Few words are needed to describe this lovely wordless picture book by John S Goodall. The exquisite paintings and use of half-pages carry you along without the need for words. The story begins when Kelly a lovable Koala, Dot a Dutch Doll and Esmeralda a tiny mouse awake just before midnight. After enjoying tea and cakes in the dolls-house their adventure begins. They climb into an inviting picture on the wall with a river running through it and a rowboat drawn up on the bank. After a trip on the river, tea with a hedgehog and a ride in a gypsy caravan the three friends arrive at a village fair. When Esmeralda is caught by a large and very unfriendly cat, it’s Dot’s quick wit and Kelly’s bold action that saves them from disaster.
What do you think - did they plan their trip or was it a spur of the moment thing? Have you 'read' this or any other wordless picture books by John S Goodall?
Please say hello to Lilly Grace born at the women’s and children’s hospital Adelaide on the 23rd May. Congratulations to Karen and Steve we can’t wait to meet you Lilly Grace – won’t be long now.
Lilly is our fourth grandchild. The eldest is Kip followed by Tris, Zoe Rose and now Lilly Grace. We couldn't be any prouder or happier!
I was going to comment on the beautiful illustrations, but they're nothing compared to the stunning Lilly Grace. Congratulations to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The illustrations do rather pale in comparison - but I would say that - I'm a grandma!!
DeleteCongratulations, Barbara. Lily Grace is such a beauty! (I'm thinking she's Zoe Rose's sister?) What an exhilarating week this must be for you!
ReplyDeleteAs to your question on the book (of wonderful, wonderful pictures), I'd say it was an on-the-spur trip. Adventures tend to stir from impulse!
Thank you Claudine, see is indeed a beauty! Sister to Zoe Rose and half-sister to Kip and Tristan. Lilly and Zoe are from Steven’s second marriage. It’s been an amazing week – my sister’s 70th the birth of Lilly and a 50th birthday on Sunday. Hard to think about work now!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. I think they woke up, had breakfast and thought – lets go!
Many congratulations! Such a beautiful baby with a beautiful name :)
ReplyDeleteI love that book. I've never heard of The Midnight Adventures before but I'm sure my niece and nephew would love it. I wonder if it's been republished since? If not, then it should be!
Thank you – we think she is absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a lovely book, so I’m sure your niece and nephew would enjoy it. The copy I have in stock is from 1977, but I believe it has been reprinted a few times since then.
Congratulations on your newest granddaughter. What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteI have not read this delightful book- but the pictures are so captivating. It would be a fun story to make up the words to as you read. Every time it could be slightly different. The colors are so pretty.
What a beautiful baby. congratulations to the parents.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are precious. I love the little girl's outfit. Looks like a grand adventure.
Thank you Jess!
ReplyDeleteMaking up a slightly different story each time would be a lot of fun. It’s such a pretty book, I found myself taking more and more ‘photos – as you can probably tell!
Thanks Donna, I will pass your good wishes along.
ReplyDeleteThe little girl's apron and red/white stripy tights somehow make the pictures for me. John Goodall was a very talented artist with a wonderful imagination.
Lilly is darling, congratulations! Love the book, the shaggy little Koala is sweet!
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely reason to celebrate in your family! How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. Congrats! Thanks for the welcome on Book Blogs. I'm following and love children's books. Carla
ReplyDeleteLily Grace is adorable! Congratulations on the newest grandchild Barbara. How exciting. I have 4 grandchildren too and what treasures they are. I bet you can't wait to meet this little sweetie. Life is good.
ReplyDeleteThank you, we think so too. I fell in love with Koala bears on holiday in Australia – but none of them had as much fur as Kelly!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali, thanks for visiting also.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carla, thank you also for visiting and following my blog. I’ve just visited and followed back. Barbara.
ReplyDeleteLife is good! We hope to meet Lilly Grace and see our other grandchildren again in December. We live on apposite sides of the world so visits are very precious. How lovely that you have four grandchildren too, how lucky are we?
ReplyDeleteDear Barbara! Thank you so much for your kind words at BookBlogs today! It is so fun to get to know bloggers all over the world, and I'm looking forward to following you. I'd be so happy if you decided to follow my blog too :) Hugs from
ReplyDeleteHello Anette, thanks for visiting and following. I’ve just been over to visit you and found lots to interest and entertain me. I love your blog and have now followed. Barbara
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book! Thank you for introducing me to it. And congratulations on your very happy new arrival! :)
ReplyDeleteLindsay
What a beautiful name-Lily Grace! Congratulations Barb!! She's so cute--only sleepy! Awwww. Thanks for the adorable picture book that can communicate in any language!
ReplyDeleteHello Lindsay, thank you! It’s a very sweet book with beautiful illustrations. Lilly Grace is beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteLilly Grace is absolutely beautiful just like her sister Zoe Rose, we are truly blessed. Thanks for taking the time to call in and leave a comment, I appreciate it very much.
ReplyDeleteI adore John Goodall! My favorite is Paddy Pork! Your newest grand is so cute! A beautiful name for a lovely wee girl!
ReplyDeletePaddy Pork is fantastic I also like the ones about Shrewbettina. Thanks for your kind words about Lilly Grace – she is a lovely wee girl indeed!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely book and so clever the way the pages turn. It looks very familiar but I don't think I've seen it before so I can't work out why I think I recognise it.
ReplyDeleteYour new grand daughter is just gorgeous - I love her dreamy expression in the photo!
It’s odd how things feel familiar, but you can’t think why. Maybe it’s similar to another book you had as a child?
ReplyDeleteLilly Grace will be three weeks old on Wednesday – it’s amazing how quickly the time passes. Her mummy and daddy are very good at sending us pictures, so we can watch her grow.
I love John S Goodall, and have a couple of his picture books! I also look for adult books that he's illustrated - my favorites are the books by Miss Read. He illustrated most of them.
ReplyDeleteHello Laura, I enjoy books by Miss Read. John Goodall's illustrations perfectly compliment the stories. Thanks for calling in.
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