March House Books Blog

Farm Fun

2012-03-05T09:00:00.039Z

A selection of farm related books for children young and old;

Farm Fun: Seven stories from Green Willow Farm, including farewell to the swallows, in the woods, fun in the snow, and the scarecrow. Published by Blackie c1944. Written by Elizabeth Gould with super colour and black/white illustrations by Eileen Soper.

The Tractor by Pamela Rogers; The old tractor has broken down once and for all. It seems as if the only answer is to sell it, but Grandpa won't give up, there must be some other way. Portrait of a Country Artist: Charles Tunnicliffe was raised on a small farm in Cheshire. The only son of a country farmer, he was expected to take over his father's smallholding, but his talent as an artist set him apart and instead of farming he took a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London. His first major success came in 1932 with his illustrations for Tarka the otter from this brilliant start he went on to illustrate dozens of books for well-known authors. He also produced several books of his own. This book features a sample from Tunnicliffe's enormous output of work. Ian Niall's portrait described the life of a down-to-earth countryman and totally dedicated artist. Charlotte's Webb by E. B White; Children will be entranced with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig and Fern, the little girl who understands their language.

Charlie on the run by Elizabeth Rose; Nobody can plough a straighter furrow or manage a wagon load of hay better than Fred the ploughman and Charlie his old horse. Charlie and Fred do everything together, even eating their lunch at the same time. However, one terrible day a snorting monster comes roaring across the yard with Mr. Greenshanks at the wheel. Mr. Greenshanks is sure the new tractor will plough twice as fast as Charlie and plans to sell Charlie at the next horse fair...

Strangers at the farm school by Josephine Elder The Farm School has become so popular it needs to be enlarged to accommodate more students, among the new students are two Jewish refugees.Annis Best and the older pupils must unite to welcome the newcomers and preserve the unique character of the school. Timothy John and Mr. Murphy by George Nash; Mr. Murphy is an Irish farmer and Timothy John his unpredictable donkey. Timmy the donkey can roller-skate and talk and is therefore, much coveted by Mr. Fracklestein, the manager of the circus... Down on the farm by R. & M. Polkinghorne Jerry goes on a visit to Dovecot farm. Pretty book with illustrations by Ernest Aris.

Among the horses by Chas Herbert; While staying with Farmer Bicknell the twins Judy and Jude learn to ride a pony. Old MacDonald had a farm illustrated by Prue Theobalds; Sing along with Old MacDonald as you follow him through the year, from lambing in the spring to the Christmas celebrations. Lucy Mouse keeps a secret by Jane Pilgrim; The very popular Blackberry Farm books were first published by the Brockhampton Press in the 1950s; this one is a reprint from 2002. The series described events on a fictional farm and the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Smiles and their children, Joy and Bob.

Further details of all the featured books and others in stock here

Do you have any farm books in your collection?

Toot Toot!

2012-03-04T12:29:00.003Z

Do you hear that? That’s me blowing my own trumpet!

I was browsing online and happened upon the beautiful Uber Collection website.

This is the introduction from the homepage -

The Uber Collection is the UK's foremost website showcasing a wealth of information about the items and services required for a lifestyle of luxury and exclusivity. We have carefully selected a range of exceptional providers covering areas as diverse as travelling, home interiors, finance, schools, jewellery, yachts and more.

So out of curiosity I typed ‘antique books’ into the search box, and up popped four listings, including March House Books! Thank you Uber Collection, March House Books is delighted to be part of your stunning website.

Definition – Uber

Word: German, from über over, beyond

1: being a superlative example of its kind or class

2: to an extreme or excessive degree

If you have the time don’t miss a visit to this beautiful site, a place where dreams really can come true!
TheUberCollection

That’s quite enough of my boasting, normal service will be resumed tomorrow. I’ve got farm books on my mind!

The Tookey & Alice Mary Tales

2012-03-01T09:00:00.003Z

Betty ran to the spot, but had to take great care lest she should fall in too. With some difficulty she managed to get hold of Tookey as he came to the top of he water, but the bank was so steep that all her efforts to drag him out were unsuccessful, nor could Tookey help her in spite of his frantic struggles. Minute after minute passed, and Tookey became colder and colder, and as he became colder he became weaker. Betty clung desperately to the treacherous bank with one hand, and held on to Tookey with the other, but the strength of the brave girl could not last long. She felt this herself, and began to scream for help. She sent forth scream after scream, while cold, icy fear numbed her heart. Would she have to go back alone, leaving dear Tookey cold and still under the cruel water?

The Tookey & Alice Mary Tales Pg. 115
By Robert de Montjoie Rudolf with illustrations by Margaret W. Tarrant
View further details and availability here

The Stubborn Bear

2012-02-27T09:00:00.014Z

I've just discovered this wonderful children’s book written by Robert Bigelow and illustrated by Wallace Tripp. Published by Little Brown & company in 1970.

Winter is coming. The fish have left but still the stubborn bear refuses to leave the beach.

The bear fishes from the same spot on the same beach every day, and he is determined to go on doing so. But now there are no more fish. The bear waits and waits, but no fish swim past.

His friends try to persuade him to eat something else. His mother begs him to eat before the winter comes. But the bear is stubborn. All the other bears go into hibernation, but the stubborn bear sits on.

As the weather gets colder, the bear gets thinner and thinner.

At last the stubborn bear spots a fin in the water. His mouth waters, his ego swells and so does the size of the fish coming towards him.

I won’t spoil it by giving away the ending but trust me, it's not what you expect – or maybe it is!

The Stubborn Bear

Have you read the stubborn bear or anything else by Robert Bigelow? How do you think the story ends??

If you want to find out what happens to the bear, please read the comment section below. If you don’t like sad endings, please don’t read the comments!

Added Value; Things found in books - Happy Ever After

2012-02-23T09:00:00.039Z

This pretty embroidery transfer and skein of ‘Peri-Lusta’ thread was found carefully preserved in tissue paper at the bottom of a box of books. It must have been in the box for a good number of years but still looks like new. The thread is a little flattened, but the colours are bright and the transfer unfaded.

I can imagine a young girl putting this away to use at her wedding, or perhaps the wedding of a future daughter or granddaughter. I wonder if, when the time came she was unable to find it or simply forgot all about it.

I suppose it would be considered old-fashioned now, but it would still make a pretty embroidered tablecloth for a wedding. Or maybe you can think of another use for it.

Do you know someone who is getting married? Would they be able to use this, maybe with a different coloured thread? Alternatively, would you like to make something with it? I think it’s been unused for too long! I am happy to send it free of charge (anywhere in the world) to the first person who leaves a comment saying they would like it. Please leave a note of your blog or email address so that I can contact you.

Congratulations to aobibliophile for being the first to comment! I've sent you an email and will send the transfer and thread when I have your details.

Lilliput Magazines

2012-02-20T11:43:00.005Z

Whilst cataloguing this collection of Lilliput magazines it became apparent that the same man, woman and little black dog were appearing on many of the covers.

According to Wikipedia; Walter Trier provided the front cover design for every issue of the magazine from its inception in 1937 until 1949. It seems the dog belong to Walter Trier, and the story goes that the little dog was run over and killed by a tram. Walter Trier then immortalised his dog on the covers of Lilliput; the idea was said to be light-hearted, but I think it’s rather sad.

Lilliput is a pocket-size magazine, designed; legend has it, to fit into a trench coat pocket during sentry duty. Featuring short stories, cartoons, and articles; it also included what were, for the time, fairly daring photographs of 'artistic' female nudes. After 1949, the work of many different artists, including K. D. Eastman, Peynet and Fitton featured on the front covers.

At its commencement, Lilliput was intended for a general audience but after the Second World War, it became a men's magazine and in July 1960 merged with Men Only.

I was attracted to these because of the artwork on the covers. The one in the centre of the bottom row is my favourite because it reminds me of Valentine's Day. Have you seen any of these before? Do you like the artwork?

If you would like to view magazines in stock click here

Added Value; Things found in books – Happy Birthday Tiger!

2012-02-17T09:00:00.006Z

It looks as if a lot of care went into the making of this colourful birthday card. The squiggles, flowers and stripy tiger are all very carefully drawn. I love the expression on the tigers face and the wispy hair on the end of his tail! The message reads; Dear Julia, Happy Birthday from Laura.

Found between the pages of the secret seven adventure by Enid Blyton.

The Secret Seven Adventure by Enid Blyton

Book Tag!

2012-02-15T08:48:00.000Z

I was tagged by Megan from Storybook Love Affair, thank you Megan.

Megan’s questions and my answers;

1. What is your favourite childhood book? Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton. I spent half my childhood dreaming about joining the Famous Five on an adventure. I also wrote my own version of a Famous Five story all about secret tunnels (of course) and strange noises in the night. I think I was about nine at the time. I filled several notebooks and was convinced I had written a masterpiece. In hindsight, it was a long way from that!

2. What are you currently reading? Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. It has been on my TBR pile for a long time, so I decided it was time to give it a go. If you would like to find out more about Birdsong a visit to Sebastian Faulks website is a good place to start.

3. Who is your favourite author and why? Such a hard question! Stephen King, J. R. R. Tolkien, Anne Rice, Isaac Asimov, Marion St John Webb, Sylvia Plath, Enid Blyton, C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, Alison Uttley, A. A. Milne, Tove Janson. That’s today’s list but if you ask me tomorrow it will be different. I really can’t tell you why – I just enjoy them all.

4. Outside of blogging, what do you like to do? Anything to do with wildlife and walking. Terry (my husband) is a keen photographer, so I get to visit lots of great places with him; one of my favourites is the Farne Islands. I just love the Puffins and the grey seals.

5. Who are some of your favourite artists, bands etc? Adele, Paolo Nutini, Rhianna, Taylor Swift, K.D. Lang – to name just a few.

6. Sweet or savoury? Sweet! Chocolate, cream, iced buns, toffee, Meringue, Banofie pie, and anything with custard!

Yum!

7. Do you have any favourite blogs and if so what are they? Heaps! Storybook Love Affair (of course) The Secret DMS files of Fairday Morrow, Sharons Sunlit Memories, Life Between Pages, Believe in Yourself, Carry Us Off Books. I could go on and on, but perhaps I should stop now.

8. What is your dream holiday? Australia! Our son and his family live in Adelaide, and we are hoping to visit at Christmas. We have been before, but never at Christmas.

9. Who is your all-time favourite character? I don’t think I have an all-time favourite character, or at least I've never thought about it. I suppose I should name someone like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice or Pip from Great Expectations, but I think I will settle for some favourite childhood characters like Winnie-the-Pooh, the very hungry caterpillar, Pippi Longstocking and Janet and John. Will that do?

10. If you could write a book, what would it be about? I do have an idea for a children’s book, but It will probably remain just an idea. When I was a little girl, my Granny Daisy lived in a fascinating house in a place called Winslow in Buckinghamshire. I've always thought Granny Daisy, and her house in Winslow should be included in a book, or a series of books! Granny Daisy does it again, Granny Daisy to the rescue, Granny Daisy and the Mayor of Winslow, Granny Daisy intervenes. No? OK, back to the day job.

11. Recommend one book that you think everyone should read. Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce. First published in 1958. I’ve read this story repeatedly and never grow tired of it. Tom is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle in a small apartment in an old house. It looks like it’s going to be a very boring visit until the grandfather clock in the hall strikes thirteen. Tom creeps down the stairs and discovers a garden that only exists in the memories of an old woman. Sadly, the cover of Tom’s midnight garden is not very enticing, but this really is a case of never judge a book by its cover.

The Tag rules;

1. You must post the rules!

2. Answer the questions and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.

3. Tag eleven people and link to them.

4. Let them know you’ve tagged them.

My questions to you;
Do you use a bookmark or will any old bit of paper do?

What new books are you most excited to read this year?

Favourite season?

If money were not an issue, what present would you give yourself?

Do you buy second-hand books, new books or both?

Early bird or night owl?

Do you like to read a specific genre? If so, what genre is it?

Who is your favourite literary character of all time?

Physical books, E-books or audio books?

If your life was made into a movie, who would you like to play you?

Cat person or dog person?

These are the blogs I would like to tag;

The Secret DMS files of Fairday Morrow
Sharons Sunlit Memories
Life Between Pages
Believe in Yourself
Carry Us Off Books
Books kids like
Darlene Foster's Blog
I'm a Book Shark
Always Crave Cute
The Desert Rocks
The Oliva Reader

I hope you all enjoy answering the questions. I can’t wait to see your answers :-)

Book of the week; Mother Goose Rhymes illustrated by Susan B. Pearse

2012-02-13T09:00:00.024Z

Curly-locks, Curly-locks wilt thou be mine? Thou shalt not wash the dishes, nor yet feed the swine; But sit on a cushion, and sew a fine seam, and feed upon strawberries, sugar, and cream.

Little Polly Flinders sat among the cinders, warming her pretty little toes. Her mother came and caught her, and whipped her little daughter for spoiling her nice new clothes.

Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full. One for the master, one for the dame, and one for the little boy who lives down the lane.

