Anna Maria Geertruida "Annie" Schmidt (20 May 1911 – 21 May 1995) was a revered Dutch writer, often hailed as the mother of the Dutch theatrical song and the queen of Dutch children's literature. Her work is praised for its "delicious Dutch idiom," and she is considered one of the greatest Dutch writers.

In 2007, a group of Dutch historians extended an ultimate honour to her by including Schmidt in the "Canon of the Netherlands" alongside national icons such as Vincent van Gogh and Anne Frank.

Though Schmidt created poetry, songs, books, plays, musicals, and radio and television drama for adults, she is best known for her children's books. Her most famous work for children may be the series Jip and Janneke. Many of her books, such as Pluk van de Petteflet, were illustrated by Fiep Westendorp.

In recognition of her lasting contribution as a children's writer, Schmidt received the 1988 Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the highest recognition available to writers or illustrators of children's books, awarded by the International Board on Books for Young People.

By the time of her passing in 1995, she was an icon of the Dutch literary world. Her death, caused by euthanasia, continues to be referenced in Dutch media, significantly impacting discussions on the subject.