Tag: Alice in Wonderland

We Are Infinite Because of Love

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The last several days have been incredibly difficult–five deaths affecting people near and dear to me. It takes its toll. Yesterday, I wanted to blog about something hopeful, but I didn’t have the energy to pull a bit of light out of me. After a fitful night, I woke up and recalled a stack of mail I hadn’t gone through. In that stack was a postcard from my penfriend, Trang K, featuring the tomb of Frédéric Chopin at Le Cimetière du Père Lachaise in Paris. The image is part of the Oases of Silence 2018 collection.

On the postcard, Trang describes her walk “with deep solemnity” through the cemetery. Her words are appropriate for this moment:

Life has no beginning and no end as we each carry the memory of each other through our love and hearts. The sadness at the sight of the graves left me and I was left with the joy of celebration to be in the presence of [Frédéric François] Chopin, [Ferdinand Victor Eugène] Delacroix, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde.  May [we] celebrate each moment of [our] glorious [lives] knowing [we] are infinite because of love.

Few words comfort in the immediacy of a loved one’s passing. Action takes the lead when words fail: “When you can’t look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark” (Alice in Wonderland).

Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: A Quick Look at the Next Eight

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I’m back with more children’s book illustration postcards, finally. The eight postcards below are familiar favorites from around the world.

Classic Pooh from Marianne in the Netherlands:

Swap 21: Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard

You already know how I feel about Pooh. The cool thing about the Pooh card is I have the Classic Pooh postcard collection it comes from, so when I received the postcard, it felt like one that I sent into the world returned to me.

Mr. Men from Lihior in Israel:

BLC Swap 21: Mr. Mischief’s New Year, Mr. Men Annual (1987)

My son has a sizable collection of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books that I  can’t seem to part with. I’m pretty sure I enjoyed reading them to him more than he enjoyed hearing them. As a toddler, he was a bit “creeped out” by Mr. Nosey.

Tootles from Susan in St. Paul, Minnesota:

Swap 22: “Frolic.” From Tootle by Gertrude Crampton. Illustrated by Tibor Gergely, 1945

Tootle is a Little Golden Book, originally published in 1945,  and though I’m familiar with the collection, I’m not sure I’ve seen this one before. Here’s a description of the book from Penguin Random House:

In this classic Little Golden Book from 1945, Tootle is a young locomotive who loves to chase butterflies through the meadow. But he must learn to stay on the tracks no matter what—if he ever hopes to achieve his dream of being a Flyer between New York and Chicago!

Continuing with children’s books published in the 1940s, “A Baby Puffin” from Geraldine in Canada:

BLC Swap 22: ABC, 1943. Cover illustration by Dorothy Chapman

A Janosch illustration from Katrin in Germany:

Swap 23: “And good luck.” Janosch

According to Katrin,  the colorful books are very popular in Gemany. This one took a few too many “mail tattoos” as it winged its way to me, but the postage and cute Janosch stickers on back made up for the marks on front. [Click an image for a closer look].

Check out the photo essay on Janosch and his books here: Children’s Book Author Janosch at 85.

“Baby” Alice from Jeni in Indianapolis, Indiana:

BLC Swap 23:  The Macmillan Alice. “The cover of The Nursery Alice, first published in 1890, was designed and coloured by Emily Gertrude Thomson.”

I’m “holding my typing keys” and trying not to write much about this card. I have a nice collection of Alice in Wonderland postcards that I’m planning to blog about soon.

There’s a quote on the back of the card from Lewis Carroll’s diary, dated February 15, 1881:

I wrote to Macmillan to suggest a new idea: a ‘Nursery Edition’ of Alice with pictures printed in colour.

Another Pooh card from Marianne:

Winnie-the-Pooh.

It took some abuse in travel, but Pooh and Tigger were untouched.

Little Plum, another Puffin cover, from Geraldine in Canada:

BLC Swap 24: Little Plum, Cover illustration by Jean Primrose

I haven’t read Little Plum, but its description reminds me of childhood friends and that “one doll” that was never a first choice:

When Gem moves into The House Next Door, Nona and Belinda think she’s stuck up and vow to have nothing to do with her. But the beautiful Japanese doll in her window soon attracts their attention. They name her Little Plum because of the plum blossom decorating her clothes – but unlike Nona’s Japanese dolls, Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, Little Plum seems sad, unloved and uncared for. Will the three girls – and the three dolls – ever become friends?  —Pan Macmillan

That’s it for today.  Students and papers call…

Have a happy week!

Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: From NZ to the USA

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Since today begins Black History Month in the United States and since I’d planned to blog about children’s book illustration postcards today, I was curious about whether I have any children’s books postcards featuring the work of African American illustrators. I went through every postcard in my collection and, as suspected, I do not have any illustrations by African American artists. Then, I “googled” and found nothing.

Considering the high number of popular African American children’s authors and illustrators, I find this odd.  [Insert appropriate emoji here].

I’ll keep looking…

For now, let’s enjoy the eight children’s book illustration postcards I received for Children’s Book Illustration Postcards swaps 17-20.

From Pikkis in Finland, I received an illustration from the Finnish fairy tale Goldfish, written by Raul Roine and illustrated by Rudulph Koivu.

Swap 17: From “Goldfish” by Raul Roine. Illustrated by Rudolf Koivu

I’m not familiar with this tale; that might be because, as Pikkis points out, the fairy tale hasn’t been translated in English.

The postcard below came all the way from New Zealand.

BLC Swap 17: The Honour of the House by E.M. Channon

CindyST sent an “old fashion” book cover because she loves retro covers and illustrated books.

Lihior, of Israel, sent another postcard from the fairy tale collection that gave me The Frog King postcard featured in the previous Children’s Book Illustrations blog post

Swap 18: Hansel and Gretel. Illustrated by Aurélie Blanz

I was pleased that I could see the name of the illustrator, Aurélie Blanz, on this card.  It was nice to “discover” and explore Blanz’s brilliant work. I found another artist to love.

BLC Swap 18: Illustrator Fiep Westendorp

The postcard above, from Sammoning in the Netherlands, features an illustration by Fiep Westendorp, known for Jip en Janneke, Pluk van de Pettenflat and others.  Every year, “kids go door-to-door to sell card sets and [matching] stamps” for Kinderpostzegels–to support educational and children’s charities.

It’s always nice when a bear shows up in my mailbox.

Swap 19: Little Polar Bear by Hans de Beer

Lars, the “little polar bear” came from Sissi, also in the Netherlands.

BLC Swap 19: The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The postcard above, from HelenGB in Canada, features the cover of the first Frederick Warne edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, 1902.

Alice in Wonderland postcards are a special treat because I love all the different artistic interpretations of the story [I won’t mention that I have a whole box of Alice postcards that I have trouble sharing].

Inger sent this one from Sarpsborg, which is in the south-east part of Norway.

Swap 20: “The cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked goodnatured, she thought: still it had very long claws and a great many teeth.” Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Illustrated by Sir John Tenneil

Her postcard also featured children’s book illustration postage:

And finally, Marinda in the United States sent an illustration from one of the sweetest tales I read to my little one when he was a baby, Guess How Much I Love You.

BLC Swap 20: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, Illustrator Anita Jeram

As always, an eclectic selection, but a feast for the eyes and warm fuzzies for the heart!

Quotes and Hearts: Love on Postcards

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I recall my glee the evening my hubby handed me the stack of postcards he had just retrieved from the mailbox and post office box.  I placed them in my planner hoping to savor them later, but then life happened–illnesses, midterms, and life in general.  Now, that the madness is less intense for a moment [Spring Break, yay!], I have time to really appreciate the postcards.

The postcards came from friends and Love Notes and heART Exchange pals.

The February 2017 heART Exchange focused on “Quotes from the Heart,”  so participants had to include a quote somewhere on the postcard.  I received postcards from two of my three partners.  I realized after receiving my third card that I submitted my address with the wrong zip code to Louise, the swap coordinator.  I used my P.O. Box address with my residential zip code. Duh! I’m actually amazed that most of them made it to me. Kudos to the USPS for the extra work they had to put in!

Nancy of Ellijay, Georgia sent a cute bunny with an inspiring greeting.

Love You Bunny, Art by Nancy F.

Love You Bunny, Art by Nancy F.

You are so special! Believe in yourself and the dreams you hold. Dance in the rain and play in the moonlight. Celebrate YOU in all your glory…Enjoy all the magic that life has to offer.

The happy-face rabbit gives me the warm-fuzzies.  Bunnies (rabbits) are among my favorite “critters,” second to teddy bears.  I especially appreciate the charge to “dance in the rain.”  I can’t wait till the weather stabilizes and I can do just that. There’s something cleansing about walking in the rain.  I imagine dancing in the rain is liberating.