Hush-a-by baby on the tree top, when the wind blows the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall, and down will fall baby cradle and all.

Susan Beatrice Pearse (1878-1980), is probably best known for illustrating the Ameliaranne books. (The scan on the right is from Ameliaranne at the Zoo).

Book of the week; Mother Goose Rhymes published by J. Coker in 1932. 130 pages with 6 beautiful full-page colour plates by Susan B Pearse and numerous black-and-white illustrations by Winifred Ackroyd.

Click here for further details and availability.

Added Value; Book inscriptions - Follow me by Martha Paulsen

2012-02-09T09:00:00.044Z

"Follow Me" animal book by Martha Paulsen with animations by Vivienne Blake.

Sweet little book with two inscriptions; the first to Lois from Aunt Ruth - tonsils out - Feb 16, 1951, and the second to Samuel August from your Godfather, Christmas 2000.

I assume Aunt Ruth is congratulating Lois on the fact that her troublesome tonsils have been removed. The message, however, is rather abrupt, tonsils out, move on! It’s interesting to speculate on the book's whereabouts between February 1951 and Christmas 2000. Is it possible that’s Samuel’s Godfather is the son of Lois? Alternatively, the book may have been sold or given away, in which case the two events may not be connected.

I prefer to think it stayed with the same family, especially as the story is all about following along.

Further details here

What do you think? Given away or handed down?

Anthony and Antimacassar by Rowland and Mary Emett

2012-02-06T08:46:00.004Z

Rowland and Mary Emett wrote and illustrated this wonderfully imaginative children’s book published by Faber & Faber in 1943.

The story begins; once upon a mantelpiece there was a China Pig, and his secret name for himself was Anthony Henrypottery Luxulyan Prettypig, but they called him Harpsichord because of his expression.

From his mantelpiece he would watch the Funnels of the Trains as they puffed past his window. Antimacassar was the name of a particularly noble engine, and Mr Stuffingbox was its driver.

Rowland Emett was also the creator of the Far Tottering Railway which carried over 2 million passengers during the1951 Festival of Britain. Read More

Anthony & Antimacassar by Rowland and Mary Emett is now sold, thank you for your interest.

I have a only a vague recollection of the Festival of Britain. Do you have any memories or memorabilia from the Festival?

A disappointing auction and an offer you can’t refuse

2012-02-04T08:50:00.001Z

Don’t get me wrong, the book auction was far from disappointing but being the under bidder on so many lots was demoralising. It has never happened before! We usually arrive with a list of the lots we’re interested in, decide on a price, bid and return with the rewards. Yesterday, however, it all went horribly wrong.

The signs were there as soon as we arrived, the car park was full, the coffee shop was full (ordering a bacon sandwich took a superhuman effort of will) and viewing was more a case of push and shove than “excuse me please!” Still, nothing ventured nothing gained, coffee drunk, bidding number in hand, spirits high, hang on a minute – what’s this? Where did the bank of telephones come from – and why is every single one of them manned? Why are there so many bidders? Standing room only – move along please ladies and gents.

No time to worry, our first lot is being called. We've decided a bid of £300 to £400 pounds should be fine. What’s that? Bids on the book starting at £500, are you having a laugh? The lot went on to make £770, and that was just the start, several lots with a guide price of £40-£60 made well over £400. Is this a case of investors putting their money into rare books? We have no idea but we very much hope it doesn’t become the norm

There were two books we really wanted, one a beautiful copy of Peter Pan illustrated by F. D. Bedford and the other a 1947 edition of the land of Green Ginger, we lost out on both.

As a way of cheering ourselves up we decided to make you an offer, or more precisely, ask you to make us an offer. All items on our website priced at £20 or more are now open to sensible offers. Is there something you like? Make an offer! Browse through the stock at March House Books send an email telling us what you would like to buy and how much you would like to pay. Don't forget to make it a sensible offer because we can still so no! Have fun.

The Fairchild family by Mrs. Sherwood

2012-02-02T13:32:00.000Z

Near Mr. Fairchild's house there was a little green hill, at the top of which were some beautiful chestnut trees; and under the chestnut trees was a wooden seat, which Mr. Fairchild, with John's help, had placed there. On summer mornings Mr. Fairchild often used to retire to this place, in order to sit there and read undisturbed. From the top of this hill one might see Mr. Fairchild's house, standing in the pleasant garden; and also many beautiful cornfields and little coppices, and meadows, through which flowed a smooth river, the long green lane which led to the village, too, was visible from the hill, and John Trueman's neat cottage just at the entrance of the village; and the spire of the church just peeping over the trees. You do not know who John Trueman is; but you shall know by and by.

The Fairchild family Pg. 3
By Mrs. Sherwood with illustrations by Miss Sybil Tawse, 1913
View further details or order here

Newly Catalogued

2012-01-30T09:00:00.006Z

I've been buying a lot of new stock recently and thought you might enjoy a sneak preview. I'm gradually adding all the new things to my website so please call in if you have the time. March House Books

Sweeny's Adventure written by Joseph Krumgold and told by John Kieran. The story is based on the motion picture 'Sweeney Steps out'. Sweeney and Bombo a little toy elephant have quite a time of it on a visit to the Bronx Zoo. I was immediately attracted to the Tibor Gergely artwork on the cover. The colour illustrations inside are also by Tibor Gergely.

These Lilliput magazines came from a flea market held at the Bath & West Showground. Each and every time I buy magazines I swear it will be the last time, there is so much work involved in listing them - but honestly, how could I leave these behind? Each magazine contains a compilation of stories, poems, articles, cartoons and photographs (some a little risqué). I will be featuring more of these in a week or two, once they are all listed.

I love vintage sheet music especially when it has a great front cover like this. Can't you just hear Woody Woodpecker singing ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha, that's the Wood-y Wood-peck-er song? The two female woodpeckers certainly appear to be enjoying the attention!
I've bought several pieces of sheet music this month but Woody Woodpecker and the teddy bear's picnic are my favourites.
Sadly, the teddy bear’s picnic is incomplete, the seller failed to tell me the centre page was missing. It's too pretty to throw away so I've listed it with a note about condition.

This very different looking edition of Alice through the looking glass was purchased from a bookseller’s catalogue.

It's a centenary edition prepared by the Lewis Carroll Society, with text that has never appeared in precisely this form. It is basically the 1897 edition, the last which Lewis Carroll himself corrected, but also includes all Carroll's corrections for the People's Edition of 1887, which were somehow overlooked in the preparation of the final text. There are forty remarkable drawings by Ralph Steadman; the White Knight bears a striking resemblance to the familiar photographs of Lewis Carroll himself.

If you live in the UK and have good quality children's books you would like to sell please contact me via my wesbite www.marchhousebooks.com

I hope you've enjoyed this quick preview. If you would like more details of the featured items please click on the links or pop along to our March House Books website and enjoy a browse.

Snowdrops and Flower Fairies

2012-01-28T09:00:00.038Z

Snowdrops in our garden January, 2012

The Snowdrop fairy in flower fairies of the spring by Cicely Mary Barker Deep sleeps the winter, cold, wet, and grey; surely all the world is dead; spring is far away. Wait! the world shall waken; it is not dead, for lo, the Fair Maids of February stand in the snow!

Snowdrops and children on the front cover of the Snowdrop story book

Do you have snowdrops or fairies (or both) at the bottom of your garden?

Added Value; Book inscriptions - Baz from Colliwobbles

2012-01-26T09:00:00.002Z

Widdershins Crescent

Many of the books that come into stock contain personal dedications. Often, these are simple to/from messages but sometimes the dedication offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the book.

To Baz from an everlasting pal Colliwobbles. 14th April 1969.

I would love to know if Baz and Colliwobbles are still friends. I would also love to know how Colliwobbles got his nickname. If only books could talk!

Do you have a nickname? Is it one you would be willing to share?

Cover art; A selection of Children's Annuals 1950 to 1983

2012-01-23T09:00:00.006Z

To view last week's post 1883 to 1953 click here

Gracie Fields Gay Street Book 1950 twelve stories including good dog tinker by Enid Blyton, a first class brownie by D E Booth, nature ramble’s with Hedgerow Joe and police message by T. Holloway. Black and white photo frontis of Gracie Fields plus colour plates. The Tip Top Book 1954 first story the land of the other way round, other stories include one good turn and dead-eye Dave. Also picture strip stories including happy Bob Harriday, dreamy Dennis and sailor Bill Barrett. Radio Fun Annual 1956 enjoy a laugh with Norman Wisdom, Arthur Askey, Jimmy Durante and other favourite stars of radio and TV. Playways Annual 1963 several stories about the Golly boys, little Brown Bear stories told and drawn by Chris Temple,Wiggles and Woggles by Eunice Close and hidey-hole a story by Enid Blyton.

The Dandy Book 1969 Desperate Dan, Corporal Clott, Korky the Cat, the Smasher and many other favourites in this 1969 annual. Princess Gift Book for girls 1970 picture strip stories including the trolls, Barbie the model girl, school in the sun and Candy and Mandy also features, poems and short stories. Charlie Chaplin Annual 1974 collection of stories together with black and white film stills and colour cartoons. The Sparky Book 1975 Hungry Horace, Keyhole Kate, Pansy Potter, the Two Klankys, Ali's Baba and other favourites.

Woody Woodpecker Annual 1976 picture strip stories in colour. Peanuts Annual 1979 more colourful picture strips featuring Charlie Brown, Linus and Snoopy. The Secret Seven Annual 1980 the third Secret Seven annual – "puzzle for the Secret Seven" told in both text and picture strip, with projects, puzzles and quizzes. Battle Annual 1983 numerous picture strip stories including Charley's war, clash of the guards, the commando they didn't want, and Johnny Red.

I hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane. It brought back lots of memories for me – my dad’s love of Norman Wisdom and Charlie Chaplin. My son watching Woody Woodpecker and Peanuts cartoons on TV, and my husband’s fondness for comic books like Commando and battle. I grew up with the Daily Mail annuals, Playbox and the Tip Top books and remember them with a great deal of affection. Further details of all the annuals featured in this post can be viewed here

I hope these bring back happy memories for you. I would love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to leave a comment.

To the sweetest of sweet valentines

2012-01-20T09:00:00.012Z

I fill this cup to one made up of loveliness alone

To dear little Mooie with lots of love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxfrom ______?

Love-In-A-Mist Rene Cloke Postcard

Oh dear! Something went wrong – this post was scheduled for the 13th February but for some reason it’s already posted. Happy (very early) Valentine’s day!

Miss Pickle the story of an Australian boarding-school by Constance Mackness

2012-01-20T09:00:00.007Z

Speech Day came and went, a day of bustle and excitement. What a crowd there was in the big school hall! Parents and friends filled it to overflowing; they lined the corridor at its far end and crowded the front stairs, and peeped in through the glass doors that were opened wide. To make more room, every minister that appeared was put on the platform with the members of the College Council. As one was escorted up, Lola's heart gave a great jump of joy - her father had come to see her take the dux medal! The winner of the Special Music Prize played, the winner of the Elocution Prize recited, the Doctor read his annual report, somebody made a long speech, the girls stood up in their white frocks and red ribbons and sang.

I wanted to share this with you because the covers are so pretty.

Miss. Pickle Pg. 272
By Constance Mackness, 1933.
View further details or order here

Cover Art; A selection of children's annuals; 1883 to 1983

2012-01-16T09:00:00.007Z

This week part one; from 1883 to 1953. Next week part two; from 1950 to 1983

Peter Parley's Annual 1883 eight 'odd dog tales’ including His Majesty’s dog, the engine-driver’s dog and nobody’s dog. Louis Wain's Annual 1901 black and white cat illustrations by Louis Wain together with lots of cat stories including not about cats by Harold Tremayne and the wail of a cat by Frank T Bullen. Puck Annual 1923 with colour plates and black/white illustrations by S J Cash, Warwick Reynolds and others. Four Robin Hood stories, two school stories, picture stories and puzzles. The Children's Companion Annual 1923 Interesting mix of stories and articles including Scout Island by Ethel Talbot, running the rapids by W. A. Buchanan and the school burglar by Mary Shrewsbury.

Blackie's Girls Annual 1929 huge selection of stories and poems with numerous authors and illustrators. One illustrator of note is Florence Harrison. Bobby Bear's Annual 1937 the cave in the cliff by Joan Lumley and the giant's companion by Nellie Finn are just two of the stories in this super annual. Illustrations by Joyce Plumstead, Gordon Robinson and Helen Jacobs. Sunbeam Annual 1939 numerous stories including the wizard who forgot by Muriel Jenkins and not wanted in the village by Primrose Cumming, also colour and black/white picture strips. Rainbow Annual 1942 first story - Porky's hamper, other stories include - the old sedan chair, Big Chief Greedy, the two pickles, aboard the Black Scuttle and Prince Ping-Pong-Poo.

