Leonard S. Marcus

She trusted her immense intuition and generous heart--and published the most. Ursula Nordstrom, director of Harper's Department of Books for Boys and Girls from 1940 to 1973, was arguably the single most creative force for innovation in children's book publishing in the United States during the twentieth century. Considered an editor of maverick temperament and taste, her unorthodox vision helped create such classics as Goodnight Moon, Charlotte's Web, Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, and The Giving Tree. Leonard S. Marcus has culled an exceptional collection of letters from the HarperCollins archives. The letters included here are representative of the brilliant correspondence that was instrumental in the creation of some of the most beloved books in the world today. Full of wit and humor, they are immensely entertaining, thought-provoking, and moving in their revelation of the devotion and high-voltage intellect of an incomparably gifted editor, mentor, and publishing visionary.Ursula Nordstrom, director of Harper’s Department of Books for Boys and Girls from 1940 to 1973, was arguably the single most creative force for innovation in children’s book publishing in the United States during the twentieth century. Considered an editor of maverick temperament and taste, her unorthodox vision helped create such classics as Goodnight Moon, Charlotte’s Web, Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, and The Giving Tree. Leonard S. Marcus has culled an exceptional collection of letters from the HarperCollins archives. The letters included here are representative of the brilliant correspondence that was instrumental in the creation of some of the most beloved books in the world today. Full of wit and humor, they are immensely entertaining, thought-provoking, and moving in their revelation of the devotion and high-voltage intellect of an incomparably gifted editor, mentor, and publishing visionary.

The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom

Dear Genius

What happens when freedom of expression comes under threat? In frank and wide-ranging interviews, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus probes the experience of thirteen leading authors of books for young people. A powerful photo essay on transgender teens is called anti-religious and anti-family. A meticulously researched primer on sex education stirs up accusations of pornography and child abuse. Picture books about two mommies (or two penguin daddies) set off a hue and cry. Two hugely popular children's series run afoul of would-be censors, one for its scatological humor, the other because it's deemed too scary. Kids' books that touch on race, sex, LGBTQ matters, the occult, "coarse language," and more have found themselves under the scrutiny of those who challenge First Amendment rights. Tune in as thirteen top children's and young adult authors speak out about what it's like to have your work banned or challenged in America today. Prompted by Leonard S. Marcus's insightful questions, they discuss why their books have faced censorship--both blatant and "soft"--how the challenges have or haven't affected their writing, and why some people feel they have the right to deny access to books. In addition, Leonard S. Marcus puts First Amendment challenges in a historical context and takes a promising look at the vibrant support network that has risen up to protect and defend young people's rights. Authors interviewed include: Matt de la Peña Robie H. Harris Susan Kuklin David Levithan Meg Medina Lesléa Newman Katherine Patterson Dav Pilkey Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell Sonya Sones R. L. Stine Angie Thomas.

Thirteen Authors of Banned Books Talk about Freedom, Censorship, and the Power of Words

You Can't Say That

Leonard C. Marcus

Examines the dramatic changes that occurred in children's literature during the twentieth century, the growth and impact of major publishing houses, the influence of key publishing figures, and the contributions of pioneering editors, educators, and librarians.

Idealists, Entrepreneurs, and the Shaping of American Children's Literature

Minders of Make-believe

Presents a collection of interviews with twenty-one artists and writers of picture books who, regardless of their country of origin, have had a major impact on children's literature in the United States.

Why Picture Books Matter : Conversations with 21 of the World's Most Celebrated Illustrators

Show Me a Story!

Interviews with 13 American and English authors of fantasy fiction discussing their lives, literary influences, work routines and their beliefs about the place of fantasy in literature and our lives. Includes a "reader" listing each author's major fantasy works.

Conversations with Writers of Fantasy

The Wand in the Word

Margaret Wise Brown, the author of Goodnight Moon and dozens of other children's classics, all but invented the picture book as we know it today. Combining poetic instinct with a profound empathy for small children, she knew of a child's need for security, love, and a sense of being at home in the world and she brought that unique tenderness to the page. Yet these were comforts that eluded her. Brown's youthful presence and professional success as an editor, bestselling author, and self-styled impresario masked an insecurity that left her restless and vulnerable. In this moving biography, Marcus portrays Brown's complex character and her tragic, seesaw life. Her literary achievement and groundbreaking discoveries about small children's emotional needs were offset by tormented romances including a passionate relationship with Michael Strange, the celebrity socialite once married to John Barrymore.

