Within the last month there has been a distinct feel of change in the air, despite some magical autumn days with blue skies. It’s damper and wetter; the leaves are struggling to hang on to the last of what has been an extraordinary year. Now is the time to curl up and dig out some old friends from, in my case, the rather dusty bookshelves. A lot of running around due to gift fairs and grandparenting, so this is just a short selection of very special children’s books that have caught my eye.
CHILDREN’S
The Guard Mouse by Don Freeman. First published back in 1967, Clyde is back in publication. Some may have a copy from their own childhood. A delightfully illustrated story of this little mouse who, along with the Grenadier Guards, keeps all in order and secure at Buckingham Palace. One day, his cousins from New York arrive for a surprise visit and it’s up to Clyde to show them London and, of course, The Changing of the Guard at 11.
The Velveteen Rabbit and Other Classic Children’s Stories edited by Nicolette Jones with various illustrators.Open the pages and you are transported into worlds of not only the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams but others such as The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, The Relucent Dragon by Kenneth Grahame. All with the original illustrations of the time when published. What a treat!
Poems for Little Ones introduced by Michael Morpurgo. A perfect celebration of some of my favourite poetry and songs written for children. It is also for all who may be in need of a little nudge to be reminded of delightful memories to pass on. Small enough for small hands to hold.
JUST IN CASE YOU HAVE NOT HEARD
For fans of Philp Pullman. Volume 3 of his series of the Book of Dust has arrived illustrated by Christopher Wormell. The Rose Field is the conclusion of this journey we have all shared with Lyra which started thirty years ago!
See you next month with a riot of ideas.