Mickey Mouse Annual 1944 lots of fun with Mickey, Minnie and Pluto Daily Mail Annual 1951 lots of stories including the pantomime goose by Noel Streatfeild, Flapdoodle and Bunkum by Nancy Catford, Light-fingers by Francis Durbridge, lost stolen or strayed illustrated by Trog and the little girl who cried by Enid Blyton. Lawson Wood's Annual 1952 first story - Mrs. Tabby's trip, other stories include - Old Salt Gran'pop, poor Pelly Pelican, the island mystery and Gran'pop at Christmas. Playbox Annual 1953 stories and picture strips including Minstrel Boys, Robin Hood, the bruin Boys, Specs and Spots and Darkie Duckling.

One hundred years of cover art starting with the delightful Peter Parley annual published in 1883 and ending with the Battle annual published in 1983 (see next weeks post). The covers themselves say much about the changing nature of childhood; the children’s companion published in 1923 portrays two children at the beach dressed in their Sunday best, contrast that with the Secret Seven annual published in 1980 (see next weeks post) were the children are dressed in comfy jeans and T-shirts. Less than 60 years separate these two publications but they are worlds apart. Further details of all the annuals featured in this post can be viewed at our website here

Did you read annuals as a child? Do you recognise any of these from your childhood? Was there a particular book that started you reading? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Liebster

2012-01-14T12:43:00.003Z

Fellow blogger Darlene awarded my blog the Liebster Blog Award, thank you Darlene, what a lovely way to start the new year! I hope you will all check out Darlene Foster’s blog – you won’t be disappointed. Liebster is German for dearest, beloved or favourite - how nice is that - it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy!

The rules say to pass the award along to five of your favourite blogs each with less than 200 followers, so here goes.

Sharon's Sunlit Memories I love everything about this blog! After visiting a few times I decided to start a paper doll collection if you click on the link you will understand why. I don’t have many paper dolls in my collection yet but I'm working on it.

Fantastic Reads A blog for anyone with an interest in children's literature.

The Children's war blogspot A journal about historical fiction and non-fiction for children and teenagers set in and around World War II.

Always Crave Cute A really pretty blog with lots of wonderful photographs and interesting posts. Diane also has an Etsy shop where she sells vintage children's books and handmade items.

Books Kids Like Dedicated to sharing great children’s fiction, old and new.

I’ve chosen five blogs that are in some way connected with children’s books but would like to give one further award to Donna at Believe in Yourself. Donna writes about all kinds of interesting and thought provoking things, I hope you will pay her a visit.

Enjoy the links and remember to pass the award along (if you wish).

Happy blogging!

Added Value; Book inscriptions - to Karolinka Carolyn

2012-01-13T09:00:00.038Z

The Three Little Sisters

Many of the books that come into stock contain personal dedications. Often, these are simple to/from messages but sometimes the dedication offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the book.

To Karolinka Carolyn - who can pick flowers, and dance a little, too. Birthday Greetings from the Major. 1st January, 1944.

Something about that note makes me smile each time I read it. I have no idea who Karolinka Carolyn is, I don’t know what her relationship to ‘the major’ is or was, but it doesn't matter. The message speaks volumes.

The three little sisters a story from Poland by Lucyna Krzemieniecka

Have you ever found a book with a sad, sweet or funny dedication?

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss with illustrations by Harry Rountree

2012-01-11T09:00:00.006Z

Already the storm had continued six days; on the seventh its fury seemed still increasing; and the morning dawned upon us without a prospect of hope, for no one on board even knew where we were. My four boys clung to me in their fright, while my wife wiped the tears from her cheeks. At this moment a cry of "land, land!" was heard through the roaring of the waves, and instantly the vessel struck against a rock so violently as to drive every one from his place; a tremendous cracking succeeded, as if the ship was going to pieces. I hurried on deck, and saw a terrible sight the crew had crowded into the boats till there was no room for us, and even as I appeared they cut the ropes to move off.

The Swiss Family Robinson Pg 1
Illustrated by Harry Rountree
View further details or order here

How do you feel about inscriptions, colouring and other marks in books?

2012-01-09T09:00:00.042Z

The Laughing hour is a sweet little book in less than perfect condition. This is a short précis from my website;

A collection of beautifully illustrated stories and poems. Covers rubbed and chipped at edges, spine frayed at ends. Lots of finger marks, previous owner’s name, several black-and-white drawings have been neatly coloured. A very pretty book that has been well loved.

So, if you were me would you offer it for sale? What about the finger marks, the colouring and the previous owner’s name?

I love finding previous ownership marks and don’t mind the odd bit of colouring, if it’s done neatly (as this is), but lots of collectors wouldn’t dream of adding a book in this condition to their collection.

As far as I’m concerned inscriptions, notes and drawings show that a book has a story of its own, it shows how books are given, passed on or discarded and then perhaps loved by someone else.

If the The laughing hour could speak I think it would say something like this;

I used to belong to a little boy called Paddy McAlpine, Paddy spent hours with his pens and pencils carefully colouring my pages. He liked two of my poems very much - one was about a beetle and the other about a robin. Paddy read me over and over again but when he grew up his mummy gave me away, and now I'm looking for a new home.

I know the little boys name was Paddy McAlpine because he wrote it in the front of his book, I assume he liked colouring (although it could have been done by his mummy or someone else). My reason for thinking Paddy liked the two poems is because those two pages are heavily finger marked and the binding is pulled, suggesting the book was repeatedly opened at the same pages. This is a well-loved book in need of a new home -a case of recycling at its best!

Do you keep books that belonged to your parents, grandparents or grown-up children so that you can pass them on to the next generation? Would you still keep them if they were in poor condition?

How do you feel about previous ownership marks - love them or hate them?

Added value; Things found in books - the Ro-Tally

2012-01-06T09:00:00.035Z

Whatever you're knitting - Milward Ro-Tally knitting register keeps count of your rows and makes accurate knitting easy.

How Ro-tally helps you.
1. Keeps count of the rows - keeps a tally as you knit.
2. Ensures accurate shaping
3. "Remembers" when to inc. and dec.
4. Checks the patterns and simplifies intricate designs.
5. Counts from 0 to 99.
6. Fits all needle sizes 6-14 inclusive

Does anyone still use these? I can remember my mum knitting school jumpers for my brother, sister and I using a 'ro-tally' to count the rows. But I had no idea what it was called until I found this card in

School Stories for Girls is now sold, thank you for your interest.

A fourth form friendship by Angela Brazil

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001Z

At half-past seven those members of the school who could show a clean bill of health wrapped themselves up warmly, and sallied forth to the carnival. The garden was really a beautiful sight. The full moon shone down upon the snow, glinting on the frosty branches of the trees, and showing cold and pale in contrast to the line of flaming torches that encircled the rink. All Phoebe's Chinese lanterns had been put up, and a number of others, which belonged to the Fifth and Sixth Forms; so that the scene resembled Aladdin's palace, with its rows of red, blue, yellow, and green lamps. It seemed very romantic to skate amid such surroundings, and the girls felt as if they were stepping into a picture or a scene from a play; as they took their first strokes, over the ice. Two friends of Miss Drummond had brought a mandolin and a guitar, and played lively selections, sometimes giving a song with a chorus, in which all could join, when the whole school swung round to the tune of "Oh! dem golden slippers" or "the old folks at home"

A fourth form friendship Pg. 161
By Angela Brazil
View further details or order here

Book of the week; Susan’s bears by Mildred Lawrence

2012-01-02T09:15:00.004Z

Although Susan isn't afraid of bears in the zoo, she is very much afraid of the imaginary bears that live upstairs at Aunt Marian's house.

Susan is a big girl now, but she is still afraid of bears. Not that she has seen any, other than the ones in the zoo, and they are much too good-natured to make anyone afraid. But Susan is very much afraid of the bears she can’t see – the ones that live outside her bedroom door. Aunt Marian is always telling Susan not to be silly but it really doesn’t help – Susan just knows the bears are there.

Cousin John agrees with Susan; “Bears? Certainly we have bears!” “There is a whole family of bears, I remember them distinctly. Nice bears, too.” “There are four I believe,” “Mr and Mrs Bear and the twins, whose names I forget.” They are the bears from the zoo “they stay at the zoo in the day and come here at night. They like the hall better than those chilly caves.” “So should I,” agrees Susan. But when it comes to bedtime Susan is still afraid of the bears. She runs through the hall and quickly turns on her bedroom light – and there, propped up against the mirror is a large white envelope addressed in rather wobbly writing...

"To Susan"

We will not be behind the door tonight, as we are going to have our fur washed and curled. From Mr and Mrs. Bear, and the twins.

The next night Susan is eager to go to bed and is excited to find another letter. This time the bears tell Susan they will be in rather late and will be sure not to wake her. Signed Mr. and Mrs. Bear, Buster and Beulah.

Susan can’t wait to go to bed every night and when she does there is always a letter waiting. But the last letter is the best one of all;

Dear Susan, We like you very much and wish we could belong to you. If you would like to have us, look behind the door. We will be waiting for you. The four B’s

Beautifully illustrated story about overcoming childhood fears. The copy we have in stock is a first edition published in 1945, illustrated by Decie Merwin and published by Grosset and Dunlap (Story Parade Picture Book). Very scarce especially with the original dust jacket. Further details here

When I was a very small child we lived in a cottage with no electricity. There were gas mantles in the downstairs rooms and bedrooms but nothing on the stairs. We used torch or candle light on the stairs and I can still remember the feeling of absolute dread as bedtime approached. Were you afraid of the dark, or bears or anything else?

Tails up for a Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T15:40:00.004Z

An old fashioned greeting for a brand new year
Happy 2012!

Added value; Found in books - Fairy Music

2011-12-29T09:00:00.015Z

Today’s 'added value' is the front part of a birthday card with fairy music by Enid Ford printed on the reverse. I assume someone threw away the part with the greeting (such a shame) and used this part as a makeshift bookmark. Found in;

The house with the twisting passage by Marion St. John Webb is now sold, thank you for your interest.

I've been intrigued by this book for a while so decided it was time to read it. It's a strange story about a little girl who is sent to stay with her Aunt Abbey in a grand old manor house. Jenny discovers a wonderful twisting passage on the second floor. When she peeps into each of the rooms along the passage, she finds the furniture covered with sheets and the shutters closed. Jenny makes up stories about each of the imagined occupants of the rooms…but maybe they aren’t imagined after all.

Have you read the house with the twisting passage? Or anything else by Marion St John Webb?

Kiddie Kut Books from the 1950s

2011-12-27T09:00:00.082Z

Some of my best childhood memories are of my dad reading bedtime stories, and later discovering books that I loved to read by myself. My favourite picture book, or at least the one that resonates most from my childhood, is the sleeping beauty. The story and images have stayed with me all my life, so imagine my delight on rediscovering my childhood favourite at a local book fair. Published by Collins during the 1950s, sleeping beauty is just one in a whole series of “Kiddie Kut” books arranged and illustrated by Molly B. Thomson.

Having rediscovered the sleeping beauty I decided to look for the rest of the series. I've now added the bells of London town, the three little pigs and snow white to my collection. Other books in the series are the house that jack built, fun in the frozen north, the three bears, Jack and the beanstalk, the water babies and Hansel and Gretel. There could be more but these are the only titles I’ve come across so far.

What little girl wouldn't want to be the sleeping princess in this magical bedroom

or, Snow White finding the little house in the woods and spending time with the seven dwarfs?

Do you have a childhood favourite you remember to this day?

The Christmas Kangaroo and a hearty wish for Christmas

2011-12-23T09:00:00.034Z

I found this delightful book on a trip to Australia in March 2011. If you are ever in Adelaide, I recommend you pay a visit to Michael Treloar Antiquarian Booksellers on North Terrace, where this book came from. I hope to visit Australia again in a year or two and this bookshop is already on my ‘must visit’ list.

The Christmas Kangaroo was written by Ian Mudie in 1946, with black-and-white illustrations by Trevor Clare. Published by Frank Cork and printed by The Advertising Printing Office in Adelaide.

This might be a common book in Australia, but as I hadn't seen it before I knew it would be coming home in my suitcase along with my other ‘finds’ including a 1st Australian edition of The Gremlins by Roald Dahl and a lovely copy of Colonel Crock by Edward Andrews.

The Christmas Kangaroo is a truly enchanting story about Mirram the Kangaroo and her son Joey, who meet a harassed Father Christmas, behind schedule, and with his sleigh still laden with undelivered toys. After much persuasion by Father Christmas the sympathetic Mirram agrees to help, and with Joey on her back and her pouch laden with an incredible number of toys she sets out.

Her feet have been polished by Father Christmas with his special lightening, non-slip, quick-travel, fast-as-fast, long-leap, racing oil, and her first tentative hop takes her soaring over the tall trees and out across the Gibber Plain.

Gibber Plains, Australia.

In the excitement, the toys are spilled, and valuable time is lost collecting them, but eventually Mirram sets out again, encouraged by the kindly advice of a talkative Willy Wagtail and the wise Mr. Possum. Faster and faster she goes, so fast that Joey thinks his ears will be doubled inside out by the wind. Faster and faster, for Mirram knows that she will have to hurry if she is going to fill every sock and stocking and pillow case by Christmas morning, and hang toys and presents on all the Christmas trees in Australia.

