The History of Rome – 415- Goodnight Nobody [rebroadcast]

Intro

In this rebroadcast episode of “The History of Rome” podcast, we delve into the fascinating story of Anne Carroll Moore, an influential figure in children’s literature. We explore her impact on the New York Public Library and the creation of the children’s library. Additionally, we uncover the controversy surrounding the beloved children’s book, “Goodnight Moon,” and Moore’s role in shaping the definition of children’s literature. Join us as we unravel the legacy of Anne Carroll Moore and her contributions to the world of books.

Main Takeaways

The Pioneering Children’s Library

• Anne Carroll Moore revolutionized children’s access to books by inventing the children’s library.
• Before Moore, children were not allowed in libraries, which were seen as for adults only.
• Moore aimed to provide working-class children with a childhood and level the playing field by creating a space with books made for them.

Anne Carroll Moore’s Vision

• Moore’s children’s reading room at the New York Public Library featured kid-sized tables and chairs, benches, window seats, and fun art on the walls.
• The reading room featured puppet shows, musical performances, and story hours in multiple languages.
• Moore filled the shelves with hundreds of children’s books, out in the open for any child to pick up and take home.

The Influence of Anne Carroll Moore

• Moore’s list of favorite upcoming books set the standard for libraries nationwide, establishing children’s literature as literature.
• Moore had significant power in the children’s book industry, as editors and authors awaited her verdict on their books.
• Moore favored magical stories with pastoral settings, shaping the direction of children’s literature.

The Clash of Ideologies

• Bank Street Cooperative School advocated for stories about modern urban life and letting children guide their own learning experience.
• Bank Street’s teacher training focused on writing stories for children, rather than reading textbooks.
• Margaret Wise Brown, a teacher at Bank Street, bridged the divide between Moore’s philosophy and Bank Street’s approach, creating captivating children’s books.

The Controversy Surrounding “Goodnight Moon”

• Despite being one of the most popular children’s books of all time, “Goodnight Moon” was not on the New York Public Library’s list of most checked out books.
• Anne Carroll Moore disliked the book and considered it unbearably sentimental.

Summary

Anne Carroll Moore: Revolutionizing Children’s Access to Books

Anne Carroll Moore played a pivotal role in transforming children’s access to books by inventing the children’s library. Prior to Moore’s efforts, libraries were exclusively for adults, leaving working-class children with limited access to literature. Moore’s children’s reading room at the New York Public Library provided a welcoming space for children, complete with kid-sized furniture and an extensive collection of children’s books. She also organized engaging activities such as puppet shows and story hours in multiple languages, fostering a love for reading in young minds.

The Influence of Anne Carroll Moore on Children’s Literature

Anne Carroll Moore’s influence extended beyond the physical space of the children’s library. Her list of favorite upcoming books set the standard for libraries nationwide, establishing children’s literature as a legitimate form of literature. Moore’s power in the industry allowed her to shape the direction of children’s books, favoring magical stories with pastoral settings. However, her approach clashed with the ideology of Bank Street Cooperative School, which focused on letting children guide their own learning experience and embraced stories about modern urban life.

The Controversy Surrounding “Goodnight Moon”

Despite its immense popularity, “Goodnight Moon” did not make it onto the New York Public Library’s list of most checked out books. This omission can be attributed to Anne Carroll Moore’s strong dislike for the book, considering it unbearably sentimental. However, “Goodnight Moon” defied Moore’s disapproval and became a beloved classic, captivating children’s imaginations with its simple yet enchanting portrayal of a bunny’s bedtime routine. The book’s illustrator, Clement Hurd, received fan letters from parents attesting to their children’s deep connection with the story.

Conclusion

Anne Carroll Moore’s contributions to children’s literature and the New York Public Library’s mission to serve children cannot be overstated. Her creation of the children’s library revolutionized access to books for young readers, providing a space tailored to their needs. Despite the controversy surrounding “Goodnight Moon,” the book’s enduring popularity demonstrates the power of storytelling to capture the imaginations of children. Anne Carroll Moore’s legacy lives on, shaping the world of children’s literature and inspiring future generations of readers and writers.