About the Author : Marcia Brown(1918 - )

        A post about Marcia Brown can be titled in many ways :

•  A  distinguished children's author and illustrator
•  An illustrator whose pictures can express
• Three times winner of Caldecott Medals
•  Recipient of notable awards and medals

        Regardless of whichever way she is introduced, she is undoubtedly a brilliant contributor to children's literature. Her first book 'The Little Carousel' was published in 1946. From that time on, she has written and illustrated over thirty books.

        Apart from the capturing narration, it is the pictures that impact more in her books. Even before reading her book, the illustrations can convey and transfer a lot to the readers. The magical vibrations of 'Cinderella', the dark 'shadowy' and bright 'real' pictures of 'Shadow', the delightful orange tones of  'Stone Soup' and other notable works had clearly brought her Caldecott awards.

        As Marcia Brown was inspired by many tales and fables around the world, she has molded them into adorable children's books. Marcia Brown's efficient storytelling has given textual and visual life to those folktales and fairy tales.

Awards and Medals:

        
         The list of awards and medals received by Marcia Brown:

• Caldecott Winner for three times

1. Cinderella(1955)
2. Once A Mouse(1962)
3. Shadow(1983)

• Caldecott Runner-up or Honor for six times

1.  Stone Soup(1948)
2. Henry-Fisherman(1950)
3. Dick Whittington and His Cat(1951)
4. Skipper John's Cook(1952)
5. Puss in Boots(1953)
6. The Steadfast Tin Soldier(1954)

• Regina Medal (1977)
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal(1992)
• United states nominee for Hans Christian Anderson Award(1966 & 1976)

     Either it is writing or illustrating, the contribution of Marcia Brown to children's literature is enormous and her books would be enriching generations to come.

     More posts for 'Marcia Brown' in this blog:

        (Click titles to get more details.)

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Stone Soup - Marcia Brown (1947)

                     (Caldecott Honor - 1948)                              

        When the cloud of greed is cleared away, there will be always a sunshine of sharing in every heart. And, this French folktale enunciates that point.

A tale of sharing and caring   

         Three hungry soldiers enter a French village, in the hope of getting some food and shelter for the night, as they were on a long journey and had not eaten in two days. But the villagers, fearing strangers, hide all their food and inform the soldiers that they too are making through a poor harvest.

Shadow - Marcia Brown(1982)

      ISBN 10 : 0684172267   

                         (Caldecott Winner-1983)

Follow the Shadow, that follows you

 
       What is a shadow like? What would be its characteristics? Author Marcia Brown tried to bring answers to these questions, with the elegant sketches of this book.

Once a Mouse - Marcia Brown (1961)

        Caldecott Winner - 1962

      
         When self-confidence crosses the line and becomes boasting, there is always a lesson to be learnt. Based on an ancient Indian fable, this story is about a 'small' mouse becoming a 'big' powerful tiger and starts boasting about his powers.


Small to Big

           A hermit is thinking about 'big and little' (Is it about the physical sizes or thoughts? Who knows what is inside a hermit's mind?). At that time, he sees a mouse, who is being preyed upon by a crow. To save the mouse, he transforms it into a cat, with his magical powers. Again when the cat is about to be snatched by a dog, he changes it into a bigger dog. This series repeats until he finally makes the mouse, a tiger.