“Lacy Heart,” Die cut by Lori W.

Lori W. of Elroy, Wisconsin sent the lacy heart reminding me that [life] is “about love, compassion, kindness, and faith.”  It is so easy lately to get caught up in trifles, so this was a needed reminder.   She also enclosed a tag which now fills a slot in my faith planner.

“You Are Loved,” Tag from Lori W.

Lori also sent a beautiful autumn postcard with vines framing a window.   How did she know about my romance with autumn? 😉

“Nature’s Décor,” postcard from Lori W.

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

Christine B. who introduced me to both Love Notes and the heART Exchange, made a sweet fabric postcard and sent it as an extra.

Fabric Postcard by Christine B.

Fabric Postcard by Christine B.

If you love someone, tell them because hearts are often broken by words left unspoken.

Martha, who participates in both swaps, sent another of her gorgeous watercolors.

“Nesting,” Watercolor by Martha Slavin

Your soul is the place inside of you which reaches out to connect you with the universe.

Slightly unrelated, a second Joy to the World card, from the December heART Exchange, winged its way to me from the United Kingdom last month.

“Wishing you Joy, Peace, and Happiness,” from Ann M.

Ann M. ran into a few snafus, and since she was sending the card after the height of the festive season, she remade it, modifying the colors.  As far as I’m concerned, blessing the world with “joy” is never out of season.

Love Notes also came in to help me celebrate “love month”–two from new penfriends, Sarah and Eileen, and one from Christine B. (whose postcard made the green-eyed monster appear because she was exactly where I wanted to be, on the beach in Florida). [Click an image for a closer look and details].

From Sarah V.: “give an iota. every iota makes a difference.” iota.
“Sitting on the Beach. Umbrellas All Around.” Photo by Christine B.
From Eileen V. of Germany: Sophie Anderson (1823-1903). “Take the fair face of woman, and gently suspending, with butterflies, flowers, and jewels attending, thus your fairy is made of most beautiful things,” Charles Ede. The Maas Gallery, London/Bridgeman Images

I was ill twice in February, so my friend Cy surprised me with a “get well” postcard.

“She stretched herself upon tiptoe and peeped over the edge of the mushroom and her eyes immediately met those of a large blue caterpillar.”

The postcard is part of the 100-postcard MacMillan Alice set.  The illustration is from Carroll’s manuscript for Alice’s Adventures Underground.  The timing of this postcard was perfect, not just because I was ill but because I had just sent the same postcard to a swapper who loves Alice in Wonderland. The mail gods sent it back to me. 🙂

Last, but not least, I received a unique handmade postcard from my penfriend, Beckra.

From Beckra

“The Workings of the Heart,” Designed by Rebecca R. (Beckra)

Beckra had fun making these cards for friends and family.  No two are alike. She created the texture by painting over text pages and threaded her design over the texture, allowing the diagonals of the threaded design to play against the straight lines of the text that are just below the surface.  Her goal was something “vaguely like a heart, but then abstracted.”

I thoroughly enjoy Valentine’s Day cards that deviate from the typical motifs–red hearts, flowers, and chocolate–so I’m loving this one.

My mailbox was full of love last month, and I did my best to reciprocate.  I’ll share the postcard I sent in 50 different directions tomorrow.

Until then, maybe you can take a few minutes and write a postcard tonight.  Someone in your life needs to be reminded that he or she is loved.

Hugs!

Series Two: Children’s Book Illustration Postcards 6-10

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As promised, I’m back with more children’s book illustration postcards–swaps 6-10.  The postcards below are from various parts of the world and include some of my favorite characters and/or themes–teddy bears, Classic Pooh, Moomin, and Alice in Wonderland.  I was very pleased to be introduced to Rosalie and Truffle (the pink pig and the brown boar–see public swap #7).  Amazon’s description:

Love at first sight does exist! Rosalie and Truffle fall in love when they meet under an apple tree. But their well-meaning friends and relatives discourage them from meeting again. As time goes by, and Rosalie and Truffle improve their lifestyles with yoga and dancing, they realize that neither material growth nor physical perfection guarantees happiness. At last they return to the apple tree and reunite.

Rosalie and Truffle, Truffle and Rosalie is an endearing story of love and trust, with wonderful illustrations. And the story is narrated from both points of view: flip the book over to read the story from the other perspective. This is a charming gift book, perfect for Valentine’s Day or for any special occasion.

