into several films and television shows.