Chicagoan Amy Krouse Rosenthal was a person who liked to make things. This winter, as she battled ovarian cancer, she wrote a memorable Modern Love column for the New York Times that was both a dating profile for and a love letter to her husband.
Prior to that, Rosenthal, who died Monday, March 13, at 51, was best known for her children's books, which we selected for our Best of the Best lists over the years.
A person who noticed, cherished and celebrated the little things in life, Rosenthal created I Wish You More for children and Encyclopedia of An Ordinary Life for grown-ups.
As a creator of playful, clever and unique children's books, Rosenthal excelled because of her ability to shine a light on a child's perspective with genuine wonder and respect—and a little wink and a giggle.
In Little Pea, the title character can't have his vegetables until he finishes all of his candy, which he finds disgusting.
Yes Day! follows a boy through the one day all year that his parents don't say no to him, enjoying pizza for breakfast and a family food fight in the yard.
Beyond books, Rosenthal made short films about her everyday life. She also made tremendous connections between people, like the crowds of fans who cheered at the sight of her yellow umbrella and became friends through her Beckoning of Lovely events. Most importantly, she made a loving family.
Amy, and the many more wonderful things she would have made, will be sorely missed.
