“This biography looks at the lives of two of the most influential illustrators of children’s books in the 20th century and will be of interest to scholars, librarians, and art students. In lively prose, Webster recounts how two artists with disparate beginnings (Miska, an impoverished Hungarian immigrant, and Maud, daughter of a minister and descendant of the Mayflower), met in a New York art institute in 1912, married, and collaborated on exquisite award-winning children’s books for more than 40 years. Comprehensive research including the artists’ own correspondence and letters from children; commentary from authors, reviewers, educators, and businessmen; and interviews with family members results in an endearing account of the process, dedication, and joy that went into each project. Numerous texts and illustrations are discussed at length and are accompanied by vibrant, colorful reproductions. The author emphasizes the artists’ originality and significance, noting that their work presents a picture of the cultural trends of their times. Webster discusses the criticism as well as the accolades. She acknowledges that today’s critics, more sensitive to cultural stereotypes, find some of the books outdated. The 1946 Caldecott award winner The Rooster Crows (Macmillan) was reissued in the 1964 printing minus two pages of offensive stereotyping.  —Jackie Gropman (formerly at Fairfax County Public Library System, Fairfax, VA) for School Library Journal

“Under the North Light belongs on the desk of every illustrator of children’s stories, accomplished or aspiring, as well as in the hands of anyone who loves children’s books or appreciates biographies of interesting people. Its no-nonsense descriptions of the hard work necessary to a successful career in collaborative art are sobering. But the real story here doesn’t focus on paying homage to the Puritan work ethic. Rather, Under the North Light is a tender and inspiring love story, one delivering on the promise that a couple can simultaneously nurture career, marriage, and family.” —ForeWord Reviews

Favorite Books of 2012

“Loaded with ravishing illustrations, this book is a labor of love, recounting the life and work of Maud and Miska Petersham. If you love children’s books and the art of illustration, order a copy without delay.” —Books and Culture

 “This book pays testament to their [the Petershams’] still-felt influence on children’s literature and is a worthwhile read.” —Antiques and The Arts Weekly

“The book has many colorful illustrations interspersed with a story that reflects the deep collaboration of a husband and wife in the studio as well as in life. In an age where more people are working remotely and setting up shop in the midst of their home, the Petershams are an enduring example of the integration of life and work instead of its modern delineation. This is a truly beautiful book to look at, read and hold; it’s the reason books are still printed.” —Green Door Magazine

“Under the North Light: The Life and Work of Maud and Miska Petersham is a sensitive and complete visionary biography of famed children’s literature artists Maud and Miska Petersham. Many of the pages of illustrations in Under the North Light will be familiar to adult readers from beloved old children’s books treasured in their youth. [It] offers a new look at a priceless legacy from a gifted union of artists.” —Midwest Book Review

“What a splendid volume! Lawrence Webster has provided a fascinating life and evaluation of two extraordinary picture book artists. The reproduction of their art is exceptional and this volume will do more than anything else to revive the reputation of the Petershams as important 20th Century children’s book illustrators. Leafing through the beautiful color illustrations is like visiting old friends. I know it will be enormously helpful in the course I teach on the picture book.” —Michael Patrick Hearn, author, The Annotated Wizard of Oz

“The Petershams books have always been important to me: I loved The Rooster Crows when I was very young, I often used The Circus Baby in story-time when I was a young children’s librarian, and of course I knew about a number of others. But not until I read this stunningly beautiful and thoroughly researched book did I have any idea of the depth and breadth of their work, or of how important and influential they were in the early days of children’s books in America. Webster has made an important contribution to the history of children’s literature.” —Grace Worcester Greene, Youth Services Consultant, Vermont Department of Libraries

“This beautifully written history of young talent, love and lives filled with creative joy could just as easily be contemporary as twentieth century. The research is excellent; fact and fancy combine in the image of Maud and Miska’s work. This a must-read for anyone in love with art and literature!”     —Dr. Samantha K. Hastings, Director, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina

“Under the North Light is an ardent and beautifully produced tribute to two of the early twentieth century’s most important children’s book illustrators. The Petershams’ pioneering work with Poppy Seed Cakes, Miki, and Get-A-Way and Háry János introduced a new level of craftsmanship to the modern children’s picture book, and focused attention on internationalist and folk themes. This book is a must for all who are interested in the evolution of children’s book publishing in this country.” —Thomas E. Hill, Art Librarian, Vassar College