A Golden Age

A Golden Age

Golden Books have had such a well deserved resurgence in the market over the last couple of years. As a series they have been around for 65 years – can you believe it and we all have our favourites don’t we? What are yours?

Created as books for children that were to be low cost and high quality so as to make literature accessible to children of poorer parts of the US. Random House US have a great website devoted to Little Golden Books where you can find some great printables and activities as well as more history of the series.

SO you all know how much Katie and I LOVE Golden Books! We have written about our love on the blog numerous times – you can find the collection of our Golden Book posts here.

Now the wonderful Jackie from My Little Bookcase has issued a challenge to the blog world. She wants ideas on how to up cycle Golden Books that have seen better days and she invited us to take part.

We have been collecting very old and bedraggled Golden Books for a while now so we have a fair collection…

This is just a little pile!

Most of them have pages like this….

Scribble!

Or look like this….

Very grotty!

So we have been having fun using them as bunting. The first lot of bunting I made was for Ned’s 3rd birthday in his favourite colour – yellow.

Then I started to make some that we sold and also used as display at Magnolia Square...

I think I have a soft spot for the  Christmas bunting because it just looks so Christmasy!! There’s nothing better than displaying your love of books around the house – they are my favourite accessory.

We have also been using our collection to make gift tags for our online store orders. This has been really fun, because even in the tattiest book you can find the most divine illustrations to use on a parcel…

Books Can Take You Anywhere

Books Can Take You Anywhere

Found via KID Independent today this gorgeous print called Books Can Take You Anywhere by The Little Fox on Etsy…

The print is also available on a tote bag…

Wouldn’t that be the perfect library bag?

The Little Fox creates dreamy and whimsical artworks many of which are book related. Including this gorgeous painting of The Owl and The Pussycat...

Drool over The Little Fox Etsy store here and read The Little Fox blog here.

Guest Blogger Katie

Guest Blogger Katie

Recently the very talented Cinti from My Poppet had a spectacular trip to Japan.  While she was away Katie did a guest post for her on the My Poppet blog about one of our very special new books in our store, The Secret Circus by Johanna Wright.

Pop over to the My Poppet blog to see Katie’s review of this gorgeous book and to find out more about the author and illustrator Johnna Wright.

Henrietta

Today in the park Ned and I met a little girl called Henrietta. I have always loved that name and have also loved Melbourne author/illustrator Martine Murray’s quirky little character called Henrietta.

The Henrietta in the park was a ‘great go getter’ and gorgeous just like the fictional Henrietta. Martine Murray is an enchanting author/illustrator, her Henrietta character is strong, imaginative, curious and funny, so very funny. These little novels are perfect for ages 4 to 8 and not just for girls. These are a great inroduction to reading with plenty of pictures and creative use of text to delight and occupy children and adults!. Publisher Allen and Unwin have done a wonderful job in packaging these books, especially the hardcover editions with cloth binding and ribbon marker.  Look out for them because ‘there’s no one better’.

Five Faves

Five Faves

Inspired by Pip from Meet Me at Mikes, I thought I would start the week with five of my favourite things from the last week…

1) I found these absolutely beautiful illustrations by Tomoko Suzuki…

The one above with the balloons has been in my thoughts for days. What do you think?

Tomoko has a gorgeous website, with a gallery of his art, a blog and online shop attached.

2) Watched as the  little one fell asleep with Elmer - one of the best picture books about individuality and acceptance of difference’s. A classic that is often forgotten.

3) Caught a sneak peek on the Simply Read blog at the new book coming this year illustrated by Julie Morstad.

  

4) I have been reading some great particularly great blog posts this week…

Misrule and Lucinda Library both wrote wonderful, insightful posts about the announcement of the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s shortlist.

Adored Media Macaroni’s post on being the Oldest Babysitter in the Club. Everyone who remembers the Babysitters Club books from childhood – you’ll love this.

I have admired and held in my heart this beautiful post by Jodi on her blog Che and Fidel. As a mother I felt such emotion reading her post and went a bit teary. Jodi’s blog is always beautifully thought out and inspiring.

And finally Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast has a wonderful interview with Tao Nyeu. She is a gorgeous girl with an incredible talent and Seven Impossible Things always ask such cool questions.  

  5) Loving the quirky art of Sandy Mastroni available on Etsy

The Babies

Wow! Link via Maquette

No Vacancy Christmas Market

No Vacancy Christmas Market

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No Vacancy Gallery Christmas Market starts tomorrow.