Aside from their story of self-discovery and love, they remind me of strawberry and chocolate ice cream.  Yum!

BLC PC #6: From Swededreams (USA): Happy Birthday, Kirsten. From the American Girls Series. Kirsten and her friends traded scraps of cloth so everyone could make a colorful design on a square of white muslin. The designs they made from the bits of cloth slowly grew in their hands the way wild violence bloomed on the prairie. Hallmark.

BLC PC #6: From Swededreams (USA): Happy Birthday, Kirsten. From the American Girls Series. Kirsten and her friends traded scraps of cloth so everyone could make a colorful design on a square of white muslin. The designs they made from the bits of cloth slowly grew in their hands the way wild violence bloomed on the prairie. Hallmark.

 

Public #6: From Mollypop (USA)--From Pleasant Lands 1936. Illustrators: A. Gladys Peck and Eleanor Osborn Eadie

Public PC #6: From Mollypop (USA)–From Pleasant Lands 1936. Illustrators: A. Gladys Peck and Eleanor Osborn Eadie

BLC PC#7: From Eloise (Mexico)--The Family from One End Street, 2004. Cover illustration by Eve Garnett. Puffin.

BLC PC#7: From Eloise (Mexico)–The Family from One End Street, 2004. Cover illustration by Eve Garnett. Puffin.

 

Public #7: From Am-Sophie (Germany): Rosalie and Truffle by Katja Reider. Illustration by Jutta Bucker

Public PC #7: From Am-Sophie (Germany): Rosalie and Truffle by Katja Reider. Illustration by Jutta Bucker

 

BLC PC #8: From Ladybug (Canada)--The Tiny Seed, 1987, by Eric Carle.

BLC PC #8: From Ladybug (Canada)–The Tiny Seed, 1987, by Eric Carle.

 

Public #8: From Milkiss (Korea)--Moomin Characters

Public PC #8: From Milkiss (Korea)–Moomin Characters

 

BLC PC#9: From Sarah (USA)--Heidi by Johanna Spyri, 1956. Cover illustration by Cecil Leslie. Puffin.

BLC PC#9: From Sarah (USA)–Heidi by Johanna Spyri, 1956. Cover illustration by Cecil Leslie. Puffin.

 

Public #9: From Jennifer (USA). From Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Illustration by George Soper. "At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon her."

Public PC #9: From Jennifer (USA). From Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Illustration by George Soper. “At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon her.”

 

BLC PC #10: From AmyD (USA)--Classic Pooh, "HMS Piglet," A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard

BLC PC #10: From AmyD (USA)–Classic Pooh, “HMS Piglet,” A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard

 

Public PC #10: From Widelo123 (USA)--From the cover of Hello, Mallory. Baby-sitters Club #14, 1991.

Public PC #10: From Widelo123 (USA)–From the cover of Hello, Mallory. Baby-sitters Club #14, 1991.

Many of the participants in this “new” series of children’s book illustration swaps also participated when Marjan hosted the swaps.  They are so appreciative of the swaps’ return and that makes hosting them extra pleasurable.  Thanks, Marjan, for laying a strong foundation; thanks swappers, for joining in and spreading postcard happiness!

I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with swap #11.

Until then…enjoy these!

Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: Part IV

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What? You haven’t had your fill of children’s book illustration postcards? No worries. We have more! In the set below you’ll find some of the same illustrators you’ve seen in parts one, two, and three, but you’ll also find some that aren’t featured in the other posts, Helen Oxenbury and  Selma Lagerlof, for example.  You’ll even find two Cornelis Jetses, Winnie-the-Pooh (yay!), and Wizard of Oz postcards.

Click an image for a closer look at postcards received weeks 76-100.  Have a happy day!

