WOW!!! Coming in November from Oxford University Press is this gorgeous looking 50th anniversary gift edition of Pippi Longstocking illustrated by none other than the amazingly talented Lauren Child. It is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the first publication of Pippi, as I think she has never aged. Although characters like Milly Molly Mandy and Pollyanna look a bit twee in 2007, Pippi is still a beautifully drawn warm and strong female character. What an inspiring 9 year old! With her wild red locks, cheeky personality and suitcase full of gold, nothing fazes Pippi not even a mad bull or a circus strongman, and she tames them all. I can’t think of anyone better to illustrate Pippi than Lauren Child who has herself created some memorable feisty female characters in Lola and Clarice. Anyone who has not seen her illustrations should at once check her website and you will agree that her collage illustration is both incredible and unique. Her style uses a vibrancy and movement that makes her characters have such distinct voices and they are instantly loveable. This book is going to be an absolute dream, look out for it in your local book shop. Not only for girls (7+), boys will find Pippi irresistible also as she is rough and tough, I will certainly be reading it to Ned when he’s old enough. This is perfect for Christmas and will be treasured.
If you like the idea of newly illustrated classics pop into your local book shop now to have a peep at The Wind in the Willows illustrated by one of Australia’s most talented artists Robert Ingpen. He has recently illustrated Treasure Island, Peter Pan and The Jungle Book but his Willows is by far my favourite. Complete and unabridged it would be a beautiful edition to any childs bookshelf as Ingpen has created the most delightfully dreamy paintings of Ratty, Mole and friends. Once you pick this book up you will see the love and attention that has gone into breathing new life into the classic story, it is so beautiful to hold and to touch that you won’t want to put it back on the shelf. Ingpen’s next project is A Christmas Carol by Dickens.