However, Mirram is happy, for she knows that when all the boys and girls wake up, they will see all the presents Father Christmas sent them - the only thing they won't know is that they were put there by Mirram, the Christmas Kangaroo.

I hope you enjoy reading about the adventures of Mirram and Joey. I think this book weaves a very special kind of Christmas magic.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to visit and comment. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. This vintage Christmas card is especially for you, love Barbara.

Hearty Wishes for Christmas

Vintage greetings cards

2011-12-21T09:00:00.038Z

I hope you enjoy these original Christmas cards from my collection.

With Best Wishes for A Merry Christmas and a Bright New Year. Produced by Raphael Tuck & Sons c1930s. The bright colours and original cord tie on this card are very appealing. The verse, however, is rather fulsome. Christmas! Why the very mention of it sets our hearts aglow, and recalls to mind many a happy hour spent in company with friends, both old, and new, and prompts the feeling of goodwill within us, wherefore we send forth our wishes for their Happiness and Welfare.

Pretty cut-out card illustrated by Louis Wain. I bought this a few years ago at a local auction it was still in the original Raphael Tuck and Sons Christmas card box. At one time the box would have contained 12 cards - I wonder if they were all illustrated by Louis Wain? A very simple verse in this one, short, sweet and to the point... May jolly times be yours this Christmas.

I don’t suppose Father Christmas had too many opportunities to deliver presents by charabanc – but that’s just what he’s doing in this card from the 1920s. The verse reads; may wishes true from far and wide make this a joyous Christmas-tide, and all I ask of you shall be this Christmas day, remember me. Sent with love from Aunty Mabel to Winnie and Betty.

Greetings kind and true. A bright and happy Christmas, a prosperous New Year, the greeting old, yet ever new, I send with right good cheer. Sent from Grandma to Betty. There is a lovely drawing inside of a cat on a sleigh being pulled along by a turkey!

This last one is probably from the 1950s or 60s. I love the bright colours and the fact that it’s sent from our dog to your dog! The illustration inside is of the same little dog sitting in what appears to be a puddle! The greeting is Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year! Sadly unsigned – I was hoping for a paw print at the very least!

Do you collect vintage cards?

Even more added Value; Christmas things found in books

2011-12-20T09:00:00.035Z

This week as a special Christmas treat two Christmassy ‘things’ found in books.

Firstly a pretty postcard with a sad poem;

I saw the little Christ Child lie beneath a Christmas tree… he was not looking at the toys but weeping bitterly:- Sometimes he turned his gentle face, and with a piteous sigh, he watched the animals and birds all passing slowly by….the countless animals and birds. All going, past to die: - horses and calves and silent sheep; ducks, turkeys, chickens too: and lambs that, pleading looked at him and made him weep anew. By Marygold. Message on back reads ‘All kindest Xmas & 1976 wishes’

Found in Malcolm Saville's Seaside Book

Secondly a letter sent on the 21st December 1949;
My dear George, I hope you will approve of this birthday present, which seems to me extraordinarily good both as regards letter-press and illustrations; but if you happen to have a copy already, I could, no doubt, make use of it. I hope you have by now thrown of the gastric trouble completely. With every good wish for Xmas and your New Year. Yours P.H.O
Found in Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale's Golden Book of Famous Women

George, if you are reading this I too hope you have thrown of the gastric problem!

Book of the week... Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

2011-12-18T17:28:00.003Z

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose.

And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, you'll go down in history!

The illustrations above are from the original 1939 book written by Robert L May, the words are from the well-known song of the same name by Johnny Marks.

The following illustrations are from the Little Golden Books edition published in 1976. The story was adapted from the original by Barbara Shook Hazen, and the pictures were provided by Richard Scarry.

Further details of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer illustrated by Richard Scarry here

These are two of my favourite versions of Rudolph - do you have a favourite?

Added Value: Things found in books part eighteen

2011-12-16T09:00:00.006Z

Spanish dancers; embroidered postcard

Sent to Miss Young, Bath, Somerset, England. 3 ptas stamp, sadly I can’t make out the date. Possibly 1950s? Message reads – You won’t believe it, its raining, they have not had any now for months, we arrive and hola it rains! From Bettie and George.

Oh dear, it sounds as though poor old Bettie and George are having a rotten time!

There is a tiny pin-prick hole in the card so I can imagine someone hastily removing it from a pin board to use as an impromptu bookmark. Was it you Miss Young?

Found tucked inside this copy of the Whiteoak Brothers by Mazo de la Roche

The Whiteoak Brothers is now sold, thank you for your interest

Book of the week - A home for Sam & Susie by Roz and Haz

2011-12-14T09:00:00.038Z

Our book of the week this week is;

A home for Sam & Susie published by Raphael Tuck & Sons c1938 written by Roz and illustrated by Haz..

Samuel Squirrel finds a simply lovely site on which to build a new house for himself and his wife Susie. Susie is delighted and claps her paws and pulls Samuel's whiskers in a most loving way. Then she stops… and she thinks… and she says, "Dear, it's a perfect place; but how will you build a house with no money?"

Samuel smiles and produces a large placard on which is printed...

To all my friends, please help to build our house, bring what you can on full-moon night, all welcome!

So begins this lovely story about friendship.

Mole sets to work digging the foundations; the water-rat stands by to give advice! He will be back later to fit the coconut-shell bath he found on a dump. (Note the hot and cold water pipes in the above illustration!)

Susie finds a lovely piece of bark for the front door, the woodpecker pecks' holes in three acorns to be used as chimneys and the spider spins silk for the windows. It's a little difficult putting it all together until the hedgehog offers some of his spines, after which the work goes merrily.

Sam and Susie throw a house warming party to say thank you to all their friends.

"Good luck to you, and your home, and all of us!" say Sam's friends, as they drink up their moon-dew and say good-bye.

This book is now sold thank you for your interest.

I've been unable to find out anything at all about Roz or Haz. Did they write/illustrator under any other names? What are Roz and Haz short for? If you know I would love to hear from you. Or maybe you had this book as a child or know someone who did.

All that glitters

2011-12-12T09:00:00.015Z

I'm always surprised to find one of these vintage glitter books in original untouched condition. It’s not very clear from the photographs, but each of the figures is highlighted with glitter, as is the star on the front cover.

I loved 'glitter books' when I was a child and would assemble them in double quick time. How could any child not want to push-out and assemble a glittering Christmas crib or a Coronation coach?

I suppose the Coronation coach was purchased as a souvenir and not something to be played with – but a Christmas crib?

I am, however, very grateful to the children who left them in perfect condition for me to find and enjoy years later.

Further details; The Christmas Story Glitter Book here
Further details; The Coronation Coach here

Did you enjoy books like this when you were a child?

The winner of The Girl’s Own Book is...

2011-12-11T09:25:00.003Z

I am delighted to announce the winner of the ‘first out of the hat’ giveaway is ... Jean Vogler.

Congratulations Jean you are the new owner of The Girl’s Own Book.

The winners name being drawn from Santa's hat...

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. I will be holding another giveaway in the New Year so don’t forget to enter – someone has to win and it could be you!

A reminder and a recommendation

2011-12-10T09:00:00.033Z

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for The girl's own book published in 1850 ending on the 11th December - Enter Here

If you have a little time to spare I recommend a visit to the very pretty Be a child again run by Bob Brooks. Bob has included an area that feels rather like visiting a family home with several ‘rooms’ such as the library and the parlour. There are also links to other interesting blogs, book reviews, best family books and a link to Bob's forthcoming book Tales From the Glades of Ballymore.

Things found in books; No work today!

2011-12-09T09:00:00.024Z

Handwritten note found in Tarka the Otter c1932;

Dear Madam,

I am sorry I cannot come for you today my Father is ill and I cannot leave him alone, but if I can help you I could do your laundry each week as I used to do for Captain Patchett.

Hoping I haven’t put you out.

I am yours truly,

Dorothy Denyer

I can imagine someone cycling to madam's house to deliver the letter, or one of Dorothy’s children (assuming she had children) running to put it through the door.

Now fast forward 80 years and imagine someone sending a similar message...

Today’s message would probably be sent by telephone, text or email. I wonder if it would be quite so polite or well written - what do you think?

Tarka the otter is now sold, thank you for your interest.

Thanks for calling in!

Alice in Wonderland revisited

2011-12-07T11:02:00.007Z

Back in May I featured Marjorie Torrey’s illustrations for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The post received lots of interest and the book sold very quickly. Another copy came into stock (hence this update) but has now sold. I will keep looking for other copies and post about any I find. Thank you for your interest.

I think these are some of the nicest Alice illustrations I’ve seen - what do you think?

A dozen delightful dust jackets

2011-12-05T09:00:00.010Z

I've always loved the Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton and the artwork by Dorothy Wheeler perfectly complements the stories. Six in a castle illustrated by Isabel Veevers appeals to me because the little dog on the jacket reminds me of ‘Peggy’ a childhood pet. The Bobbsey Twins at London tower is another favourite mostly because of the bright scarlet tunic of the beefeater and the children’s eager faces.

I haven’t read the hiding place by Winifred Mantle and have no idea what the four children are looking at – but I keep promising myself I will read it and find out. The artwork is by Rosemary Hird. The starlight barking is the follow up to the 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith with artwork by the wonderful Janet & Anne Grahame Johnstone. Edward Ardizzone’s dust jacket for the James Reeves story book makes me want to open the pages and start reading. Alice Bush provided the dust jacket artwork for the Master of Maryknoll.

Masquerade at the Wells is one of my childhood favourites and the Eva Guthrie artwork is just beautiful. Seven white gates is another book by Malcolm Saville but this time the artwork is by Bertram Prance. Enid Blyton’s Rubbalong tales is illustrated by Norman Meredith. The golden staircase is a collection of poems for children chosen by Louey Chisholm and illustrated by C. E. & H. M. Brock.

These are just a few of my favourite dust jackets - do you have a favourite?

Things found in books and a lovely new picture book

2011-12-03T09:00:00.019Z

Christmas card
Verse reads;
This cat is as lucky as he is black, good luck should follow upon his track.
Sent to Auntie, Uncle and Babs - wishing you all a happy Xmas from Kath.

Found in Chums of St. Olaf's and other stories of school life and adventure; published in 1935.

If you enjoy finding things in books a visit to Forgotten Bookmarks is a must.

Another blog well worth visiting is Carry Us Off Books where Claudine shares some lovely news: CarryUsOff's first picture book has just been released. MY CLEAREST ME is about a shy & quiet boy searching for his clearest voice in this seemingly loud world.

J. R. R. Tolkien; Smith of Wootton Major

2011-12-01T09:00:00.006Z

The Feast had been in mid-winter, but it was now June, and the night was hardly dark at all. The boy got up before dawn, for he did not wish to sleep: it was his tenth birthday. He looked out of the window, and the world seemed quiet and expectant. A little breeze, cool and fragrant, stirred the waking trees. Then the dawn came, and far away he heard the dawn-song of the birds beginning, growing as it came towards him, until it rushed over him, filling all the land round the house, and passed on like a wave of music into the West, as the sun rose above the rim of the world.

Smith of Wootton Major Pg. 19
By J. R. R. Tolkien
Smith Of Wootton Major is now sold thank you for your interest

Ladybird Books; The Adventures of Wonk

2011-11-29T09:00:00.019Z

Last Saturday was something of a 'red letter' day for me. I was wandering around the International Antique and Collectors Fair at the Bath and West Showground when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted two 'Wonk' books. Now, as any Ladybird collector will tell you, these little books are very hard to find. I hesitated about buying them because of the price but in the end, there was no way I could leave without them.

There are six books in the series with two stories in each book. The titles are as follows:

1 – Going to sea and The new fishing net

2 – Strawberries and cream and Adventures in the night

3 – Fireworks and The diamond ring affair

4 – The secret and The night watchman

5 – The circus and Wonk flies high

6 – The snowman and Kidnapped

The two I found are Going to sea and Fireworks the first and third books in the series.

The books were written by Muriel Levy 'Auntie Muriel of Radio fame' as it states on the title pages and illustrated with vivid colour pictures by Kiddell-Monroe. They were all published by Wills and Hepworth between 1941 and 1948.

Each story recounts the everyday adventures of Wonk, a loveable koala bear, and his best friend Peter. Like most Koalas, Wonk, is often thinking about sleep, or is asleep. A perfect example of this can be seen in Going to sea, where Wonk wants to sleep and dream about food, but Peter wants to learn about ships and the sea, so that he can write about the Navy when he grows up.

In Fireworks, Wonk and Peter are trying to raise money for Guy Fawkes Night. Peter’s money-box is empty. His favourite uncle has joined the Fleet Air Arm, and his uncle Joseph doesn't like noise so won’t consider helping. Wonk thinks it would be a good idea to go Carol singing as he’s sure the neighbours would love to hear them sing. The first neighbour they visit offers to give them money but only if they promise to stop singing and go home!

If you would like to see further details of the books illustrated in this post click here

If you visit an antiques or book fair remember to keep on eye out for these little books, they are few and far between and well worth collecting.

