Previous Publications
Sing to the Stars
by Mary Brigid Barrett, illustrated by Sandra Speidel;© 1994 Little, Brown & Company
An American Booksellers’ Association “Pick of the List”and a National Council of Social Studies Teachers and Children’s Book Council “Notable Children Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.” Sing to the Stars is also recommended in a number of multicultural children’s book guides.
The Man of the House at Huffington Row
written and illustrated by Mary Brigid Barrett; © 1998 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
The Man of the House at Huffington Row was named the “Best Book of the Year” for children eight to twelve by the National Storyteller’s Association, and paintings from Huffington Row were exhibited in a juried illustration show at The Norman Rockwell Museum.
Sing to the Stars: School Library Journal Review
"In a moving story thematically reminiscent of Emily Arnold McCully's Mirette on the Highwire, a young boy helps a blind pianist to play again after a long, grief-induced hiatus. On his way home from his violin lesson, Ephram is greeted by Mr. Washington, who encourages him to perform at an upcoming neighborhood concert in the park. The boy's grandmother tells him the story of Flash Fingers Washington, who "played hot, joyful jazz and cool, soulful blues" until an accident killed his little girl and left him without his sight. When a brownout leaves the concert in darkness, the two musicians proceed to the stage and perform "Amazing Grace" together. The prose has a beautiful cadence, and the contrast of city sounds with the suggestion of gentle violin music is effective. Mr. Washington's heightened sensory perception that compensates for his blindness is subtly established. The muted tones of the pastel chalk art reach to the ends of every page. They blend and balance dark browns and blacks with soft pinks, lavenders and blues, and bright greens and yellows. The sketches are impressionistic, with details only suggested, and the effect is breathtaking. A lovely book."
Watercolor illustration for Man of the House at Huffington Row by Mary Brigid Barrett ©1998
The Man of the House at Huffington Row: School Library Journal Review
"Francis O'Shea doesn't have much reason to celebrate the holidays. Since his father's death, he has spent most of his time trying to earn money and caring for his younger sister, Katherine Mary. As Christmas approaches, he finds her in a large cathedral admiring a Nativity scene. She accidentally breaks an angel and both children are thrown out of the church. When his sister loses their father's scarf, Francis attempts to build a creche out of snow to help ease her sorrow. At this point, he has ceased to believe in miracles. His faith is restored when neighbors step out into the cold night to make the snow figures; in the morning, the snow Baby is wrapped in the missing scarf. The pictures tell a story of a time past when an apple or a loaf of bread cost a nickel. Wonderful illustrations depict wintry scenes and characters bundled against the elements. They provide a striking contrast to the indoor activities, adding an extra stillness to the cathedral and warmth to the O'Shea home. A heart-tugging selection about the true meaning of sharing and giving."
Day Care Days
by Mary Brigid Barrett,illustrated Patty Beling Murphy;© 1999 Little, Brown & Company
Day Care Days: School Library Journal Review
"Barrett presents a whirlwind tour of the ups and downs of a young boy's day. The scope of the book is broader than just day care; it begins with the family's waking, the morning ablutions, the car ride to day care, and, back at home, dinner, and bedtime. The pace of the rhyming text is a bit hurried, yet busy families will relate to the all-too-familiar activities. "Quick, go potty!/Daddy shaves./Mommy, in the shower, waves./Sister, SWISH-SWISH, brushes teeth./Baby's diaper starts to leak!" The illustrations, done in gouache on watercolor paper, while attractive, reinforce the sense of busyness-wallpaper, clothes, and rags are splashed with loud patterns and bright colors, creating a larger sense of disorder. There are even a few moments of sadness-a tear shed when Dad says good-bye and the loneliness felt by the protagonist and his baby brother when they are the last to be picked up at the end of the day. These incidents are, however, countered by moments of quiet tenderness. Overall, an upbeat and positive slice of life."
Beach Baby, Leaf Baby, Snow Baby, Mud Baby
by Mary Brigid Barrett, illustrations by Eve Chwast;© 1998 Red Wagon Books:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
A series of four board books for babies and toddlers. About Leaf Baby: A simple rhyming text paired with colored block prints introduces kids to the joys of fall when leaves drop off the trees. Leaf Baby, his dog and his grandpa set out for a stroll in the park. He enjoys the swings, hides in the leaves, watches the geese migrate south and then, all tuckered out, he heads home for a nap with Dad. A slice of life that will appeal to kids who have the good fortune of sharing their lives with a multi-generational family. Snow Baby, Beach Baby, and Mud Baby are also part of this delightful series.