“Goodnight Moon” Among Library of Congress’ “Books that Shaped America”
Accolades and Awards, Alumnae/i, Books, Children's Literature
October 25, 2014
A classic children鈥檚 book by a Hollins-educated author has been named one of the 88 鈥溾 by the Library of Congress.
Goodnight Moon by 1932 Hollins graduate Margaret Wise Brown is among the books聽鈥漴eflecting America鈥檚 unique and extraordinary literary heritage,鈥 according to the Library. An exhibition showcasing the list is kicking off the Library鈥檚 multiyear 鈥淐elebration of the Book.鈥
Published in 1947, Goodnight Moon has become the quintessential bedtime story, selling more than 11 million copies worldwide (the book has been translated into French, Spanish, Hebrew, Swedish, and Hmong). The New York Public Library named Goodnight Moon one of its 鈥淏ooks of the Century鈥 in 1996.
Hollins celebrated Brown鈥檚 life and work with a yearlong festival that began in June 2011. It聽included聽the Hollins Theatre鈥檚聽production of the musical stage聽adaptation of Goodnight Moon and a performance of聽the classical lullaby based on the book by the Hollins University Concert Choir and the Valley Chamber Orchestra. Hollins鈥 Eleanor D. Wilson Museum is featuring original illustrations from Goodnight Moon in its exhibition, 鈥淕oodnight, Hush: Classic Children鈥檚 Book Illustrations,鈥 which continues through September 15.
The Library of Congress鈥櫬犫滲ooks That Shaped America鈥 exhibition will be on view through September 29 in the Southwest Gallery, located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. This exhibition is made possible through the support of the National Book Festival Fund.