November in Henstridge

2011-11-27T15:20:00.005Z

November has been a greyish kind of month in our part of Somerset so Friday's blue sky and sunshine made a very welcome change. After parcelling up the orders and dropping them off at the local post office, we decided to take the long way back through the fields. We usually manage the Post Office 'run' (sedate walk) in about twenty minutes but with the sun shining and the birds singing, we were in no hurry.

As many of you probably know my husband is a keen photographer and never leaves home without a camera and several different lenses. I take a compact camera that fits into my bag. Terry photographs anything that moves while I prefer things that keep still! So while he is busy photographing birds I look for easier subjects and usually manage to discover something interesting.

Friday was no exception, fungi the size of dinner plates, holly branches with beautiful evergreen foliage and bright berries standing out against the bluest sky, a bright red post-box and bunches of newly emerging catkins. Should catkins be flowering in November?

More of my finds - blue flowers thriving in concrete, a butterfly enjoying the sunshine, a group of purple berries and the most amazing weather vane. How long has that been there?

I was feeling really pleased with my efforts until Terry spotted a grey squirrel sitting in a tree. I took at least twenty photographs - and this is the best shot I got. Terry, however, took the most amazing close-ups of the squirrel taking a nap, eating berries and playing hopscotch with a magpie! OK, the magpie bit is an exaggeration, but you get the picture.

Maybe it's time I invested in an all singing all dancing camera - but then again....

A Postcard From Enid Blyton by Roger Thiedeman

2011-11-25T09:00:00.021Z

Born in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1949, I acquired a passion for reading at a very young age. Dominating my early reading were the works of Enid Blyton, starting with Mary Mouse strip books, then, inevitably, the ubiquitous Noddy titles, as well as Blyton’s retold Bible stories and tales of Galliano’s Circus. Later, the Wishing-Chair and Faraway Tree books became firm favourites, as did the Five Find-Outers Mystery series.

During the school holidays in 1958, along with my younger brother, cousins, and a few neighbourhood playmates, I staged a Noddy play for the benefit of our parents and neighbours. I was playwright, casting director, producer, stage designer, and, of course, principal actor. My mother went to a lot of trouble to make me an authentic Noddy costume, even borrowing the bell from our cat’s collar to fix atop my pointy blue hat.

From all accounts, the play was a roaring success – well, as much of a success as a kids’ play that uses a bedroom for a stage can be! So much so that I decided to write to Enid Blyton and tell her all about it.

To my utter delight, I received in reply a post card purportedly from Enid Blyton, images of which are seen here. For many years afterward I revelled in the belief that not only was the card typed out by Blyton herself, but that the undisputed queen of children’s literature (J.K. who?!) had signed the card too. The slight smudging of the ink convinced me that this was an actual signature by Enid Blyton’s own hand, not a printed-on or rubber-stamped facsimile.

Much more recently, however, the custodian of The Enid Blyton Society website, and various Blyton biographies, disabused me of that notion. I learned, to my disappointment, that at the peak of her popularity, Enid Blyton rarely, if ever, wrote personal replies to the mountains of letters she received from all over the world. Instead, she delegated that monumental task – along with signing of letters and cards on her behalf – to her secretaries, including one or both of her daughters.

Although initially deflated by those revelations, I have since come to terms with it. Taking a positive view, I continue to treasure that post card as a tangible link with at least some component of the Enid Blyton ‘empire’.

Roger Thiedeman
Melbourne, Australia.

Roger shared this lovely memory during an email ‘conversation’ about childhood books. When I suggested it would make a really nice piece for this blog Roger not only agreed but also supplied the photographs. Thank you Roger, I appreciate it and if you ever feel like contributing anything else I would be delighted.

If anyone else would like to share a book related memory I would love to hear from you.

William the bad by Richmal Crompton

2011-11-23T09:00:00.003Z

"I've often thought it would be fun to run away to sea same as people do in books" said Ginger, expressing the general feeling of reckless despair to which the situation had driven them. "I used to think that" said William, "till I went on the sea. Your even been on the sea?" Ginger admitted that he hadn't. "Well, it's not a bit like what you'd think it is from books" said William. "It gives you a sort of feelin' that you don't find anythin' about in books. After I'd been on the sea I made up my mind that if I ran away I'd sooner set up as a robber than go to sea. I bet robbers never have that sort of feeling that sailors mus' have all the time"

William the bad Pg. 97
By Richmal Crompton
View or order Here

Book of the Week - Pussy and Puppy Nursery Rhymes illustrated by Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone

2011-11-21T09:00:00.058Z

I've always enjoyed the illustrations of Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone but usually associate them with fairy tales or children's prayers so finding this book of pussy and puppy nursery rhymes was a nice surprise.

A selection of well known and not so well known rhymes about cats and dogs published in 1972. These include pussy cat mole jumped over a coal, ding dong bell, Dame Trot and her cat, I had a little dog, hark hark the dogs do bark, Old Mother Hubbard and many more.

Half the rhymes are about cats and kittens and the rest are about dogs of all kinds. Each and every page is beautifully illustrated in full colour.

A lovely book to add to a Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone collection; Further Details

Books in stock illustrated by Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone

One Lovely Blog Award

2011-11-19T13:51:00.000Z

My blog has just received the One Lovely Blog Award from Allyn at Allyn's Blog "Dreaming with Words". Thank you so much Allyn I am absolutely delighted to receive this special award.

The requirements of receiving the award are:
1. To thank the giver and link back to her site.
2. Provide 5 random facts that folks may not know about you.
3. Pass this award on to 5 other lovely blog sites and let them know you're awarding them.
4. Copy the award logo and paste it onto your own site.

So here we go with 5 random facts about me that you probably'd don't know.

I collect almost anything to do with childhood - books, magazines, ceramics, toys, games, textiles and ephemera of all kinds.

I was given a toy guitar for my tenth birthday and eventually learnt to play Hang down your head Tom Dooley and Leaning on a lamppost. They were the only two tunes I mastered and I played them over and over and over again.

When I was a little girl my dad used to sign - underneath the lantern by the barrack gate, darling I remember the way you used to wait, 'twas there that you whispered tenderly that you loved me you'd always be my Lili of the lamplight my ow Lili Marlene. It was the only song I ever heard him sing.

School friends used to call me Flickers - I'm not going to tell you why!

My grandma Daisy refused to spend money on toilet paper; if you needed to use the toilet she handed you a newspaper and a pair of scissors. It was essential to cut the newspaper into neat squares otherwise it wouldn't flush!

Here are my 5 nominations;
Carry Us Off Books
Storybook Love Affair
Sharon's Sunlit Memories
The Desert Rocks
The world from my window

Congratulations, I hope you all have fun with the award.

Added Value: Things found in books part sixteen

2011-11-18T09:00:00.003Z

Not the most attractive item I've found but one of the more interesting ones with a wealth of information about three early magazines. Illustrations and short description of each magazine with more details on the back.

The Quiver; the leading magazine for Sunday reading. Many well-known divines, essayists, and novelists contribute to its pages, which are illustrated by the best artists.

Cassell’s magazine; for the household. Articles on household management, health and health resorts, sketches of North-country character, country nooks and city corners for holiday travellers, commerce, gardening, needle-work, painting, and dainty dishes for the family table!

Little folks; for all girls and boys. Now recognised as the best magazine for girls and boys, as well as for the very little folks. For girls there is always very much of interest, fancy needle-work, music and other matters particularly suitable to girls whilst boys will find, stories of heroism and adventure, curious discoveries and inventions, and many articles of character.

Found in Modes of Production of Victorian Novels by N. N. Feltes published by the University of Chicago Press.

Have you ever found a forgotten bookmark?

From knitting and crochet to bows and arrows!

2011-11-16T09:00:00.027Z

A thank you and a giveaway.

I toyed with the idea of starting this blog for a very long time before finally taking the plunge. Just because I love ‘old’ books and illustrations it didn't follow that anyone else would. I am therefore surprised and delighted at the support and encouragement I've received. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to comment and/or follow.

Some of the featured books are from my own collection while others are for sale at March House Books. The girl’s own book by Mrs Child has been with me for a very long time and has never been advertised for sale.

Published in 1850 it was given as a birthday present to a Miss Riley from a Miss Wickham on the 23rd October, 1852. The inscription is quite difficult to read but I think I've got that right. The book isn't in pristine condition but then it is over 160 years old so that is to be expected.

The preface ‘addressed to parents’ reads – this little book has been compiled with an earnest desire to make it useful, in all respects, to its readers; but, as I have relied on my own judgment and experience, there is, therefore, little doubt of numerous imperfections.

The contents page is a joy to read… from exercises including the bow and arrow, cup and ball, snow-balling and swinging to baskets (allspice, alum, feather, clove, lavender, wafer and so on). Followed by bees, charades, enigmas, forfeits, games, knitting, netting, crochet, ornaments, puzzles, riddles and miscellaneous items including a branch of roses, maxims for health and gracefulness and the self-satisfied duck! The book contains 376 pages embellished with engravings.

How to enter;

There is just one prize - The girl's own book published by William Tegg & Co, London as described in this post.

The first name out of the hat will win. Shipping is worldwide. Please leave a comment on this post with your contact email so that I can let you know if you win. I will not contact you for any other reason. If you would rather not leave your email address just leave a comment telling me you wish to be entered in the draw and then contact me at books@marchhousebooks.com with your email address.

Followers and non-followers are welcome to enter although I would be delighted if non-followers would like to follow. The giveaway ends on the 11th December and the book will be shipped the following day.

I have no sweatmeats, cakes, or toys,

as gifts for little girls and boys;

But look in me, and you shall find

Both food and playthings for the mind.

I hope lots of you enter. I'm sure whoever wins will love this little book as much as I have.

Giveaway now closed - you can see the winning entry being drawn from Santa's hat here

Tom Puss at the Panto by Marten Toonder

2011-11-14T08:59:00.002Z

In 1952, my brother was given a copy of the Jack and Jill all colour gift book. I was only four at the time and my ‘best’ Christmas present that year was a doll with real hair that (according to the box) would grow and grow. I don’t think my brother was particularly fond of the Jack and Jill book and a couple of years later it moved to my bookshelf. Mum probably decided to pass it on thinking I would enjoy the Enid Blyton story. I did enjoy that story, but the one I enjoyed the most and have never forgotten was ‘the fair’ written and illustrated by Marten Toonder.

Years later I realised Marten Toonder was the creator of the Tom Puss and Oliver B. Bumble cartoons that began to appear in a Dutch newspaper in 1941. With the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, the popular American Mickey Mouse cartoon disappeared from the pages of the daily newspaper and the gaps were filled with Toonder’s comic strip Tom Puss. After the end of the war, Tom Puss re-emerged and appeared in no fewer than fifty newspapers all over Europe and other parts of the world.

Tom Puss and Oliver B Bumble became a huge success and the demand for other products grew. Picture postcards, puzzles, toys and books were produced in large numbers and Marten Toonder had to engage additional staff to help with the work.

In 1985, at the age of 72, Marten Toonder decided he had said all he had to say, and on 20th January 1986 the newspapers published the last instalment of his last story, aptly titled Mr Bumble and the End of Endlessness.

I don’t know what happened to my brother’s copy of the Jack and Jill all colour gift book; it was probably thrown away or taken to a charity shop. I’ve spent years looking for another copy and last week I finally found one. It's in poor condition having lost most of its spine, but the illustrations are as bright as the day it was printed. It's now back on my bookshelf, and that’s where it will stay. I may lend it to my brother but only if he promises to return it.

All the illustrations in this post (other than the front cover of the Jack and Jill all colour gift book) are from Tom Puss at the panto.

To view further details of Tom Puss at the panto click here

Have you ever lost and then found a 'special' book?

Thanks for calling in.

Adventure downstream written & illustrated by Rosalie K Fry

2011-11-13T16:26:00.008Z

I visited an antiques fair yesterday and was lucky enough to find this copy of Adventure downstream written and illustrated by Rosalie K Fry.

I’ve only seen two copies in the last twenty years and both have sold really quickly. This copy was listed today (Sunday) and sold within hours. The buyer was obviously extremely happy and sent this email;

I am so excited about this, I can hardly speak!! I have been looking for this book for 50 years!

It could be some time before another copy turns up so I thought I would share a couple of the illustrations with you. Enjoy!

I can really appreciate the buyers excitement because last week I found a book I’ve been trying to find (for my own collection) for a very long time. More of that tomorrow...

Added Value: Things found in books part fifteen

2011-11-13T14:00:00.002Z

Today's find is this great old postcard;

The caption reads - hello, old man, any trouble?

Undated but probably 1930s?

Message reads; I thought of you last Sunday I went for a lovely sharp walk like you and I used to enjoy. It was dry and frosty but not too biting, the roads were fine. Elsie.

Found in The Godstone and the Blackymore by T. H. White with illustrations by Edward Ardizzone.

How about you? What do you use as a bookmark? Have you ever found a lost bookmark?

I thought I saw a pussy cat

2011-11-11T09:00:00.010Z

Herewith, in no particular order, are my furry top ten!

