I'm spoilt for choice! Much like the fairy in the following picture
I spend my days flitting from book to book without alighting on any of them. But
it has to stop! So without further ado – here are some newly listed books, please
enjoy.
Flight Five Africa a Ladybird book of travel written
by David Scott Daniell.
Standing at just seven inches tall these diminutive
little books have the ability to transport us back to the cosy days of
childhood. Wills and Hepworth who publish Ladybird books are celebrating their
centenary this year. One hundred years ago, they were busy printing stationery,
catalogues, maps and all manner of commercial ephemera. They also provided
book-binding services and from that came the printing of the first Ladybird books.
The mystery of the invisible thief by Enid Blyton. Published by Methuen in 1956.
Who stole the valuable cat? Mr. Goon the policeman has been
on a refresher course and learnt many new things - including the art of
disguising himself. Robberies come along, with plenty of clues, but the clues lead
nowhere. Is the thief invisible?
Junior Detectives Limited by Jean A Rees. Published by Pickering & Inglis in 1960.
Douglas and Jerry are fond of practical jokes
and enjoy playing them on the masters at school. When things begin disappearing,
a detective is engaged to find the culprit. After the mystery is solved,
Douglas, Jerry and their friends form themselves into a society of Junior
Detectives and unmask an illicit gang.
Kit and the Mystery Man by Mollie Chappell. Published in 1966.
Kit Pugh is a dreamer. He has only to see a ship, or leaf
through a travel folder, and he is lost in a dream of faraway places which he
longs to visit. Perhaps that is why Joe fascinates him so much, for the
mysterious Joe can tell stories of exotic lands which make Kit's heart beat
with excitement. Another favourite pastime of Kit's is gazing through the dusty
glass of Quoram's the antique shop in Langley. It is there he first sees the
painting which is to stir up so much trouble...
A breath of French Air by H. E. Bates published in 1959.
Pop Larkin and his handsome family of seven step
outside their rural paradise for an excursion into another world. Armed with
plenty of tax-free cash, their Rolls-Royce and little French, they take their
first holiday abroad...
This beautifully illustrated edition of Snow White
was published by Gallery Five, London in 1977. A miniature Book measuring just 3.5 x 4.5" with 42 pages. Very pretty colour and black/white silhouettes by Jan Pienkowski.
The picture in the background is by Agnes Richardson.
I have lots of old illustrations that I can't bring myself to throw away even
when the books have long fallen apart. I've hung on to some of them for more
than twenty years with no idea what I might do with them, how nice then to share
some of them on my blog.
Just two more before I flutter away. Bumble-ardy by Maurice Sendak. Bumble-ardy the mischievous pig decides to throw a birthday party. He invites along all his friends for a wild masquerade that quickly gets out of hand.
Racketty-Packetty House by Frances Hodgson Burnett with illustrations by Holly Johnson. Published by Evans Brothers of London in 1976. Cynthia much
preferred Tidy Castle, and no longer wanted to play with the old doll's house,
indeed she was quite ashamed of it. She thought the corner behind the door
quite good enough for such a shabby old thing. This is the story of how Queen
Crosspatch, and her band of fairies rescued the house and its occupants from a terrible unjust end.
Now where did I put the fairy dust?
All the Books featured in this post are now sold, thank you for your interest.
That's a great selection of books. The snow white book looks very tempting! Sx
ReplyDeleteThat’s the problem Suzi, they are tempting – tempting me to read not list! Thanks for coming over.
DeleteGOOD MORNING, BARBARA! Oh, that Breath of French Air has caught my eye! But all of these small books are wonderfully packed with adventure and imagination. Yes, to spend a day immersed in book after book....now that is paradise in winter. I have been enjoying the pleasure of doing as such, and now writing more. Oh, I love this book to my right: The Monster RUPERT!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day dearest Barbara! Anita
Hello Anita, fancy you spotting the Rupert book all the way over on the right! :-) I tidied up the right-hand column a couple of weeks ago, and you are the first person (as far as I know) to notice.
DeleteThank you for been such a consistent visitor Anita. I always look forward to hearing from you.
I hope you are keeping warm dear friend. We are starting to see a few hints of spring now so I hope it won’t be too long in coming for you.
Much love Barbara.
Precious friend, I saw your comment, and I will never tire of seeing YOU or anyone else who decides to pop on over. My blog is still open to visitors, still open to a surprise post (I hope to get my book project underway to announce it) because this blogging experience for me has been the best.
ReplyDeleteAll is well here, still cold, however. Spring for us comes way too late, stays very short, but does it ever inspire us here in this frozen land!