Week 76: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Helen Oxenbury for _Koning Koen en de draak_ (King Koen and the Dragon) by Peter Bently.
Week 77: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Illustration by Margareta Nordqvist for _Alla älskar Sigge_ (Everyone Loves Sigge) by Linn Hallberg.
Week 78: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Illustration by Ingrid Vang Nyman for Pippi by Astrid Lindgren.
Week 79: From Ksenia (Israel). Part of a fairy tales set. “Puss in Boots.” Maybe?
Week 80: From Ina (Netherlands). Illustration by Lars Klinting for Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige (The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Across Sweden) by Selma Lagerlöf.
Week 81: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Cornelis Jetses for _Zonnestralen_.
Week 82: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Max Velthuijs. Kikker (Frog).
Week 83: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp for _Floddertje_.
Week 84: From Pam (USA). Illustration by Jessie Wilcox Smith for “Beauty and the Beast,” from _The Now-a-Days Fairy Book_, 1911.
Week 85: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Ella Riemersma for Het Verzenboek van Lijsje.
Week 85b: From Amy (USA): Illustration by Milo Winter for “Thumbelina,” from _Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales_, 1916.
Week 86: From Amy (USA): Illustration by Margaret Tarrant for Lewis’ Carool’s _Alice in Wonderland_ .
Week 87: From Jenny (USA). Illustration by W.W. Denslow (rendered by Ted Menten) for _The Wonderful Wizard of Oz_ by L. Frank Baum.
Week 88: From Squince (USA). From the cover of _Boy-Crazy Stacey_, Baby-sitters Club #8.
Week 89: From Leila (USA): Beauty and the Beast.
Week 90: From Marjan (Netherlands): Illustration by Fiep Westendorp for _Pim en Pom_.
Week 91: From Peggy (USA). Illustration by Eulalie from _Eight Fairy Tales_, 1934. Peter Pan.
Week 92: From Aimee (USA): Winnie-the-Pooh.
Week 93: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Ien van Laanen.
Week 94: From Karen (USA): Illustration by Beatrix Potter.
Week 95: From Debbie (England). Illustration by Quentin Blake for _The BFG_ by Roald Dahl. Reproduced from a stamp designed by Magpie Studio.
Week 96: From Pam (USA): Illustration by Beatrix Potter from _The Tale of Peter Rabbit_, 1902. Mrs. Rabbit in the woods. “Old Mrs Rabbit took a basket and her umbrella, and went through the wood to the baker’s.”
Week 97: From Eric (USA). Postcard from the annual “Oz-stravaganza in New York.
Week 98: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Dick Bruna. Miffy.
Week 99: From Aimee (USA). Winnie-the-Pooh.
Week 100a: From Karen (USA). Illustration by Eulalie. From _The Bumper Book_, 1946.
Week 100b: From Karen (USA). Illustration by Lucy Locket. From _The Real Mother Goose_, Blanche Fisher Wright.
Week 100c: From Johanna (Netherlands). Illustration by Cornelis Jetses for _Nog bin moeder_.

[Note: This is post four of five of children’s book illustration (CBI) postcards I received through 122 weeks of CBI postcard swaps on swap-bot].

Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: Part III

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Happy First Day of Summer!

I’m back with Part III of 122 weeks of children’s book illustration postcards. Here are the postcards from weeks 51-75.  Week 68 never arrived. 😦 I’m sure it’s floating around in mail space and will eventually land in my mailbox.  It happens.

If you missed them, be sure to check out Part I and Part II and be sure to look for Part IV and Part V later in the week.

Enjoy! [Click an image for a closer look]

Week 51: From Debbie (England). Bunnikin’s Picnic Party, 1940. By A.J. MacGregor.
Week 52: From Laura (USA). Illustration by Beatrix Potter. From _The Tale of Tom Kitten_, 1907.
Week 53: From Pam (USA). Illustration by W.W. Denslow, rendered by Ted Menten. From _The Wonderful Wizard of Oz_.
Week 53b: From Pam (USA). Illustration by Beatrix Potter. From _The Tale of Pigling Bland_, 1913.
Week 54: From Pam (USA). Illustration by Clara M. Burd. From _Wonder Stories_, 1920.
Week 55: From Pam (USA). Illustration by Blanche Fisher Wright, “Pat-a-Cake,” from _The Real Mother Goose_.
Week 56: From San (Netherlands). Sprookjesboom.
Week 57: From Sacha (Netherlands). Illustration by Dagmas Stam.
Week 58: From Mmiastsu (Finland). Illustration by Blanche Fisher Wright. “Sing a Song of Sixpence,” from _The Real Mother Goose_.
Week 59: From Eric (USA). Illustration by Joan Kiddel-Monroe for _The Adventures of Wonk_ by Auntie Muriel Levy.
Week 60: From Sacha (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp. _Jip and Janneke_.
Weeks 61: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Alice in Wonderland.
Week 62: From Jetske (Netherlands). Illustration by Dick Bruna. Nijntje (Miffy).
Week 63: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Illustration by Sven Nordqvist.
Week 64: From Sacha (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp. _Jip and Janneke_.
Week 65: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Alice in Wonderland.
Week 66: From Ina (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp for _Pluk van de Petteflet_
Week 67: From Pam (USA). Illustration by Eulalie. From _The Bumper Book_.
Week 69: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Mies van Hout for _De kindereter_.
Week 70: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Illustration by Ingrid Vang Nyman for _Känner du Pippi Långstrump?_ (Do You Know Pippi Longstocking?) by Astrid Lindgren.
Week 71: From Pam (USA). Illustration by John Tenniel. “Advice for a Caterpillar,” from Lewis Carroll’s _Alice in Wonderland_.
Week 72: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Jet Boeke.
Week 73: From Ina (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp. _Jip and Janneke_.
Week 74: From Aimee (USA). Illustration by Erven Rie Cramer for Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland.
Week 75: From Eric (USA). Illustration by Harry Wooley and roy Smith for _Baby’s First Book_ by Margaret Borrett, 1954.