The necessary cat by Nicola Bayley

Did you know that the Savoy Hotel in London employs Kaspar, a wooden cat in dinner dress, to be the fourteenth guest for parties of thirteen – thus avoiding bad luck? Or that the Chinese Desert Cat has very hairy paws to protect them from the hot sand? Discover these feline facts and much more in Nicola Bayley's The Necessary Cat, a tribute to cats and kittens of all varieties. Exquisitely illustrated in colour - this one really is the cat’s whiskers.

Tiger by Nick Butterworth

Tiger isn’t a real Tiger but he is very good at jumping, roaring and pretending! Nick Butterworth’s illustrations are delightful. Dare I say this one is the cat’s meow?

A camping holiday by Kathleen Hale

This is the first book in the series introducing Orlando, his wife Grace and their kittens, Blanche, Pansy and Tinkle. In this story the family go on a camping trip and the kittens learn to swim, paint pictures and sleep under the stars. Orlando the splendidly striped marmalade cat with eyes as green as gooseberrie is possibly one of the most widely recognised feline characters and also one of my favourites.

The Christmas day kitten by James Herriot

Debbie the little stray cat can often be found warming herself in front of Mrs Pickering’s fire but she is very shy and only stays for a short while. Then one snowy Christmas morning she arrives carrying a new-born kitten... A lovely Christmas story with very pretty illustrations.

The church cat abroad by Graham Oakley

The story of the Church Mice begins in the Anglican Church of Saint John, where Sampson the cat and Arthur the mouse live a quiet and happy life. Sampson has listened to so many sermons about the meek being blessed that he has grown quite docile and treats Arthur just like his brother. In this story Sampson and Arthur decide to become film stars to help pay for repairs to the vestry roof. This leads to them becoming stranded on a South-Sea island from which they can only escape by masquerading as exotic animals.

Toffee's night noises by Sally Chambers

It's bedtime.Windows are closed, curtains drawn, teeth are brushed and lights turned off. All is quiet. Or is it? Toffee slips outside and finds the garden full of sounds. Moths humming, mice scratching, traffic rumbling and the town clock chiming but then Toffee hears a strange sound…

Cat up a tree by Anne Isaacs

A collection of poems about cats with illustrations by Stephen Mackey. My particular favourite is – the fireman’s lament which begins “You can’t catch a cat with a ladder or rope, a dishful of fish or a hatful of hope. Forget the net: it will all come to naught unless the cat should decide to be caught. Take it from me: I've put in my share of bone-numbing hours thirty feet in the air, dreaming of home and a hot mug of tea while casting for shadows on top of a tree…”

A shop full of kittens by Ian Penney

In this hide-and-seek story, Mrs Tabby and her nine kittens live in the basement of a department store. The kittens love to hide among the clocks, carpets, china, foods and all the other wonderful things and Mrs Tabby has to go from one department to another to try to find them all before the store opens.

Cat in the Manger by Michael Foreman

A long time ago, in a faraway land, a cat lived in a barn. He had to share it with the other animals: cows and goats, chickens and mice! But that was all right; he was good at catching mice. Then, one wintry night, the door flew open and in came a man and a woman, to take shelter from the snow. Michael Foreman captures the wonder of the Nativity through the eyes of a little cat.

The Cat in the hat comes back by Dr. Seuss

Another of my all time favourites and one I couldn’t possibly leave out… the one and only cat in the hat. "So you see!" laughed the cat, "now the snow is all white, now your work is all done; now your house is all right! And you know where my little cats are?" said the cat. "That Voom blew my little cats back in my hat".

All the books in this post are available here or click the links above each book.
Update February 2012; Some of these books are now sold, the ones with links are still available, we also have many other cat books in stock.

Do you have a favourite cat book or one you think deserves a mention? I would love to know so please leave a comment.

Noddy and Tessie Bear

2011-11-09T09:00:00.005Z

"Sound the fire-bell, Mr. Plod," begged Mr. Noah. "Get everyone under cover. You don't know what's going to rain on us next - bricks, maybe - sticks, stones - why, there must be enemies about." "This is all very strange," said Mr. Plod. "I will put up a notice and offer a LARGE reward to anyone who can tell us what is happening. Get under cover, now!" Mr Plod went into the police-station, just escaping another egg, and wrote out a very large notice, which he pinned up outside the police-station.

Noddy and Tessie Bear Pg. 40
By Enid Blyton
Noddy and Tessie Bear is now sold, thank you for your interest.

The art of Kay Nielsen

2011-11-07T09:00:00.036Z

The celebrated Danish artist Kay Nielsen was born in Copenhagen on the 12th March 1886. His father was the Director of the Royal Danish Theatre, and his mother, Oda Larssen, was a very popular actress and singer. Kay (christened Kai) was inspired to illustrate the traditional Norse sagas read aloud to him by his mother during his childhood.

Kay left home at the age of eighteen to study art in the schools of Montparnasse, Paris. From 1904 to 1911 he studied at Colarossi and the Academie Julian. The Russian Ballet, which took Paris by storm while he was studying there, proved to be a huge inspiration which led to the distinctive and exotic costumes found on many figures in his later book illustrations.

Kay's most productive and successful period began in 1911 when he moved to London and held his first major exhibition at the Dowdeswell Galleries in New Bond Street (July 1912). The success of this exhibition led to Kay Nielsen’s first commission from Hodder & Stoughton - In Powder and Crinoline a collection of lesser known old fairy tales retold by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch.

By general consent, Kay Nielsen’s next book East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North, was his most celebrated and spectacular success. The tales were translated from the Norwegian of two devoted collectors of Scandinavian folklore, Peter Christen Asbjornsen and Jorgen Moe and published by Hodder & Stoughton in October 1914.
In 1917 Kay returned to Copenhagen and was employed as the chief stage designer at the Danish State Theatre until 1923. During this period he painted a series of illustrations for The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and A Thousand and one Nights but the printing of this work in Denmark was abandoned due to the high costs after the war.

He returned to London in 1924 when Hodder & Stoughton published his edition of Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales. This was quickly followed by an edition of Hansel and Gretel and other stories by the Brothers Grimm. The illustrations for Hansel and Gretel and his later book Red Magic were exhibited at the Leicester Square Gallery in London in late 1930.

In 1938 he and his wife moved to Los Angeles where Kay managed to obtain occasional work as a set designer. He spent four years working for Walt Disney where his work was used in the "Ave Maria" and "Night on Bald Mountain" sequences of Fantasia. In 1942 he was commissioned to paint a large mural called The First Spring and a later commission was for an alter painting based on the 23rd Psalm for the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, this was completed in 1947, after which there was no more work for six years. Even in his native Denmark, to which he and his wife returned briefly, Nielsen’s art was no longer in demand. He remained in artistic obscurity until his death in June 1957 at the age of 71.

His books, however, have enjoyed a happy ending. Embellished with gorgeous watercolours, ornate endpapers and decorative motifs, they are now highly sought after by art lovers and book collectors worldwide.

The illustrations shown here are from The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

Further details here

I like the ethereal quality of Kay Nielsen's art - but what do you think?

Added Value: Things found in books part fourteen

2011-11-04T09:32:00.002Z

Found - Edward's bookmark

Needlework classes at my school were all about making table mats and napkins decorated with cross-stitch but this is the first time I’ve seen a cross-stitch bookmark.

I suppose Edward must be all grown up now – but Edward if you are reading this and would like your bookmark back let me know and I will return it to you.

Found in The Joker and Jerry Again illustrated by Cecil Aldin

This is just one of several 'finds' this week I will be including some of the others over the next month or so.
The Joker and Jerry again is now sold, thank you for your interest
Thanks for calling in!

Jan Wahl: Pleasant Fieldmouse illustrated by Maurice Sendak

2011-11-02T09:00:00.005Z

Thus he got ready and tied up the sandwiches in neat parcels with ribbons of grass. Then all of a sudden he knew he had left our something and went hurrying from poster to poster, scrawling under the bottom line, in yellow-coloured letters - since no other kind of paint was left - TUESDAY, although the manner in which he spelled it was TOOZDAY.

Pleasant Fieldmouse Pg. 13
By Jan Wahl with illustrations by Maurice Sendak
Further information

Three things you didn’t know about Winnie the Pooh

2011-10-31T09:00:00.009Z

The original teddy crossed the Atlantic after the Second World War where he became a book-touring celebrity, eventually inspiring Disney to make him an international film star. He never returned and now receives about 750,000 visitors a year at his adopted home in the New York Public Library, where he lives in a bullet-proof glass case!

The forest, where Pooh lived, is based on Ashdown Forest, near Hartfield, East Sussex, close to where the Milnes lived. It has its own Five (not Four) Hundred Acre Wood, and although much of the area is now privately owned, a local shop sells maps of the walk to Poohsticks Bridge, where you can still play the game of racing floating sticks through the arches according to the strict rules. In the ‘sport’ of Poohsticks, competitors drop sticks into a stream from a bridge and then wait to see whose stick will float across the finish line first. This game was played for real by Christopher Robin it was also played by Pooh and his friends in the book The House At Pooh Corner.

Pooh’s friend Tigger’s favourite food was extract of malt, which Kanga gives to Roo as medicine in the books. Spoonfuls of the thick syrup, a by-product of brewing, were given to school children every morning just after the Second World War to build them up after food rationing.

Winnie the Pooh was 90 this year – Happy Birthday Pooh (maybe that's four things you didn't know?)

A. A. Milne books in stock

Are you a Winnie the Pooh fan?

Thanks for calling in.

Five on Kirrin Island again or a day at Corfe Castle

2011-10-29T09:00:00.020+01:00

We recently enjoyed spending time with our family from Australia. Our daughter-in-law is Australian so we wanted to show her some of the lovely places in England and one such place is Corfe Castle, popularly believed to be the inspiration behind Kirrin Castle in the Famous Five books written by Enid Blyton.

Enid Blyton first visited Dorset in 1931 and quickly fell in love with the area. She made regular visits to Swanage where, in the 1950s, she bought the old Isle of Purbeck Golf Club featured in Five Have a Mystery to Solve. She and her husband later acquired Manor Farm at Stourton Caundle, near Sturminster Newton (just up the road from where we live) where Five on Finniston Farm is set.

We hadn't visited Corfe for several years so imagine our surprise and delight when we happened across the lovely Ginger Pop Shop - a tiny shop bursting with Enid Blyton books and memorabilia. Situated next to the Post Office in the village square the shop has a wonderful view of the castle from its window. We may well have walked right past the shop (on our way to a pub lunch) if it hadn't been for the ‘Wishing Chair’ sitting outside the shop – what a brilliant piece of advertising – whoever thought of it should be congratulated! Next to the chair is a stack of Enid Blyton paperbacks – how could we not stop and go in? Once inside we were not disappointed, there are so many lovely things to see including books, toys, games, jigsaws and (of course) Ginger Beer. Check the website for details of opening times.

We picked a beautiful sunny day in October for our visit and suitably refreshed we set out to walk around the castle. Corfe is managed by the National Trust - this from their website - a favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can’t fail to be captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home in these fascinating castle ruins.

The only thing we didn’t see was much wildlife, probably because several school parties arrived at the same time as us, but if you visit between February and May you might be lucky enough to see the Ravens.

The photograph on the left shows four of the "infamous five!" exploring the castle ruins (I took the photo). I'm not sure Georgina would approve of so many visitors to her castle - this from Five on Kirrin Island Again -

Everyone knew about the little island off Kirrin Bay that belonged to George. Kirrin Island was a tiny place with an old ruined castle in the middle of it: the home of rabbits and gulls and jackdaws. It had underground dungeons, in which George and her cousins had had one or two amazing adventures. It had once belonged to George's mother, and she had given it to George - and George was very fierce where her precious Kirrin Island was concerned! It was hers. Nobody else must live there, or even land there without her permission.
Sorry George but we will be back!

We have several Enid Blyton books in stock including some from the Famous Five series here

Thanks for calling in.

Added Value: Things found in books part thirteen

2011-10-28T09:00:00.015+01:00

Help to keep young children from road dangers. Lovely old bookmark published by the Royal Society for the prevention of accidents, Terminal House, Grosvenor Gardens, London.

I used to have one of these but had forgotten all about it until this one turned up in Worrals on the war-path by W. E. Johns
Worrals on the war-path is now sold, thank you for your interest.

I wonder if they were given out in schools, do you remember them?

Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb!

2011-10-27T09:00:00.012+01:00

Published in 1968 these Camberwick Green books were produced as spin offs from the children’s animated TV series of the same name.

First aired in January 1966 each episode began with the words;

Here is a box, a musical box, wound up and ready to play. But this box can hide a secret inside. Can you guess what is in it today?

The very first episode featured Peter Hazel the Postman emerging from the music box. Over the course of the series the other twelve characters emerged from the same music box.

Finding the books reminded me of watching Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley with my son when he was a little boy. I was surprised to find I could still remember the names of the Trumpton Fire Brigade (Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grubb!)

