Margaret Wise Brown ​

Margaret Wise Brown was an American writer of children's books, including the highly popular 'Goodnight Moon' and 'The Runaway Bunny'. Her whimsical and poetic style has made her books a staple of children's literature.

Quick Facts ​

• Famous for "Goodnight Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny", amongst other children's Literature.
• Books have been translated into multiple languages.
• Her works have sold millions of copies worldwide.
• HarperCollins posthumously published many of her books, including the Big Red Barn and My World.
• She has over 100 published titles to her name.
• Though her career spanned only 13 years, she remains a popular author to this day.

Background ​

Brown was born in 1910 in Brooklyn, New York. Both of her parents were teachers, which fostered an early love of storytelling and imagination. She studied at Hollins University and worked as a teacher before embarking on her literary career. She worked in publishing, both editing and writing books under different pen names. It was under the pen-name Golden MacDonald that she achieved her first literary success. However, she is best known for her classic children's books including Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. Despite her success, unfortunately, her life was cut short when she died unexpectedly at the age of 42 from an embolism in 1952 just after returning from a book tour in France. Her books have sold millions of copies and continue to be cherished by children and adults alike.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Brown is beloved for her warm, engaging, and rhythmic writing style. Her children’s books, characterized by their simplicity, imaginative scenarios, and comfortingly repetitive phrases, have made bedtime reading a cherished ritual for millions of children. Her work, such as the classic 'Goodnight Moon,' has left an enduring impact on children’s literature by setting the standard for gentleness and positive emotional responses.

Notable Works ​

• Goodnight Moon (1947)
• The Runaway Bunny (1942)
• Big Red Barn (1956)
• The Golden Egg Book (1947)