Here is a biography Margaret Wise Brown would have approved of. Barnett's unique take on her life distills her way with words and vibrant spirit--all while capturing that perfect child's-eye view of the world. Jacoby's illustrations are softly evocative of Garth Williams (who illustrated Little Fur Family and Mister Dog, among other MWB books), and are pitch-perfect with Barnett's lighthearted sketch of Margaret Wise Brown's short but extraordinary life.
— Hannah DeCamp
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown is important for bookworms of all ages, Goodnight Moon repeat readers, librarians, children's literature lovers, aspiring writers, bunnies, teachers, adventurers, dreamers, anyone who has ever felt strange or different, anyone who has ever been a kid.
— Julie Jarema
“Children’s writer Mac Barnett makes his first foray into nonfiction with this unconventional, insightful, and poignant book about Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown. Barnett’s prose is full of the same intentionality, playfulness, and deep respect for young readers that were hallmarks of Brown’s work, and Jacoby’s illustrations are perfectly composed, with visuals that are simply breathtaking.”
— Stephanie Appell, Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
An exceptional picture book biography of Margaret Wise Brown, the legendary author of Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, and other beloved children’s classics, that's as groundbreaking as the icon herself was—from award-winning, bestselling author Mac Barnett and acclaimed illustrator Sarah Jacoby.
What is important about Margaret Wise Brown?
In forty-two inspired pages, this biography artfully plays with form and language to vivdly bring to life one of greatest children’s book creators who ever lived: Margaret Wise Brown.
Illustrated with sumptuous art by rising star Sarah Jacoby, this is essential reading for book lovers of every age.
Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than thirty languages. His picture books include two Caldecott Honor–winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn. Among his other popular books are I Love You Like a Pig, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, and The Magic Word, illustrated by Elise Parsley. He lives in Oakland, California. You can visit him online at www.macbarnett.com.
Sarah Jacoby’s illustrations have won awards from the Society of Illustrators (Gold Medal), Creative Quarterly, American Illustration, and Communication Arts. She is the author and illustrator of Forever or a Day. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can learn more about Sarah at www.thesarahjacoby.com.
“The important thing about this review is to say this picture book is great…. A runaway success.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Barnett’s confiding tone draws readers in...then makes the case for Brown’s work.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“An important, groundbreaking biography inspired by Brown’s legacy.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A book with a brave appeal, and its admiration of Brown and respect for children makes it a standout picture-book biography.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
“Children old enough to look back at their Brown favorites with happy nostalgia will surely enjoy this creatively rendered backstory, while teachers and librarians will see connections between Moore’s collection exclusion and broader issues of access, making this age-accessible material for Banned Books Week.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)