World More Beautiful: The Life and Art of Barbara Cooney

Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2

This stunning and lyrical picture book biography details the life and art of celebrated children's book creator, Barbara Cooney.

For every kid who loves art, here is the inspirational story of beloved illustrator and two-time Caldecott Medalist, Barbara Cooney.

    Barbara was born in a hotel in Brooklyn, with a view of the city and the sea. Her father loved numbers and money. But Barbara and her mother loved art, and color, and light. Barbara’s favorite days were when she stayed home sick in bed and got to paint and draw.

    In the summers, they left New York for Maine, where Barbara scrambled among the rocks, wind whipping her hair, light sparkling on the water. Summer was grey, and blue, and green, and free.

    When Barbara grew up, she ventured out into the world with an art portfolio—she thought she might like to illustrate books. And she did,  creating classics like Miss Rumphius, Island Boy, and Hattie and the Waves.

    Her character Miss Rumphius said, you must do something to make the world more beautiful. And that is exactly what Barbara did. It's a message that's sure to inspire young readers and creators today.

About the Author

Angela Burke Kunkel is the author of Digging for Words, an ALA Notable Book and Kirkus Best Book of the Year. It also received the Americas Award and the International Latino Book Award for best English language title. She is also the author Make Way, which has received two starred reviews, and Penguin Journey, called "stunning" in a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

Author Residence: Vergennes, Vermont

Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist. In 2019, she won the Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration for Made by Hand: A Crafts Sampler. Picture books she has illustrated include Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards, Sleep Tight, Farm, and On Wings of Words, which received four starred reviews. Her work is also featured in adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers.

Illustrator Residence:Covington, Kentucky