After a previous post about Chloe Preston and the Peek-A-Boos (view here) I was contacted by a lady called Beryl. She rang to ask if the postcards featured in the post were for sale. After I explained they were part of my own collection and not for sale Beryl told me about some of the books given to her when she was a little girl. She asked if I had come across a book called Dumpty Dumpties. Although a fan of Chloe Preston I had to admit I hadn't, and a quick search on Google revealed only one copy for sale in America . A few days later I received a letter from Beryl with several images from her copy of Dumpty Dumpties (reproduced below)
While Beryl and I were chatting she asked if I had a copy of
Chloe Preston and the Peek-A-Boos by Mary Hillier. I didn't but have since
found a copy. Beryl if you are reading this, I can confirm Dumpty Dumpties is
not listed in Mary Hillier's book.
Chloe-Preston and the Peek-A-Boos by Mary Hillier
I recently found another Chloe Preston book called The
Peek-A-Boos Among the Bunnies published in 1913 by Humphrey Milford. It's in
terrible condition with missing pages, scribbles and tears, but I love it! I
can't possibly sell it because of the poor condition, but I've happily added it
to my collection. These are some of the colour illustrations that are still in
good condition;
Maximilian Peek-A-Boo helping Master Alfred Rabbit
Alfred Rabbit and Matilda Peek-A-Boo at the Rabbit Ball
Matilda Peek-A-Boo, Mr. Rabbit and Baby Rabbit
Matilda and Maximilian Peek-A-Boo
Have you seen a copy of The Dumpty Dumpties or any other book illustrated by Chloe Preston? Do you like here illustrations?
The Peek-A-Boos among the Bunnies is not
for sale, but I do have a lovely copy of The Chummy book on my website. Now sold, thank you for your interest.
Chloe Preston provided the artwork for the front cover and
this lovely colour plate.
Have you seen a copy of The Dumpty Dumpties or any other book illustrated by Chloe Preston? Do you like here illustrations?
Hello Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Chloe Preston's illustrations before, but I love them.
The cute, big eyes and chubby cheeks are just adorable!
Thank you so much for showing these :)
Hello Yvonne, I had a feeling you would like them, there is something very appealing about them.
DeleteI enjoy sharing. Thank you for taking the time to call in and comment. Barbara.
Good afternoon dear friend!
ReplyDeleteYou know, this is the first time I've been exposed to both names, but I have seen these illustrations before! But as swiftly as bookstores are disappearing, quickly are the immediate resources fading that we can see such treasures in person. But I know that in my numerous visits to bookstores here and in Boston, Massachusetts, I have seen these darling drawings. They remind me of an era long past: art deco!
I hope you are well and out of weather's harm's way. BE SAFE AND WARM! Anita
Hello Anita, thank you for calling it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
DeleteHow exciting! I wonder if you saw a copy of the same book or maybe prints from it. I would love to know if you see them again.
I've been watching the weather reports, and it looks awful in your part of the world. Our little Island is drenched, but at least it’s not freezing – thank goodness! Stay safe Anita, wrap up warm and drink lots of hot chocolate! xx
These are such sweet little characters! Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked them Diane. Thanks so much for taking a look. Barbara.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book and gorgeous illustrations
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxx
Thanks Julie, I had a lot of fun with this post. xx
DeleteSuch distinctive illustrations, cute chubby faces! And the rabbit..! Happy New Year Barbara.
ReplyDeleteHello Lindsay, I agree about the rabbit - he is just scrumptious! Probably, the wrong word to use, but I know you understand what I'm trying to say!
DeleteDearest Barbara!
ReplyDeleteOH, lots of hot chocolate, tea, coffee, soup and sitting by the fire for us today! I did see that your island is sopping wet - so scary to be in a state of flooding! And we are out here being pushed over by strong winds and snow. Let's hold our breath and hope for a calmer day....SOON! BIG HUGS, Anita
I think that is all we can do Anita. Stay safe. xxx
DeleteSuch lovely illustrations ..... cute doesn't come into it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy, glad you like them.
DeleteWhat a wonderfully cute illustration style! I love the little girl dancing with Mr. Rabbit one!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a fantastic new year Barbara!!
-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
Thank you Jamie, I appreciate your visit & comment. Barbara
DeleteSweet and beautiful illustrations. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, thank you for calling in and leaving a comment.
DeleteSuch fun books. It's the illustrations that I love. I've never heard of this author so thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna, glad you like them.
DeleteThese illustrations are beautiful! I love the style and favorite is the one of Matilda and Maximilian Peek-A-Boo because of their expressions. I think it is wonderful that you and Beryl had such a nice conversation about a shared interest. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Hi Stephanie, it was good to chat with Beryl & it’s lovely to converse with you. Happy New Year, Barbara x
DeleteI have never seen these books before ... the illustrations are absolutely adorable.
ReplyDeleteHope you're managing to stay dry!
M x
Well, just a tad damp around the edges but not bad considering how it is for others.
DeleteI hope you are in a good spot well away from all the floods.
Thanks for calling in. xx
~ Helloooo, Barbara...Here at last! Phew happy of happiest new years to you and yours...
ReplyDeleteLOVE and love some more the beautiful illustrations in these books..~ Most especially, Mr Alfred rabbit getting all 'poshed' up in his smartest clothes... and then being whisked off to the ball! Beautiful!
~ Keep well my lovely friend!
Love Maria x
Hello Maria, I can see how busy you are over at Bumblebee, and I am very honoured by your visit. How lovely to think of Mr. Rabbit being whisked off to the ball in his smartest clothes – thank you for always making me laugh Maria and thank you for your visit. Take care xx
DeleteDo I like the illustrations? They are so lovely! The thought of children's literature from that period reflecting the kind of love and chumminess children then experienced sent a warm wave through me. The baby rabbit sitting on Mr. Rabbit's lap reminds me of Olive sitting on my dad's lap. Yet another heartwarming post, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteHello Claudine, I’m so pleased! I thought you would like this one, but it’s nice to have it confirmed. I would love to see another picture of Olive, maybe you will share one on your blog? xx
Deletethese are adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Joleene, so glad you like them. Thanks for your visit.
DeleteA very cute find! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcia.
Delete