Do you remember Micky Murphy the baker, Windy Miller, PC McGarry and Mr Crockett the garage owner? And what about Mr Dagenham the salesman in his red sports car and Mr Robinson the window cleaner?

If you are interested in finding out more a visit to The Trumptonshire website is a good place to start.

If you would like more details of the books featured in this post please click here

Update - Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway tree found!

2011-10-26T09:00:00.006+01:00

You may remember a previous post concerning a 'little door' and how it reminded me of Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway tree. (See the original post here). The door was created by local artist Simon Sinkinson in remembrance of ten people who left their mark on the Larmer Tree gardens. Several people left comments on the original post (thank you) and then last week I received an email from Simon with a link to his lovely Tinydoors website.

The illustration on the left shows another of Simon's tiny doors.This quote is from the website; As you amble through woods keep your eyes peeled for signs of tiny life - a little wooden wheelbarrow filled with acorns or a tiny napkin left after a fairy tea!

Helen from PogosPlaceBooks sent a link to Urban Fairies where there are lots more little doors (thank you Helen) and a friend in Holland sent this photograph of a little house she found while out walking her dog.

I had no idea there were so many tiny doors waiting to be discovered!

How about you - do you have fairies at the bottom of your garden? Or have you ever found a tiny door?

Update March 2012; we have just listed a 1965 edition of the magic faraway tree complete with original dust jacket on our website; here

Six spooky stories to scare you silly!

2011-10-25T10:00:00.010+01:00

A spooktacular selection of scary books!

Sir Marmaduke Baldwin is not a very good ghost and, when he suddenly appears in the middle of a wood, Bobby Brewster thinks he looks far too jolly to be frightening. But a large white sheet, a spell that doesn't quite work, and two terrified criminals prove Bobby quite wrong!

The silly silly ghost; Story told by H. E. Todd illustrations by Val Biro. Published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1990.

A young boy is spooked right out of his skin when the old woman with the black cat catches him spying on her. She takes him into her home and demands that he help with the household chores. Her house is so full of creepy treasures that the boy starts imagining midnight gatherings of witches and spooks. Beautifully illustrated picture book with the story told in rhyme.

Witch Watch; Story told by Paul Coltman illustrations by Gillian McClure. Published by Farrar Straus & Giroux in 1989.

Our copy is signed by both the author and the illustrator.
Witch Watch is now sold thank you for your interest.

Two cousins spending the night in a tent in the garden decide to play the ‘scare yourself to sleep’ game. They take turns telling the scariest stories – from flying cats, to dustbin goblins and invisible men. It all ends happily with one little girl falling fast asleep and the other little girl enjoying a midnight feast with her brother.

Scare yourself to sleep; Story told by Rose Impey illustrations by Moira Kemp. Published by Ragged Bears in 1988.

Wizzil the witch is bored so she turns herself into a housefly and sets off to Frimp Farm to cause a little trouble. Wizzil; Story told by William Steig with illustrations by Quentin Blake. Published by Bloomsbury in 2000.
The worst witch, the worst witch strikes again and a bad spell for the worst witch - three stories in one book. Adventures of the worst witch; Story told and illustrated by Jill Murphy. Published by Viking in 1994. The adventures of the worst witch is now sold thank you for your interest.

Last but certainly not least a poem relating the events of a frightening evening when Granny, as a young girl, was chased by Tog the Ribber's vengeful ghost. Each picture shows a new stage in the child's panic, only partly relieved when she crosses the Fozzle ditch and frees herself from her pursuer.
Tog the ribber; Poem by Paul Coltman illustrated by Gillian McClure. Published by Andre Deutsch in 1985.
Tog the ribber is now sold, thank you for your interest.

These are six of my scary favourites – do you have a favourite?

2011-10-24T16:22:00.000+01:00

I’m back!
Thanks to everyone who visited and left comments while I was away.

The house feels very empty now that my son and family have returned to Australia but I have lots of ideas for the blog and can’t wait to get started. It will take me a couple of days to get back into the swing of things but I hope to catch up with you all very soon.

The illustration on the left is from Joys and mysteries of childhood by Sulamith Wulfing a German artist and illustrator (1901 - 1989).

2011-10-03T10:26:00.001+01:00

Hello, thanks for calling in. I won't be around very much over the next three weeks as my son and his family are visiting from Australia. I will be back around the 24th October and hope to see you then.

Please feel free to leave comments or follow and I will catch up with you when I get back.

The picture on the left is from The Insect fairies written by Marion St. John Webb with illustrations by Margaret Tarrant I hope you like it.

Book of the Week - Ann Jupp and the paper house; Marion St. John Webb

2011-10-03T06:00:00.003+01:00

Ann Jupp's a little girl I know, she isn't very nice, 'cos everything I say I've done - she's always done it twice.
An' everything I say I've got, she's got - an' more, you see. I've seven uncles - she's got twelve, an' three more aunts than me.
We both c'llect tickets from the trams, an' her lot's more than mine. She's got more steps to her front door - I've eight, an' she's got nine.
We scrambled through a holly-bush, an' Ann got scratched to-day, an' I got scratched. "I'm scratched the most!" Of course I heard her say.
An' scratches hurt...but I don't care, 'cos now we've counted up, an' she's got six, an' I've got ten...I've four more than Ann Jupp!

I've drawed a little paper house, an' Mother's cut it out. I've drawed it with a chimley-pot, an' windows all about. I've drawed the paper people that will live inside, you see, an' little paper cups an' plates for them to have their tea.

But I have drawed the paper man too big - he's drefful tall - an' now that Mother's cut him out he won't fit in at all. His legs are in the parlour, but his face comes up so high his chin is on the chimley-pot - he's lookin' at the sky.

I wish that Aunt Priscilla could have growed as tall as that. Then when she comes to tea, an' stands upon the parlour mat, her head would be out on the roof, an' so she couldn't see an' frown when I am droppin' crumbs, an' shake her head at me.

Ann Jupp and the paper house are just two of the poems in The Littlest one's third book by Marion St. John Webb. There are several other poems including Jane and Emily Jane, fairy things, the little path I found and the London policeman. The illustrations are by Margaret W Tarrant and the book was published by George Harrap in 1928. The books in this series are getting harder to find and as this one came into stock recently I thought I would share it with you.

Marion St. John Adcock (Wood) was the elder daughter of Arthur St. John Adcock the distinguished poet and bookman. Her first book, The Littlest One, published in 1914, was enormously successful, as were her 'Mr Papingay' books. When Marion and her younger sister Almey were young they had lots of imaginary friends - there was Minnie and Teddi Hope, Tarramina - who always wore white gloves, Mr. Ponkin and his wife and children, the mysterious Lady in Green who left a green finger-mark on everyone she touched, stupid Mr. Bell, and arrogant Lady Frampton who made a hobby of cutting bits off other ladies dresses! ... Read More

This book is now sold, thank you for your interest.

Autumn at Barrington Court – a bumper crop of apples and books!

2011-10-02T16:20:00.003+01:00

According to the Royal Horticultural Society the unusually early colour on trees such as maples, hazels, liquidambar and laburnum is a response to drier soils left over from the spring. Apples and pears are ripening several weeks early, and wild fruits such as hawthorn are also ahead of schedule. Having visited Barrington Court earlier this week I think it’s fair to say autumn has definitely arrived.

The National Trust acquired Barrington Court in 1907 when it was little more than a derelict shell. It was the first major house the trust purchased and the project was almost too ambitious for such a fledgling organisation. It was leased to the Lyle family who provided the means and the vision to create the estate and the Gertrude Jekyll inspired gardens that exist today.

The house was built from locally quarried Ham Stone over a period of 22 years commencing around 1538 by the newly promoted Earl of Bridgewater. By the time the Earl died in 1548, he had fallen from grace and was bankrupt. The house then passed to William Clifton, followed by the Strode family. From around 1745 the property passed through many hands but not much in the way of records remain.

More recently the property was used as a showroom for reproduction furniture but at the end of 2008 the rooms were emptied and now hold nothing but memories.

Echoes of the past may haunt Barrington Court but the stone-walled kitchen garden still produces a variety of wonderful fruits and vegetables, the old farm buildings host a pottery and woodcarver and the orchards provide apples for cider and apple juice. The restaurants serve delicious meals and probably the best bit of all is a barn full of second-hand books! Barrington Court is my idea of heaven.

A post by Claudine at Carry Us Off Books inspired me to go out and enjoy the autumn -

If there’s Autumn in Singapore, I would enjoy watching leaves turn yellow and red; I would enjoy taking a walk in the crisp cool morning air; I would have the most fun watching stray cats attack falling leaves or leap into a stack of fallen ones. What about you guys? What is it that you and your children love about Autumn? Please tell me more, so I can better picture it in my head.

How about you? Are you enjoying the autumn?

Added Value: Things found in books part twelve Felix Lorioux

2011-09-30T09:00:00.027+01:00

Tri-fold brochure with illustrations by Felix Lorioux. French text. Le Renard et La Cigogne or The Fox and the Stork by Jean de La Fontaine.

Father Fox, who was known to be mean, invited Dame Stork in to dinner. There was nothing but soup that could scarcely be seen: Soup never was served any thinner. And the worst of it was, as I'm bound to relate, Father Fox dished it up on a flat china plate. Dame Stork, as you know, has a very long beak: Not a crumb or drop could she gather had she pecked at the plate every day in the week. But as for the Fox--sly old Father: With his tongue lapping soup at a scandalous rate, he licked up the last bit and polished the plate.

Pretty soon Mistress Stork spread a feast of her own; Father Fox was invited to share it. He came, and he saw, and he gave a great groan: The stork had known how to prepare it. She had meant to get even, and now was her turn: Father Fox was invited to eat from an urn. The urn's mouth was small, and it had a long neck. The food in it smelled most delightful.Dame Stork, with her beak in, proceeded to peck; But the Fox found that fasting is frightful. Home he sneaked. On his way there he felt his ears burn when he thought of the Stork and her tall, tricky urn.

Beautiful colour illustration to front plus 3 other illustrations 2 in colour. Illustrations by Felix Lorioux. Undated possibly 1960s? Imprimerie moderne nantes No. 5 imprime en France. Marcus Editeur. Paris. I think this brochure tells the story of the poem but as I don't read French I can't be sure.

Found in The Fables of Aesop illustrated by Edward Detmold. Publishers review copy. Facsimile edition published in 1981.

Have you ever found a forgotten bookmark?

The troublesome three

2011-09-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

Have you met the Troublesome Three? Here they are, Pete, Anne and Sam. They are called the Troublesome Three because they are always getting into mischief and doing naughty things. But one day they found themselves involved in a real adventure, and without their help the crooks would never have been caught. It's all very thrilling!

The troublesome three Pg. 1
By Enid Blyton
Further Details

Book of the week - Alice’s adventures in Wonderland illustrated by David Hall

2011-09-26T08:28:00.001+01:00

The outstanding illustrations in this edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are the work of the Hollywood artist and designer David Hall. They were produced at the Walt Disney Studio during the preliminary planning stage of an animated film of Alice in Wonderland.

The film, however, was shelved and Hall’s illustrations were filed away in the Studio archives. When Disney’s film of Alice finally went into production in 1948, Hall’s stunning pictures were not used.

Over 100 of his remarkable paintings and drawings are presented in this book and the illustrations are accompanied by the Alice text that contains all the revisions made by Lewis Carroll shortly before his death.

David Hall died in 1964 at the age of 58, but now, at last, his impressive visual interpretation of Alice takes its rightful place in the first division of illustrators of one of the world’s most famous stories.

Published by Methuen Children’s Books in 1986.

ISBN number 0 416 96000 6

The Versatile Blogger Award

2011-09-24T19:38:00.004+01:00

I've just received the Versatile Blogger Award from the lovely Claudine at Carry Us Off Books. Thank you Claudine I really appreciate it. Please check out Claudine's blog at Carry Us Off Books

By accepting the award I agree to;
1. Thank and link to the person who nominated me.
2. Share seven random facts about myself.
3. Pass the award on to five blogger friends.
4. Contact and Congratulate the nominated blogs.

So without further ado here are seven random facts about me;

I have always loved old fashioned buttons and used to spend hours looking through my grans button tin. She had all kinds of buttons including ones made from shell, metal, glass, marcasite, and pottery. There were also military buttons and badges, buckles, marbles, odd bits of change and cotton reels.

I wrote my first love letter on purple 'Basildon Bond' notepaper when I was seven - I sprinkled it with 'Evening in Paris' perfume stolen from my mum's dressing table. The boy of my dreams (also aged seven) was not impressed!

My husband is six weeks younger than me and refers to himself as my 'toy boy'.

Earlier this year I was awarded a runner up prize in a National Geographic photography competition. Some of my happiest memories are from the days when my dad and I used to visit second-hand bookshops looking for back issues of the National Geographic so it made this prize extra special.

I collect nursery china, especially anything decorated by Eileen Soper or Chloe Preston. One of my favourite pieces is a Paragon nursery mug with ‘a gift from The Queen, Christmas 1938’ stamped on the base. It was probably given to a member of the palace staff or an estate worker and is still in perfect condition and complete with its box.

