The Child’s World Celebrates the Life of Author and Educator Jane Moncure

MANKATO, Minnesota. August 5, 2013 — The Child’s World is saddened by the loss of Jane Belk Moncure on July 30, 2013. An award-winning author, poet, and teacher, Jane inspired a love for reading in millions of people around the world.

Today, Jane’s books are in every school and major library in the United States as well as twenty-seven countries. She has written over 300 books, with translations in British English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Malay. The Magic Castle series, The Word Bird series, and The Sound Box books are perhaps her most well-known for inspiring children to around the world.

“Jane was a dear member of the Child’s World family for many years,” said Krisin Cain, of The Child’s World. “Her experience in early childhood education and her love for helping children understand the world around them made her an exceptional teacher and author. Jane’s legacy will live on for many years to come.”

In 1956, she helped form the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education, which established the first statewide standards for teachers of young children. Her books, inspired by her work in the classroom, have become standards in primary education, and her name is recognized across the country. Her success is reflected not only in her books’ popularity with parents, children, and educators, but also by numerous awards, including the 1984 C. S. Lewis Gold Medal Award. In addition to the literary gifts she has shared with us, Jane donated over 40,000 books to provide a foundation in literacy for children in need.

“Jane often said that life is a joy and every day is a gift,” remarked Kristin Cain. “We are grateful for the gifts that she has given us. She will be deeply missed.”

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