'Encyclopedia Brown' author Donald Sobol

MIAMI -- Donald J. Sobol, author of the popular "Encyclopedia Brown" series of children's mysteries, has died. He was 87.

Sobol died in Miami from natural causes July 11, with his wife Rose by his side, his son John Sobol told The Associated Press Monday.

Sobol's series featured amateur sleuth Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown, who would unravel local mysteries with the help of his encyclopedic knowledge of facts great and small. The books, first published in the early 1960s, became staples in classrooms and libraries nationwide. They were translated into 12 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

"Thanks to Donald, generations of children have learned to read and solve mysteries alongside Encyclopedia Brown, one of the most iconic characters in children's literature," said Don Weisberg, president of Penguin Young Readers Group, which publishes Sobol's books.

The books also featured Brown's friend and detective partner, the tough and athletic Sally Kimball. John Sobol said his father was ahead of his times in creating a strong female character.

Sobol was a New York City native. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. His first Encyclopedia Brown book was rejected two dozen times before being published, his son said.

Sobol's family has asked that donations in his memory be made to The New York Public Library at www.nypl.org/donaldsobol. Check donations can be mailed to The New York Public Library, 476 Fifth Avenue, Room M-6, New York, NY 10018, payable to The New York Public Library.