More, more, more: North, South, East, West; Margaret Wise Brown

Oh, deliciousness! A never-before-published work by Margaret Wise Brown! North, South, East, West is the question the young bird asks her mother before flying off into the world. Which way should she go? Mother never answers, but she allows the bird to discover the world on her own. Eventually, the bird returns east, to her first home. There she finds a mate, and when their eggs hatch, she sings the song her mother first sang to her. She, also, leaves their question unanswered for the chicks to find their own way.

The language is as beautiful and tight as you'd expect:

"Her mother taught her to ride the wind
and to fly above and below the storms,
and glide on the strength of the wind.

Greg Pizzoli's flat, graphic illustrations offer space for the little bird to soar in the world. The simple shapes are accessible and appealing. The digital work looks like a rough-edged print. What an honor to come alongside Margaret's text. Well done, Greg!

And thanks to Harper for bringing this work to the shelf. Whether we are north, south, east, or west.

North, South, East, West
by Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Harper, 2017

Goodnight Moon, Cloth Book: Margaret Wise Brown

So what do you think? The cloth version seems a perfect, soft touch for your totz. I was excited to see this new edition from HarperCollins. But, they've reduced the classic to three spreads, and I wonder if there's a retouch to Clement Hurd's illustration of the fishing rabbit picture above the bookcase. For clarity, if I'm right? With the reduction of pages, the cadence of the original is sacrificed, yet, the rhythm can be found in what is included:

In the great green room
There was a telephone
And a red balloon
And a picture of-
The cow jumping over the moon

Goodnight room
Goodnight moon
Goodnight light
And the red balloon
Goodnight bears
Goodnight chairs

Goodnight noises everywhere

It's almost what you might whisper to your tot as she clutches her blue plush pillow book to sleep. I believe it has grown on me. Look for it, and let us know your take.

Goodnight Moon, Cloth Book
by Margaret Wise Brown
illustrations by Clement Hurd
HarperCollins Publishers

Home for a Bunny: Margaret Wise Brown

Golden Classics are now in board book formats! How lovely is that? I found such solace rereading this work by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren. But of course! Here are images and rhythms I held dear as child. And now they are preserved in a sturdy format for your own totz.

As the animals celebrate spring, bunny is looking for a home, "a home of his own." He inquires about staying with the robins, a frog, and a groundhog. None of their dwellings fits the bunny, until he finds a white rabbit who welcomes him to her home. Margaret's beautiful language will mesmerize your totz' ears.

Gustaf's illustrations are precise and light and full of charm. Golden Books has given the board book cover a padded thickness for easy gripping.

Step back in time and bring this treasure into your home!

Home for a Bunny
by Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren
Golden Baby, Golden Books, 2011