 

Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: Part II

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[Note: This is post two of five of children’s book illustration (CBI) postcards I received through 122 weeks of CBI postcard swaps on swap-bot].

If you enjoyed viewing the postcards shared in “Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: Part I,” you’ll have just as much fun with Part II (Weeks 26-50).  You’ll find more Jip and Janneke, Alice in Wonderland, Miffy, and Moomin, but you’ll also find some illustrators that were not featured in Part I.  There’s even a Winnie-the-Pooh illustration! ❤  Click an image for a closer look.

Week 26: From Nana (USA). “I wonder he said if stars are lit up so that one day we can all find our own.” Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince), Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Week 27: From Sara (Switzerland). Illustrated by Hans de Beer. _Little Polar Bear_.
Week 28: From Sacha (Netherlands). Illustrated by Marit Tornqvist, for Helden op sokken (Heroes on Socks).
Week 29: From Natasa (Australia). Illustration by Arthur Rackham. “Who Stole the Tarts?” _Alice in Wonderland_.
Week 30: From Monique (Netherlands). Illustration by Ernest Howard Shepard. “Pooh and Piglet on Gate.”Sketch for illustration to _The House at Pooh Corner_ chapter 1, page 8 (published 1928). Original drawings provided by Victoria and Albert Museum.
Week 31: Mmiatsu (Finland). Illustration by Charles Robinson. “What day of the month is it?” he said, turning to Alice. From Lewis Caroll’s _Alice in Wonderland_.
Week 32: From Jetske (Netherlands). Nijntje (Miffy). Illustration by Dick Bruna.
Week 33: Noora (Finland). Moomin.
Week 34: Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Camila Fialkowski for _Hup, naar Buiten!_
Week 35: From Eveline (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp for _Otje” by AMG Schmidt.
Week 36: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Illustration by Charles Folkard. “Beautiful Soup.” From Lewis Carroll’s _Alice in Wonderland_.
Week 37: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp. Jip and Janneke.
Weeks 38, 42, 48: From San (Netherlands). Illustration by Charlotte Dematons, for _Gele Ballon_. Since I received this card three times within 10 weeks, Marjan graciously sent me “make up” postcards.
Week 39: From Marloes (Netherlands). Illustrated by Luuk Klazenga. Tomke. From a Frisian book series.
Week 40: From Natasa (Australia). Illustration by Martin Handford. “On Tour with he Vikings,” from _Where’s Wally Now?_
Week 41: From Marloes (Netherlands). Illustration by Marije Tolman and Ronald Tolman (daughter and father), for _The Tree House_
Week 42 Makeup: From Marjan (Netherlands). _The Animal Book_.
Week 43: From Mmiatsu (Finland). Alice in Wonderland.
Week 44: From Marjan (Netherlands). Barbapapa.
Week 45: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Cornelis Jetses, for _Ot en Sien_.
Week 46: From Marloes (Netherlands). Illustration by Martijin van der Linden, for _Ik voel een voet_.
Week 47: From Eric (USA). Illustration by Gertrude Alice Kay, from _All Aboard for Wonderland_, 1917.
Week 48 Makeup: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Irven Lieve Baeten for _Nieuwsgierige Lotje_ (Curious Lottie) who according to Marjan is “just a cool little witch.”
Week 49: From Jenna (USA). Illustration by Pauline Baynes, 1959.
Week 50: From Eric (USA). Illustration by Philippe Rossignal. “Blue Fly,” 1954.

