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Age Range: 3-7 years

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Random House Studio, 

August 6, 2024

ISBN: 9780593484388

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★ Kirkus, starred review

About the Book

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 RumphiusIsland 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.

If you'd like to preorder a signed copy of World More Beautiful, you can order from The Vermont Book Shop. Simply leave a signed/personalization request in the comments at checkout. They ship, too!

Praise for World More Beautiful:

  • "A delight to eye and ear alike, this biography provides an abundant dignity and beauty worthy of its subject." - ★ review, Kirkus

  • "The contemplative portrait captures an artist who reveled in Earth’s brilliance and who kept her promise, per an afterword, 'to make the world more beautiful.'” - Publisher's Weekly

  • " . . . this compelling profile is a perfect companion for readers discovering the works of this inspired storyteller who followed her own path and always did something to make it more beautiful." - Booklist

  • "Young readers who dream of creating their own books will be interested in the storytelling here, and older readers will appreciate this compassionate glimpse at a beloved creator’s life and art." - LitHub

  • "A gorgeous and poetic celebration of the life of the groundbreaking children’s book author and illustrator." - Youth Services Book Review 

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