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. Gr 1-5-Legendary New York Public librarian Anne Carroll Moore would have probably called this provocative biography "truck"-in other words, "the wrong kind of book." And while it is true that the book is unorthodox, one could argue that its subject is equally so. At the onset, readers learn that this picture book is longer than most-a deliberate 42 pages to document a life of 42 years-and that Brown grew up in a house in the woods with many pets including a dog, two squirrels, and 36 rabbits. When one of these rabbits died, she skinned it and wore its pelt around her neck. But the important thing shared on the second page and repeated on the last is that "she wrote books"-more than 100. Jacoby fancifully shows little bunnies reading and listening to some of Brown's most popular titles at the library, a few of which are summarized as well. An inordinate number of pages are devoted to Moore's disapproval and refusal to recognize Brown's groundbreaking contributions to the field of children's literature. The delightful, whimsical illustrations are rendered in watercolor, Nupastel, and Photoshop and portray a young, blond, energetic Brown chasing her dog, swimming naked, buying a cartload of fresh flowers, and admiring the sea from the bow of the ship meant to deliver her to a new, exciting life. Sadly, "Lives don't work the way most books do. They can end suddenly, as fast as you kick your leg in the air." VERDICT An important, groundbreaking biography inspired by Brown's legacy.-Barbara Auerbach, Cairo Public Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. “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) “An important, groundbreaking biography inspired by Brown’s legacy.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “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) What is important about Margaret Wise Brown? In 42 inspired pages, this biography by award-winning writer Mac Barnett vividly depicts one of the greatest children’s book creators who ever lived: Margaret Wise Brown, the author of Goodnight Moon , The Runaway Bunny , and The Little Fur Family . Illustrated with sumptuous art by rising star Sarah Jacoby, this is essential reading for children’s book lovers of every age. Mac Barnett is the ninth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He is a New York Times- bestselling author of more than 60 books for children. His picture books include two Caldecott Honor–winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Extra Yarn and Sam & Dave Dig a Hole . Mac lives in Oakland, California. His website is 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 thesarahjacoby.com.