Margaret Wise Brown is best known for the classics Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, but did you know she also wrote over 100 other titles throughout her short 15-year career? Learn all about the well-known and celebrated children's book author below, then meet our new collection of Margaret Wise Brown Classic picture books!
- Margaret Wise Brown was born May 23, 1910 in Brooklyn, New York.
- Brown attended Hollins College (now Hollins University) in Roanoke, Virginia where she earned a Bachelor of the Arts in 1932.
- After college, she took a job as an editor of children's books in New York City with publisher W. R. Scott.
- During this time, Brown started writing her own children's books. Her books were so successful that she left her job to concentrate on writing full-time.
- When she received her first paycheck as an author, she bought an entire street cart full of flowers to celebrate.
Photo credit: Consuelo Kanaga (American, 1894-1978). Margaret Wise Brown. Cellulose acetate negative, 2 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (6.4 x 6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Wallace B. Putnam from the Estate of Consuelo Kanaga, 82.65.1836. Copyright transferred to Brooklyn Museum by the Estate of Wallace Putnam.
Photo credit: Consuelo Kanaga (American, 1894-1978). Margaret Wise Brown. Cellulose acetate negative, 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 in. (5.7 x 5.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Wallace B. Putnam from the Estate of Consuelo Kanaga, 82.65.1826a-b. Copyright transferred to Brooklyn Museum by the Estate of Wallace Putnam.
- Brown's most well-known book, Goodnight Moon, was published in 1947. Since its publication, it has sold over 48 million copies and continues to be a favorite bedtime story around the world.
- Margaret loved animals and most of her books have animals as characters in the story.
- Brown died on November 13, 1952 in Nice, France.
- Brown left behind over 70 unpublished manuscripts, many of which have since been published. Many of her books have been re-issued with new illustrations, while others are still in print with their original illustrations.
- In 1990, author Amy Gary discovered a trunk of unpublished manuscripts and songs in the attic of Margaret Wise Brown’s sister’s barn. Many of these manuscripts provided the source material for a new line of classics by the beloved author. That’s where we come in! Silver Dolphin Books will be launching fifteen new Margaret Wise Brown picture books this Spring and Summer. Check them out below!
From the hidden treasures of Margaret Wise Brown, we are so excited to introduce our fifteen new picture books. These magical stories combine the words of Margaret Wise Brown with new illustrations by many talented artists to create beautiful collections that will make cherished additions to every child's bookshelf.
These beautifully illustrated, magical story collections from best-selling author Margaret Wise Brown will enchant children and parents alike. Each collection contains 8 stories that are perfect to read to your little one before bed or any time!
Photograph in header image: Consuelo Kanaga (American, 1894-1978). Margaret Wise Brown. Cellulose acetate negative, 2 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (6.4 x 6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Wallace B. Putnam from the Estate of Consuelo Kanaga, 82.65.1838. Copyright transferred to Brooklyn Museum by the Estate of Wallace Putnam.