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Nancy Van Laan

Nancy Van Laan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She began writing in 1962 while studying art and working in television. She earned an MFA in Theater from Rutgers University in 1979. She taught English and creative writing for a number of years before publishing her first book, The Big Fat Worm, in 1987. She is the author of over two dozen children's books, including the beloved picture books Rainbow Crow, Little Baby Bobby, and the Parents’ Choice Award winner Possum Come a-Knockin’, among others.

Books

Celebrating 100 years of James Baldwin

In celebration of James Baldwin, the literary legend and civil rights champion, and the centennial of his birth, we are sharing a collection of his work.   James Baldwin (1924–1987) was a novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and social critic. His first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain, appeared in 1953 to excellent reviews, and his essay collections Notes

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The New York Times’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century

The New York Times recently published their list “100 Best Books of the 21st Century.” We are pleased to announce that there are 49 titles published from Penguin Random House and its distribution clients included in this list. Browse our collection of Penguin Random House titles here. Browse the full list from The New York

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