I LOVE RUPERT! And to you my dear, I say, HAVE A SUPER MONDAY! Anita
How exciting Anita, in that case I will keep on popping in to be sure I don’t miss the announcement.
DeleteIt’s raining in the UK but the sun is also trying to shine, and I do believe spring has (almost) arrived. We haven’t the heart to complain about the rain this year – and if we do we just need to look at the pictures from your part of the world to be reminded how lucky we are.
Enjoy your writing and keep warm. Barbara x
I hope you are the blue fairy :) Do you watch Once Upon a Time? It looks like you have a few mysteries on your hands! "The Mystery of the Invisible Thief" looks quite lengthy for a story about a stolen cat!
ReplyDeleteHi Brandy, I don't, but I was intrigued so had to Google it! Enid Blyton could make a mystery out of nothing. I loved her stories when I was small (still do actually!) Thanks for your visit. Barbara.
DeleteI don't know about a fairy in that picture but I certainly feel like a child left lose in a sweet shop ... or a book shop/library for that matter.
ReplyDeleteLoving the look of the Snow White book you feature. I'm trying to remember which other books Jan Pienkowski illustrated.
Hi Tracy, that is exactly how I feel! Jan Pienkowski has illustrated loads of books, but my favourites are the pop-ups like Haunted house and the little monsters' series. I also love his book about Easter, which is perfect for this time of the year.
DeleteSuch a gorgeous collection, Barbara! I'm terrible when it comes to parting with books, and would definitely have kept most of these. ♥
ReplyDeleteTell me about Yvonne! It’s just as well Terry keeps reminding me I’m ‘supposed’ to sell a few from time to time. There is also the problem of space – I need more! Thanks for visiting Barbara x
DeleteWow, there's some inspiration hiding behind those cute covers. A trip to France with very little French reminds me of a trip I once took as a child and Snow White looking like Red Riding Hood and finally the doll house story sounds enchanting!!Delightful selections.
ReplyDeleteHello Eve, enchanting indeed! Thank you for looking and for leaving a comment, I appreciate it very much. Barbara
DeleteI love the cover of the Frances Hodgson Burnett book. As for old illustrations you can't get rid of, a lot of people frame and display them to give them a new life.
ReplyDeleteHello Kristin, it’s beautiful isn't it? You are quite right about framing and displaying, and that’s what I will do! I will share a few more on the blog first though as they are not so easy to scan/photograph once they are framed. Thanks for your visit, Barbara.
DeleteHi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful selection of books you have shared - they all look so neat and would love to read them. I wondered if 'A breath of French Air' was turned into the Darling Buds of May series, that I loved so much - there was a Pop Larkin and they had a large family.
Thanks for visiting me and will be hoping your dental work goes well this time - isn't it horrible having the procedure to make up the crown.
Enjoy the week
hugs
Carolyn
Hello Carolyn,
DeleteYou are absolutely right A breath of French Air is the second book in the Pop Larkin series. H. E. Bates wrote five books about the Larkins – The darling buds of May 1958, A breath of French air 1959, When the green woods laugh 1960, Oh to be in England 1963 and A little of what you fancy in 1970. The TV series was based on the first four books.
Thank you for thinking about me, I’ve got one more appointment before it should all be finished (thank goodness!) I hope your final fitting went well? Love Barbara.
I read that Enid Blyton one, albeit about fourty years ago. Such wonderful books. I wish my daughter were interested.
ReplyDeleteHello Roger, I read it too but in my case it was fifty plus years ago. I can understand why your daughter might not be interested it would probably feel very old-fashioned to a young person. My grandsons rarely pick up a book and would be horrified if I suggested they should read Enid Blyton. Anyway, I think we should keep such wonderful treats for us oldies! (Sorry to include you in that category)
DeleteWhat a delightful collection of books. You are blessed to be surrounded with all these adventures!!
ReplyDeleteHi Darlene, you are so right! Thank you as always for your visit, Barbara
DeleteHello Barbara!! I'm very happy visiting you and commenting again! (well, truth is sometimes I have been visiting in silence shhhh :)).
ReplyDeleteAs always it's a pleasure watching all your books but I'm sure you can guess today I choose Snow White...I really love that sweet illustration.
Hugs!
Silvina
Dear Silvina, it was so lovely to hear from you today! Leaving comments does take up so much time and for a while I stopped doing it too, but then I missed all my lovely blogging friends (like you) so I started again.
DeleteI don’t always comment on your posts, but I call in often to look at all your lovely things.
