Margaret Wright Brown

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 23, 1910, Margaret Wise Brown became one of the most influential writers in children’s literature. She studied at Hollins College and went on to write hundreds of stories, poems, and books for children during a career that was remarkably creative and wide-ranging.

Her best-known books include The Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon, both of which became lasting classics. Brown stood out because she took children seriously, writing in a way that matched how they actually saw, heard, and felt the world. Her work helped move children’s books away from stiff moral lessons and toward warmth, play, sound, and everyday life.

Brown died on November 13, 1952, at just 42 years old, but her books have remained beloved for generations. Their simple language, gentle humor, and deep understanding of childhood still make them favorites for families, teachers, and young listeners.