Margaret Wise Brown

Margaret Wise Brown, who was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1910, is widely considered to be one of the most influential and popular children's book authors of all time. Through her writing, she crafted a new style of picture books, introducing a gentleness and playfulness that had rarely been seen before. Brown wrote more than 100 stories in her lifetime; many have become classics, such as The Runaway Bunny, Goodnight Moon, and The Important Book.

Brown's life as a writer began with her highly-regarded children’s book, When the Wind Blew, which was published in 1937. It was her first and only novel, but it had a major impact on developmental psychology and children’s literature. Her first popular picture book, The Little Island, was published in 1945. This unique, playful story set the tone for her future work, which was filled with both joy and sorrow.

Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, two of Brown's most famous books, were published in 1947 and 1942 respectively, and have been widely praised as classics of children's literature. Goodnight Moon was a particularly innovative work, as Brown managed to capture a child's bedtime ritual in an simple yet affecting story. The Runaway Bunny portrays a mother bunny's unconditional love for her son, and has been called "a perfect picture of parental devotion".

Brown's writing style was influential in the world of picture books. She was an innovator in the genre, taking picture books in new directions that had not been seen before. Her stories often used poetic language, and her illustrations and page design brought her stories to life. She was also a passionate advocate for the importance of play in children's learning, encouraging parents and educators to allow kids to discover the world through play, rather than traditional academics.

Brown's life was tragically cut short in 1952, when she was only 42 years old. In her short but extraordinary life, Brown wrote more than 100 stories that have become children's classics. Her work continues to inspire generations of readers and writers, and her ability to capture a child's sense of wonder and imagination has made her an enduring legacy in children's literature.

Today, Margaret Wise Brown's books are beloved by children and adults alike, and her influence continues to be felt in the world of children's books. Her works have been translated into dozens of languages, with some of her titles - such as Goodnight Moon - becoming part of the cultural lexicon. Brown's commitment to capturing the complexity of childhood, as well as her playful writing style, remain a source of inspiration to readers and writers of all ages.