Scan barcode
A review by jgeisler
Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom by Leonard S. Marcus
5.0
If you love children's books, this is the book for you. Ursula Nordstrom was the head of the Harper's "Boys and Girls' Department" from 1940 to 1973 and is credited with being one of the most creative forces in children's books. She had an uncanny ability to recognize talent and potential in writers and illustrators. She worked with people such as Maurice Sendak, E.B. White, Margaret Wise Brown, Shel Silverstein, Garth Williams, John Steptoe, Mary Stolz, and on and on. She was a magnificent mentor, providing support, encouragement and at times, the "push" that was needed, often through letters. This book assembles many of her letters and offers a glimpse into her thinking, her relationships with the creators of children's books and her wit.
The book is out of print - I bought a pristine copy secondhand for less than $15. It was worth every penny. I will be sharing this with other friends who love children's literature - it is too good a book to sit forgotten on my shelf. It begs to be read.
The book is out of print - I bought a pristine copy secondhand for less than $15. It was worth every penny. I will be sharing this with other friends who love children's literature - it is too good a book to sit forgotten on my shelf. It begs to be read.