Mary Ann Hoberman, a celebrated and prolific children’s poet, passed away on July 7 at the age of 92. Her family confirmed her death, but did not provide a cause. Hoberman wrote over 50 books for young readers throughout her career, with her first book published in 1957. She was awarded the title of young people’s poet laureate in 2008 by the Poetry Foundation, which hailed her as a master at capturing the sensibilities of children.
One of her most iconic works, “A House Is a House for Me,” won her a National Book Award in 1978. In this book, Hoberman used rhyme, rhythm, and wordplay to create a joyous reading experience. She expressed her distaste for overanalyzing poetry and preferred to let her words speak for themselves. Hoberman had a deep understanding of childhood, drawing from her own memories and experiences of being a child. She wrote about the simple joys, fears, and frustrations of growing up in her poems.
Hoberman’s writing style was imaginative and whimsical. In “A House Is a House for Me,” she described how various objects serve as homes for different creatures, ultimately concluding that a house is a home for oneself. The book showcased her ability to create vivid images and employ different poetic techniques such as rhyme and meter. Critics praised her work for its intelligence and care, noting that it requires readers to slow down and appreciate every bit of it.
Aside from “A House Is a House for Me,” Hoberman had other popular works, including “The Seven Silly Eaters” and “Whose Garden Is It?” In “The Seven Silly Eaters,” she tackled the topic of picky eaters within a family. In “Whose Garden Is It?” she explored the contributions of various creatures to a garden’s beauty. Hoberman’s captivating style also extended to her collection of favorite poems titled “The Llama Who Had No Pajama.” Although her poems appeared simple, they possessed a certain complexity that delighted readers of all ages.
Hoberman’s love for writing started at a young age. She grew up in Connecticut and had a nomadic childhood as her father pursued various job opportunities. Throughout her life, she held a deep appreciation for fairy tales and maintained a belief that she was destined to be a writer. Her experiences studying abroad in Paris and her marriage to Norman Hoberman played significant roles in shaping her literary career.
In her later years, Hoberman continued to write and publish books, with her most recent work, “Away With Words!,” being published in 2022. Her son, Perry Hoberman, illustrated this book, and another poetry collection titled “How Elegant the Elephant,” illustrated by Marla Frazee, is set to be published in the coming year.
Mary Ann Hoberman’s legacy will live on through her beloved books, which have inspired countless children to appreciate the beauty of language and storytelling. She hoped her work would bring joy and delight to young readers and listeners—a simple yet profound goal that she achieved with great success.
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