passionately sharing, discussing and admiring children's picture books
Christmas is coming so quickly. Last minute prep is under way before travel sets in. It is an exciting and hectic time, perfect for brief interludes with sweet little books. With a big emphasis on the little books, I plan to highlight four books in a tiny series over the next four days of our Advent countdown.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 19: A Firefly in a Fir Tree”
This eleventh day of December, I bring you somewhat of an oddity of a picture book. It is an old book from 1969 with gorgeous illustrations. While the plot seemingly has nothing to do with all the celebration around Christmas, I guarantee that if you stick around for the entire story, you will be awed and merry and much more ready for Christmas than you were before. This is How Six Found Christmas by Trina Schart Hyman, 1969.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 11: How Six Found Christmas”
December 2 is upon us (and almost gone! Still getting back into writing, so bear with my belatedness.) For today, we read a simple Nativity story by one of my favorite simple illustrators, Dick Bruna. His work is so stripped down that many assume it is easy, but he is an excellent creator and completely fascinating to children. He knows just the right way to tell a story and his linework is firm and no-nonsense with flat, solid colors. I requested this book for last Christmas and have been impatiently waiting to share it until this year. So have a peek at Dick Bruna’s lovely story, The Christmas Book, 1964.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 2: The Christmas Book”
My posting seems to be as sporadic as the weather this winter. However, we are having a slight cold front right now and it made me turn to this sweet, vintage book for a bit of snuggle-reading with my toddler. An old Ukrainian folktale that has been done a time or two, this version remains my favorite. It is the story of a boy’s lost mitten that becomes shelter for a surprising amount of animals during the coldest day of winter. Retold by Alvin Tresselt from a (gorgeous!) adaptation by E. Rachev and illustrated by Yaroslava, warm up today with The Mitten, 1964.
Continue reading “Book Review: The Mitten By Tresselt & Yaroslava”
On this eighth day of December, I bring a pathetic paperback copy of a darling little book. You must meet the Mellop family! This is the Christmas edition from a delightful series of books about a family of pigs with fantastic names, adventurous spirits, and generous hearts. Come have Christmas Eve at the Mellops’ by Tomi Ungerer, 1960.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 18: Christmas Eve At The Mellops’”
Continuing with my minor obsession for great illustrated versions of “Little Red Riding Hood,” I was quite thrilled to recently acquire this 1960s graphic depiction of the tale by the renowned Dick Bruna. His ability to pare down ideas to bold and clever images is unique and beloved by many. I couldn’t wait to share this one! Here is Dick Bruna’s Little Red Riding Hood, 1966.
Continue reading “Book Review: Dick Bruna’s Little Red Riding Hood”
Three Books a Night 