Much love, Barbara
Hello Barbara, Love your flitting about like a fairy and finding treasures for us to see. Very useful flitting indeed:-) now I too flit around but produce nothing useful :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Shashi, it’s reassuring to know my flitting around is appreciated, thank you! :-)
DeleteGreat selection Barbara! Takes me back to my childhood when Ladybird books where IT.
ReplyDeleteIt’s the same for me David. I had several from the Well-Loved Tales series, and I really did love them!
DeleteWhat a super bundle of books. I also had loads of Ladybird books as a child - and "Flight Five Africa" definitely looks familiar. My favourite cover of these has to be the H.E.Bates - it radiates joie de vivre and 50s charm!
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, I agree the H. E. Bates cover is fabulous! I was going to share a picture of The Darling Buds of May from the same series, but it sold before I had time to write the post.
DeleteAwesome books! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, It was my pleasure! Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI always loved those detective mystery books as a kid! Looks like you have a great batch of books there! Happy Sales!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane. It’s a pleasure to own such pretty books, but it’s also a thrill to sell one or two.
DeleteBarbara - love your books as always, and love the illustrations you've saved!! Have you thought about framing them? They would make great decorations for your granddaughter's rooms!!
ReplyDeleteHello Teressa, I’m ashamed to admit this, but I hadn’t though of my granddaughters. They are coming over from Australia in December, so I must ask their mum what she thinks. Thank you for the idea!
DeleteEvening Barbara,
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to read your posts. This one especially as the picture on the cover of Flight Five Africa illustrates exactly the sort of shields and decorated spears I had written about in our family history. So it took me straight back to my childhood. Thank you.
Good Evening John it’s always a pleasure to hear from you. I’m afraid I'm rather biased towards girly books hence I tried to include something that might appeal to the boys. I'm happy to know Flight Five Africa hit the spot.
DeleteWhat a lovely selection of books! I love the angel too! I think my favorite is probably the Snow White book. Amazing that some of these are so small! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Stephanie, I always think small books are perfect for little hands. I had several miniature books when I was growing up, and they were among my favourites. Thanks for commenting, Barbara
DeleteHave always loved a good mystery! And it tickles me to know Mr. Goon (fabulous name for a policeman) takes refresher courses to learn more about his profession. These are all beautiful-looking books. I have read the Maurice Sendak book and I hugely enjoyed the paintings. You have such a wonderful job, Barbara! Mine's pretty good, too, but yours is ... so pretty!
ReplyDeleteHello Claudine, I agree Mr. Goon is a brilliant name but then Enid Blyton managed to come up with dozens of inventive character names. The Saucepan Man, Mr.Watzisname (who was actually called Kollamoolitumarellipawkyrollo!) and Dame Washalot for starters!
DeleteI could be persuaded to swap jobs, but only if you agreed to pass your writing talent over to me. No? I thought not. :-)
Hi Barbara
ReplyDeleteOh how these books take me back. I love the illustrations, especially the Jan P ones.
Hugs Frances x
Hello Frances, so pleased you like them. It was lovely to see two new posts from you this morning. Barbara x
DeleteHi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteAs I gradually awaken from my hibernation, the magical alertness starts to beat within my heart. For your blog fills the eyes of man who will forever remember the wonder of those books from my childhood. Enid Blyton and such memories...
Thank you and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Gary :)
Hi Gary, what a lovely thing to say, thank you. Barbara x
DeleteBeautiful, beautiful books Barbara!
ReplyDeleteAll of them are inviting me to turn their pages specially the 'Flight five in Africa' and the 'Kit and the Mystery Man' .. gazing through the dusty glass, the painting .... sigh.
I am so much attracted towards the antique shop though most of the times I could hardly afford a thing but the charm is inexorable :)
Dear Kokila, your comment made my day, thank you! I too love antique shops, book shops, and vintage fairs and understand exactly how you feel. I have to admit to feeling a little daunted by some of the ‘smarter’ antique shops, but I still find myself wandering around them even though I know I will never buy anything.
DeleteThank you for coming over to see me today. Barbara.
This love for all things vintage is mutual :)
DeletePS. what's the background in the first image ..a book or a cloth ? Its beautiful with light strokes ....
cheers and love
Hello Kokila, its part of a much larger poster for an exhibition in London back in 2004 (I collect all sorts of things besides books). The description on the poster is Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) The fairies are exquisite dancers, signed and dated 1906, pen ink and watercolour. Illustrated: J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens.
DeleteHugs Barbara.