Collecting:: Old Favourites for a New Generation
Books. Books are my favourite toys. Fortunately, my children take after me. We would rather have a book than almost anything else. Some of our fondest families memories centre around a family read-aloud. I love to share favourite books from my own childhood, and to explore books that my parents and grandparents enjoyed.
I am blessed to have grown up (and eventually settled our family) near a marvelous old book store. They have sucha a treasure trove of antique books of every description, some first editions, some signed. But most of the books at the Book Bear in West Brookfield, MA are well-loved volumes from the libraries of regular folks.
This particular collection of Thornton Burgess books were a gift from the owner. I had gone in to purchase a complete set of Harvard Classics and The Great Books, both of which they had, in beautiful condition. I spotted these lovelies while perusing the children’s section with my William. At the time, we were reading the Burgess Bird Book for Children.
The covers are a little faded, but in wonderful condition. The cover illustrations are bright and charming.
Standing the test of time - still wonderful reading for children almost 100 years after the stories were first published.
The end papers are simply darling. I would love to have wallpaper made after them. Wouldn’t it be fun to paint them with watercolours or pastels?
Billy Possum is too cute, but doesn’t look much like the adventurous type in this illustration.
What is our friend Johnny Chuck up to, I wonder? Why don’t you stop by for a cup of tea and we’ll find out.