I tried sand boarding in Dubai and drove a 4x4 through the sand-dunes. I was black and blue after the sand boarding – sand is hard and scratchy!

I can’t sing, dance or play a musical instrument but I can arrange a nice bunch of flowers and ice a birthday cake (not at the same time)!

Now to pass the award along to five blogger friends;

Olga from http://bibliophilescorner.blogspot.com/ Olga reviews a variety of books in an informative and interesting way.
Donna from http://dmyates.blogspot.com/ Donna always has something inspirational to share.
Sophie from http://www.lifebetweenpages.net/Sophie describes herself as 'Just a random girl from the UK' – I like that!
Kathy from http://bookskidslike.blogspot.com/ Dedicated to sharing great children's fiction - old and new - with kids and their parents.
Janice from http://readaloudsforallchildren.wordpress.com/ Blogging about children's literature that fosters peace, justice, respect and curiosity.

I hope you all enjoy receiving this award as much as I did.

Fairy Tales and Fairy Cakes

2011-09-23T08:00:00.012+01:00

This week we visited the Flower Fairies and Dark Tales exhibition taking place at Mottisfont in Hampshire. The exhibition features over fifty original artworks depicting tales of mischief and enchantment, from the kindly flower fairies to malevolent spirits. I can’t show you any of the original Cicely Mary Barker artwork because the camera is banned. I can, however, tell you it is well worth a visit.

The exhibition offers glimpses of both the expected and the unexpected, innocence and light is depicted in the thirty original watercolours from Cicely Mary Barker’s world-famous Flower Fairies collection and on a separate floor two rooms are set aside for the darker side of fairies.

One of the highlights is the specially commissioned work by Tessa Farmer entitled The Skullship and the Galls. This work is housed within ‘the secret cupboard’ and consists of material gathered at Mottisfont.

Several ‘Fairy Gatherings’ were held during the summer holidays with enchanted face painting, magical story telling and fairy cakes for those who dressed up as fairies.

There are many layers of history to explore at Mottisfont, including the Gothic remains of the original 13th-century Augustinian priory.

In the mid-20th century the final private owner, society hostess and patron of the arts Maud Russell, turned the abbey into a weekend retreat for her artistic friends, and Mottisfont became a place of relaxation and creativity.

Today you can stroll by the fast-flowing river test, enjoy beautiful gardens, and explore the unusual house and art gallery.

Mottisfont's walled garden is famous for its planting of old-fashioned shrub roses interplanted with herbaceous perennials. Until 1914, however, it was used for the purpose for which it was built - the production of fruit, vegetables and flowers for the house. The area known today as the Rose Garden, with its central pond and quartered layout, was the old kitchen garden, the walls covered in fruit-laden trees with more planted in the open ground and in the northern section.

The Flower Fairies and Dark Tales exhibition runs until the 2nd October, 2011. Further information and opening times can be found at The National Trust Website.

If you would like to see more Cicely Mary Barker books and artwork you can do so here

More Fairy books in stock here

Monica Edwards The Spirit of Punchbowl Farm

2011-09-21T09:00:00.008+01:00

The splendid yew tree has protected Punchbowl Farmhouse from gales and storms for many hundreds of years, and Lindsey Thornton loves it. She is positive the ancient tree holds the spirit that guards their home; to destroy it would be very wrong and some dreadful disaster might come upon them. But her brother Dion, who has shouldered the many problems of restoring and running the derelict farm, knows only that the yew’s poisonous branches are a constant threat to his small but growing herd of cows and even to the family’s beloved ponies.

Spirit of Punchbowl Farm Pg. 1

By Monica Edwards

Spirit of Punchbowl farm is now sold thank you for your interest.

Book of the week - Walt Disney's Sketch Book Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 1st edition, 1938

2011-09-19T09:00:00.019+01:00

Another book with truly beautiful illustrations and one of the nicest (in my opinion) Disney books ever produced. This is a rare first edition complete with original dust jacket.

Large format 12 x 9.5" with approximately 80 pages and 12 beautiful tipped-in tissue guarded colour plates mounted on thick brown card.

The plates show each of the characters in finished form (Sleepy, Dopey, Sneezy, Doc, Snow White, the Queen and so on) then there are numerous pages of black and white sketches showing the development of the various characters with notes about costumes and sets. Walt Disney's sketch book contains studies untouched by the various technical processes of cartoon film making.
Begun in 1934 when Walt Disney, inspired by the Grimm's fairy story, began the preliminary sketches on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which formed the basis of his first full length cartoon film. Amazingly this book was never published in America.

Christies Auctions in London sold a copy of this book in November 2010 the price realised was £2750.00 the copy we have in stock (in very good condition) is priced at £550.00.

Further details here

Other Disney items in stock here

I'm featuring this book to share some of the illustrations with you but maybe you would rather see something different. Maybe something less expensive? More expensive? I value any comments you might like to make.

Added Value: Things found in books part eleven

2011-09-16T09:00:00.017+01:00

Lovely old bookmark produced for Northern Insurance of London & Aberdeen.

Text from back of bookmark reads; persons about to insure should choose the Northern, Fire, Life, Accident, Burglary. Accumulated Funds (1906) £6782.00 Annual income over £1,700,000 Moorgate St, London, E.C.

Found In; Sketches of English Life and Character by Mary Russell Mitford with illustrations by Stanhope A Forbes A.R.A.

How about you - what do you use as a bookmark? Have you ever found a forgotten bookmark?

2011-09-15T22:00:00.004+01:00

I just want to say a massive thank you to Sophie at Life between pages for her feature on March House Books. This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week and I certainly appreciate being part of Sophie's blog.

If you would like to read more head on over to Life Between Pages

The Patchwork Cat

2011-09-15T08:48:00.001+01:00

The lid is tightly on; the bin is in the air and upside-down. Tabby falls out, wrapped in her patchwork quilt. She is in the rubbish truck. She sits and cries with no one there to hear. The engines and the shaking and the dangers and the quaking catch her calls.

The Patchwork Cat Pg. 10

By Nicola Bayley & William Mayne

View or Order Here

And the winner is……

2011-09-14T06:55:00.004+01:00

Vintage die-cut shape book

We are delighted to announce the winner of our ‘guess the name of the sailor’ giveaway is Julie (Falk_dog) Congratulations!

Two people correctly identified ‘George Michael’ so the winner was the first name drawn out of the hat. Commiserations to Bea, better luck next time.

There were some wonderfully inventive suggestions – our three favourites being Cracker Jack, Stevie Wonder and Billie Ocean.

Thanks to all who took the time to enter.

Book of the week; Pads Paws & Claws

2011-09-12T08:52:00.005+01:00

Written by W. P. Pycraft with illustrations by Edwin Noble, Published by Wells Gardner Darton, 1911. The illustrations comprise 32 beautiful tipped-in colour plates plus black and white chapter headings and tail-pieces. Sixteen chapters each concerning a different animal or animals including the Dormouse, Camel, Gnu, Kangaroo, Bears, the Tiger, Zebras and so on. For me the biggest joy is the beautiful illustrations but as I know very little about Edwin Noble I decided to try a little online research.

There doesn’t seem to be very much information – I found one reference that simply said -

Member of the Royal Academy, Mr. Noble primarily worked as an animal artist and children's illustrator.

The London Transport Museum were more helpful -

Edwin Noble (also known by the name John Edwin Noble), born 1876, died 1941. Designed posters for the Underground Group 1916.

Educated; Lambeth School of Art; the Slade School of Fine Art; Royal Academy School;

Biography:

No biographical details

So if you have more information or know of anywhere I could look I would be delighted to hear from you.

I hope you enjoy the illustrations as much as I do.

Pads Paws & Claws is now sold thank you for your interest.

Added Value: Things found in books part ten

2011-09-09T07:21:00.005+01:00

A cutting advertising ‘Birds in Britain’ a magazine programme edited and introduced by James Fisher and produced by Desmond Hawkins. I think this was cut from an edition of The Radio Times because on the back is a listing for Listen with Mother followed by one for Mrs Dale’s Diary. (Mrs. Dale, the doctor’s wife, records the daily happenings in the life of her family. Bob and Jenny had tea with Gwen and David, and Billy stood for the first time. Bob took David for a ride on his motor bicycle and they both fell off. Later in the week Bob met Linda Grant in the canteen at the airport. Isabel wanted Mrs. Freeman to be wardrobe mistress for the Operatic Society’s Christmas production, but Mrs. Dale thought it would be too much for her. Mr Fulton made ... that’s where it ends!)

Mrs Dale’s Diary was a BBC radio serial drama, first broadcast on the Home Service on 5th January 1948. It was broadcast twice daily on weekdays. The lead character, Mrs Dale, was played by Ellis Powell until she was replaced by Jessie Matthews in 1963. The series ran for 5,531 episodes, culminating with the engagement of Mrs Dale’s daughter Gwen to a famous TV professor on 25th April, 1969.

Found inside a lovely dust jacketed copy of The Taming of Genghis by Ronald Stevens with illustrations by C. F. Tunnicliffe.

Any Mrs Dale’s Diary fans out there know what year this was?

The taming of Genghis is now sold, thank you for your interest. We left the cutting inside the book as we thought the new owner might enjoy it.

2011-09-07T20:01:00.001+01:00

A very big thank you to Isabella at Book Garden Reviews for her feature on March House Books.

Moonshine Tales

2011-09-07T09:00:00.003+01:00

On the shelf of the village shop, hidden away among mousetraps and packets of rat-poison, lay a small wooden box, covered with a trellis patterned paper, like the wallpaper in a doll's house. A hook and eye kept the box tightly shut, and what ever was inside hadn't seen daylight for many months, for a thick layer of dust lay over it like a blanket. Tony spied it on its high shelf, and asked Mrs. Mothersill to reach it down for him to see. She fetched a step-ladder, with complains of her rheumatism, and grumbled at the nuisance of little boys who wanted things out of reach instead of being content with those on the counter. She lifted down the box, blew away the dust, wiped the lid on her apron, and undid the catch...

Some moonshine tales Pg. 68
By Alison Uttley
Some moonshine tales is now sold, thank you for your interest

A trip to the Dorset County Show

2011-09-04T16:36:00.015+01:00

We had a fabulous day at the Dorset county show – black clouds and the threat of rain had us 'umming and arring' about going but we are very glad we did.

The Dorset County show is one of the bigger agricultural shows with something for everyone. From livestock and farming to crafts and gardening plus a whole host of trade and charity stalls along the countless walkways.

The displays and attractions were almost too numerous to name but some of the best were the Bolddog Lings motor bike display team, Titan the Robot, rabbits, horses, goats, vintage cars and tractors, dog agility, Pony Club Games, Adams Axemen, the excitement of the scurry racing, ferret racing, terrier racing, and the fascinating Wolf Man Shaun Ellis.

My favourite display was the superb 'falconry on horseback' performed by Jonathan Marshall. The combination of unique falconry skills and superb showmanship held me spellbound. The stars of the show included Hawks, Falcons and Eagles which displayed incredible agility and speed. I can honestly say I could have watched nothing else all day and gone home content!
I would love to participate in a ‘horseback falconry day’ but don't think I have the courage. This is the preamble from Jonathan Marshall's website - After an introduction to the Harris Hawks and Arabian horses you will be shown how to handle and fly the hawks before being shown how to ride the horse using one hand. This is followed by a ride through beautiful woodland and open fields flying the hawks to the glove. After lunch fly Peregrine falcons and a pure White Gyr Falcon on the high hills near Exmoor. Learn to swing a lure for the fastest creatures on earth. How wonderful does that sound?

Number two on my list of favourite things was the fantastic dog and duck sheepdog demo with eight ducks (or possibly nine) being herded around the ring by three wonderful dogs. The funniest part of the whole day was when Lulu the sheepdog 'encouraged’ the ducks up a slide and down into a paddling pool, most of the ducks managed to miss the pool but Lulu was more than happy to jump in not once but twice! The crowds loved it.

The "push-me--pull-you"?

The horticulture and homecraft Marquees housed stunning displays of fruit, flowers, and vegetables, together with competition entries including everything from jams, wines, cakes, edible necklaces, garden sculptures, miniature gardens, art, photography, flower arranging and even scarecrows!

Loads of food stalls offered everything from cheeses, meats, cakes, sweets, breads, vegetables and pasties. We went home with a huge and delicious garlic bread and a pork and Silent Slasher (Dorset Piddle Silent Slasher Ale!) pie. What a great way to end a wonderful day!

More 'photos from the show here

Added Value: Things found in books part nine

2011-09-02T09:00:00.022+01:00

This week a 'proper' bookmark Produced for the RNL1 in 1993. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Providing a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK as well as seasonal lifeguard service on many of the busiest beaches in England and

Wales

.

Pretty bookmark showing coastal flora found inside this copy of Serbian Fairy Tales by Madame Elodie L Ijatovich with illustrations by Sidney Stanley. Published by William Heinemann in 1917.

Do you use a 'proper' bookmark or something that just happens to be at hand?

Serbian Fairy Tales is now sold, thank you for your interest.