Children’s Book Illustration Postcards: Part I

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For more than two years–122 weeks to be exact–I participated in a weekly children’s book illustration (CBI) swap hosted by Marjan, a dedicated swapper from the Netherlands.  Yes–Marjan hosted the swap every week for more than two years! That is quite a commitment, but, as expected,  Marjan eventually ended the swaps.  Her last CBI swap was hosted December 2015 and with her “blessing,” I’ve decided to continue the swaps.  Before I begin the next season of the swaps, I thought I’d share with my blog audience the 125+ cards I received from June 16, 2013- January 4, 2016.

Since I can’t blog each postcard individually, I’m sharing the postcards in five parts in the order the postcards were received. The illustrators are from various parts of the world, including the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, England, and the United States.  Hopefully, you’ll find some favorites from  your childhood.  For a closer look or for a little information on each card, click its image. Enjoy the sweetness!

Week 1: From Johanna (Netherlands). Miffy, Nijntje in Dutch, Illustration by Dick Bruna
Week 2: From Jenny, (USA). “The Snow Queen,” Illustration by Edmund Dulac, Stories from Hans Christian Anderen, 1911, from Once Upon a Time.
Week 2b: From Jenny (USA). Illustration by Margaret Tarrant. “Alice succeeded in getting her flamingo’s body tucked away, comfortably enough under her arm, but generally just as she had got its neck nicely straightened out, it would twist itself round and lookup into her face.” Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Week 3: From Hannah (England). White Rabbit. Illustration by John Tenniel in The Nursery Alice by Lewis Carroll 1890
Week 4: From Marjan (Netherlands). Frog and Friends, Max Velthuijs
Week 5: From Natasa (Australia). Illustration by Warwick Goble for The Book of Fairy Poetry, edited by Dora Owen, 1920. “For the Nautilus is my boat/In which I over the waters float.”
Week 6: From Jenny (USA). Illustration by Warwick Goble for The Fairy Book by Dinah Mulock Craik, 1913. “Are you not sometimes called Rumpelstilzchen?”
Week 7: From Raven (Singapore). Illustration by Anita Jeram for Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, 1995.
Week 8: From Rita (USA). Illustration by Milo Winter, “Thumbelina,” Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, 1916. From Once Upon a Time.
Week 9: From San (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp. Jip and Janneke.
From Jetske (Netherlands). Frog, Kikker in Dutch. Illustration by Max Velthuijs
Week 11: From Marjan (Netherlands). Illustration by Hans de Beer, Little Polar Bear
Week 12: From Anicka (Netherlands). Miffy, Illustration by Dick Bruna
Week 13: From Sacha (Netherlands). “The Ebb and Flow Witch” or “The Witch Ebb and Flood,” from the Witches Fantasia series by Thea Tilton. Illustrator I. Bruno EA or Sylvia Bigolin
Week 14: From San (The Netherlands). Jip and Janneke. Illustration by Fiep Westerdorp.
Week 15: From Jetske (Netherlands). Illustration by Fiep Westendorp. Floddertje.
Week 16: From Sacha (Netherlands). Illustration by Brigida.
Week 17: From Aline (Belgium). Alice. Illustration by Gwenaelle Trolez.
Week 18: From Monique (Netherlands). The Witch Eucalypta and Krakras, her assistant the soup kitchen. Illustration by Jean Dulieu.
Week 19: From Noora (Finland). Moomin. Illustrated by Tove Jansson. Collaboration of Arabia (a famous tableware company in Finland) and Moomin.
Week 20: From Eve (Finland). Illustration by Mauri Kunnas
Week 21: From Marci (USA). The Very Quiet Cricket, Illustrated by Eric Carle.
Week 22: From Eve (Finland). “Children Need Us” for UNICEF. Illustrator information unreadable because of postal markings.
Week 23: From Hilary (USA). “The Frog Prince,” from Grimms’ Fariy Tales, 1922. Illustration by Anne Andersen.
Week 24:From Kirsten, Austria. “Davy.” Illustrated Eve Tharlet
Week 25: From Pek Mun (Malaysia). “Hunca Munca and Her Babies. From The Tale of Two Mice, Illustrated by Beatrix Potter.

