Weekend Classic

Let’s not forget the books that teach us about children’s literature and the artists who create the books we love.

If you’d like to talk with your children or students about some of their favorite picture books, we all know that everyone loves “the story behind the story.” That’s why we created this column. Historian Leonard Marcus understands our curiosity, and that of our children. In this book, Marcus allows us to look behind the books at the illustrator, their studios, and their own thoughts about their books. You’ll find seven lively, thoughtful discussions about Marcia Brown, Mordicai Gerstein, Robert McCloskey, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner.

You’ll find photos on the internet to help you talk about these books as you share the stories with your kids or your classroom.