Awakened By the Moon

Margaret Wise Brown

Five Picture Book Families Make Their Mark

Pass It Down

Respected anthologist Leonard S. Marcus turns his literary microscope to the world of comics, which has lately morphed and matured at a furious pace. Powerful influences from manga to the movies to underground comix have influenced the thirteen artists and writers interviewed in these pages to create their own word-and-picture narratives. Here are their moving, funny, inspirational stories: true tales from the crucible of creative struggles that led each to become a master of one of today's most vibrant art forms.

thirteen graphic novelists talk story, craft, and life outside the box

Comics confidential

Jules Feiffer

Mike Nichols

Martha Fay

Mergendeiler Corp Staff

The Art of Jules Feiffer

Out of Line

Judy Blume

Fifteen of today's most celebrated authors, including Judy Blume and Lois Lowry, share their thoughts on their work, writing habits, inspirations, and experiences in this comprehensive book with full-color photographs.

Conversations with Judy Blume ... [et Al.]

Author Talk

Available in time for the 75th anniversary of the Caldecott MedalNan utterly unique biography of the remarkable artist the award honors: Randolph Caldecott, the father of the modern picture book. Includes never-before-published drawings by Caldecott himself.

Randolph Caldecott is best known as the namesake of the award that honors picture book illustrations, and in this biography, leading children's literature scholar Leonard Marcus examines the man behind the medal.

the man who could not stop drawing

Randolph Caldecott

Six Artists Share Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal

A Caldecott Celebration

The thirteen interviews that compose this collection are full of insights from the authors of humorous books for young readers, including Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Christopher Paul Curtis, and others.

Conversations with Writers of Comedy

Funny Business

Describes the process by which several teams of authors and illustrators have created such picture books as "Louis the Fish," "The Glorious Flight," "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," "Sam and the Tigers," and "The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses."

Five Favorite Picture-Book Teams Go to Work

Side by Side

"A book of interviews with people who knew Madeleine L'Engle, author of the children's classic A WRINKLE IN TIME, in the many facets of her life"--

A Portrait of Madeleine L'Engle in Many Voices

Listening for Madeleine

A collection of excerpts from classics in children's literature, including "Corduroy," "Ferdinand," and "Winnie-the-Pooh."

The Book of Children's Classics

a Presents a history of Golden Books, discussing how it was founded in the mist of World War II providing quality books at inexpensive prices and used innovative writers and marketing techniques to establish itself as a highly successful publishing firm.

How Golden Books Won Children's Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became an American Icon Along the Way

Golden Legacy

A collection of interviews with fourteen artists and writers of picture books who, regardless of their country of origin, have had a major impact in the United States.

Conversations on the Art of the Picture Book

Ways of Telling

Randolph Caldecott is best known as the namesake of the award that honors picture book illustrations, and in this inventive biography, leading children's literature scholar Leonard Marcus examines the man behind the medal. In an era when the steam engine fueled an industrial revolution and train travel exploded people's experience of space and time, Caldecott was inspired by his surroundings to capture action, movement, and speed in a way that had never before been seen in children's picture books. Thoroughly researched and featuring extensive archival material and a treasure trove of previously unpublished drawings, including some from Caldecott's very last sketchbook, Leonard Marcus's luminous biography shows why Caldecott was indeed the father of the modern picture book and how his influence lives on in the books we love today.

Randolph Caldecott: The Man Who Could Not Stop Drawing

Helen Oxenbury

A fascinating, beautiful, and definitive account of the life of esteemed artist Helen Oxenbury. Filled with insights that span Helen Oxenbury's life -- from her early childhood through a career in children's books that started in the 1960s and is still going strong today -- here is an exquisitely designed and thoroughly entertaining celebration of one of the finest illustrators of our time. Written by acclaimed author Leonard S. Marcus, Helen Oxenbury: A Life in Illustration is a keepsake that is sure to engage and delight everyone from scholars to art aficionados, as well as the many fans who have grown up with Helen Oxenbury's enchanting books.

Leonard S. Marcus

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