Bookish Matters: Children’s Literature Postcards

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I returned to work today for Faculty and Staff Colloquium, two days of energizing panels and discussions to start the academic year “right.”  I’ve had a restful summer, and even though I wouldn’t scoff at an extra week or two, I’m looking forward to a new school year.  I love my job. I love my students.  I love my colleagues.  Most of the time.  Since I’m sure life will be insane over the next few weeks before classes begin, I thought I’d better share some of my mail goodies now.

I enjoyed a steady stream of “bookish” postcards throughout July, but today I’ll focus only on those related to children’s literature.

Alice in Wonderland, Mary Evans Picture Library

Alice in Wonderland, Mary Evans Picture Library

I sent and received four Alice in Wonderland postcards within the last month.  There are so many AiW images out there and it’s been a treat to examine the various artistic interpretations of the characters. This one was sent by Hannah in England.  It came from the British Film Institute in London. Hannah recently finished her degree in English Literature and Creative Writing and she’s on her way to a Master’s in English Literature (congrats!)–obviously a literature lover, like me! You can check out Hannah’s blog here:  Just Another WordPress.Com Site.  If you’re interested in two of the other AiW postcards, see my previous post, The Happy, Happy Mail Month.

Warwick Goble (1962-1943). "Are you not sometimes called Rumpelstilzchen?" for The Fairy Tale Book by Dinah Mulock Craik, 1913. from Goble's Fairy Paintings: 24 Art Cards

Warwick Goble (1962-1943). “Are you not sometimes called Rumpelstilzchen?” for The Fairy Tale Book by Dinah Mulock Craik, 1913. from Goble’s Fairy Paintings: 24 Art Cards

Charles Robinson, "The Remarkable Rocket," The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wild, 1913. From Once Upon a Time.

Charles Robinson, “The Remarkable Rocket,” The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wild, 1913. From Once Upon a Time

Jenny, who also sent two children’s literature postcards last month, sent “Rumpelstilzchen and “The Remarkable Rocket.”  I love adding these wonderful images to my collection of literary postcards!  I actually sent these very images to others, so it’s nice to “get them back”–stamped and written on! : -)

From Frog by Max Velthuijs

From Frog by Max Velthuijs

Marjan, from the Netherlands, sent this one.  She has been coordinating  a series of Children’s Book Illustration swaps, driven by her love for art designed to appeal to children.   I missed one of the swaps, so she was kind enough to send me “Frog.”  I wished I’d encountered the Frog books earlier.  My little one will think of them as a “baby books” now (He snubbed many of the books on the summer reading list his school sent for this very reason). He is partial to frogs, so we’ll see.

Here are the children’s literature postcards I sent this month:

CM Burd?
Gertrude Alice Kay, from All Aboard for Wonderland, 1917.
Ruth Mary Hallock, from Fact and Story Readers: Primer, 1930.
Gertrude Alice Kay, “Moonlight Mermaids, “from When the Sandman Comes, 1916
Beatrix Potter (1846-1943), The Tale of Pigling Bland

Four of these postcards (Burd, Kay, Hallock) came from American Women Children’s Illustrators, a collection of 30 amazing oversized postcards.

I sent one more–

Toy Story 2, Storyboard by Jill Culton

Toy Story 2, Storyboard by Jill Culton, from The Art of Pixar: 100 Postcards Collectible Postcards, published by Chronicle Books

Toy Story 2 isn’t a book, but the film was designed for children and this is one of my favorite images.  AND–we had to include a quote from a book written for children. Since my send-to partner is an AiW fan, I chose a bit of  the March Hare’s “wisdom”: “Ah, that’s just it.  If you don’t think, then you shouldn’t talk.”  Enough said.

I love the enchanted stories and stunning, fanciful images.  My little one provides many opportunities for me to revisit well-loved tales and fall in love with new ones.  We thoroughly enjoy reading classic children’s stories, cultural myths and tales and studying the illustrations, but his latest thrills are the Diaries of a Wimpy Kid, Diaries of a Sixth Grade Ninja and The Diaries of a Superhero Kid. (He’s a little miffed that Superhero Kid 4 hasn’t come out yet).  The Diaries are pretty hilarious–even though the characters usually engage in awful behavior and use “bad” grammar!  It warms my heart to hear his hearty laughter while he’s reading.   He also reads comic books voraciously, so I’m grateful for the public libraries that provide a steady supply of kid-friendly comics.

That’s it for now.  Tune in next time for more “bookish” postcards…Maybe.