40 years ago, Joe Brown spent many nights writing and spinning tales of a character named Marceau to entertain his children. An attorney for over 50 years (a profession he disliked immensely), Joe wanted nothing more for his children then to be happy. When one of them declared she wanted to major in “make up” at college, he supported her decision– Bobbi Brown is now one of the biggest names in cosmetics and credits her father for allowing her to follow her dream. As a young child, Bobbi remembers waiting for her father to return home from work each evening and begging him to tell the tales of Marceau. She calls him a modern day Dr. Seuss for his ability to weave the stories in rhyming poetry and I have to agree– my son just got a copy of the book and it is now his favorite (he would like to know when the next installment of Marceau will be available!). Each page has several “grown up” words with explanations on the bottom of the page. This is a wonderful way to teach you child new words while you have their full attention. Bobbi and Joe were recently on the Today show (he is so funny!)– Watch their segment here!
We are also giving away FOUR copies of the book signed by both Bobbi and Joe– please check Tot snob for details. If you can not wait, however, you may purchase The Flights of Marceau here in time for Christmas!
We sent this charming father/daughter duo a list of questions to answer separately– read on for their answers!
1. What was Bobbi like as a child?
Bobbi: “I was sweet, very inquisitive, and funny. I was also very social and loved being around my friends. We actually started a jewelry company when I was 12 and would sell the jewelry we made out of the basement. I guess that says a lot about what I was like as a child.”
Joe: ” She was sweet, well mannered, popular, with many friends that used to assemble at our house.”
2. Bobbi’s favorite books as a child?
Bobbi: “Peter Rabbit and Dr. Seuss as a young child, and Nancy Drew as I was growing up.”
Joe: “I remember ‘Black Beauty’ which I still give my grandchildren as a first novel.”
3. Your favorite memories of each other?
Bobbi: “Spending weekends just him and I at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva.”
Joe: ” Her mother had given her a bunch of old makeup. She went into the bathroom to play with it. When we walked in, the walls, sink, floor, etc. were painted with lipstick, blush, mascara, etc. It was not a pretty sight.”
4. Did your father have a nickname for you?
Bobbi: “He didn’t have a nickname for me.”
Joe: “No, her given name is a nickname.”
5. Your favorite bedtime story when you were little?
Bobbi: “Stories about Marceau…”
Joe: “The adventures of Patty, Perry and Puddy Boo.”
6. What did Bobbi want to be when she grew up?
Bobbi: “A mother and a teacher.”
Joe: “A teacher, wife and mother.”
7. What did your father want you to be when you grew up?
Bobbi: “Happy.”
Joe: “Happy.”
That is very sweet! He is quite funny on the Today show clip.
Very sweet interview.
Mascara 101….he is funny, and still very good looking. No amount of make-up can trump those good genes, only enhance! Ironically, this is how I have always viewed BB’s line. Light, enhancing shades, never heavy.
I love this! And I am thrilled that people still have that sort of passion about books (I work in publishing, so sometimes I get a bit discouraged when I see “children’s” video games like grand theft auto….I am always like, what happened to “Danny the Dinosaur!?”)