3.31.2011

ALEXANDER


Today's vintage children's book will help you get your retro mid century on. Alexander is the story of a little boy and his make believe striped horse that gets blamed for his misbehavior. I don't have any info on Tom Vroman as I'm short on time, but hope that you will enjoy the pics. Have a great weekend everyone.








ALEXANDER
By Harold Littledale
Illustrated by Tom Vroman
Parent's Press Magazine, 1964

3.30.2011

Chestnut Grey, Russian Folk Tale



Today's book Chestnut Grey, is a Russian Folk Tale and is the story of the underdog (Ivan the Fool) winning the girl because he perseveres. I think it's also worth noting that his name is just plain Ivan at the end, because of his accomplishments. (You go Ivan!) BTW, the typography on the cover is terrible, just saying. Don't forget to click on the pics.












There is little information to be found on Tatiana Mavrina (1902-1996). A Russian artist who resided in Moscow, she mainly illustrated Russian folk/fairy tales. It seems a shame that there isn't more information about her. But I think it's because at the time recognition of artists like Mavrina were suppressed. Sad. Well, she did a fine job in illustrating Chestnut Grey, her use of color is great and she was a very good draftsman. Tatiana Mavrina was a very talented artist.





Chestnut Grey
Told by M. Bulatov
Illustrated by Tatiana Lebedeva Mavrina

3.28.2011

Pepito's Story, Eugene Fern






Today's vintage children's book has a good moral about accepting others for who they are. Pepito's Story has some really nice illustrations and is richly imbued with bright colors. Don't forget to click on the pictures. 













Pepito's Story was written and illustrated by Eugene Fern (1920-1987). I was not able to find much about Fern other than he was an artist, writer, professor of art and illustrator of children’s books. Fern wrote and illustrated a number of children’s books.



What a wonderful sentiment and so true!





Pepito's Story
Written and illustrated by Eugene Fern
Ariel Books, New York, 1960


Books by Eugene Fern:

Pepito’s Story, 1960
Lorenzo and Angelina, 1968
The Most Frightened Hero, 1961
Birthday Presents, 1967
What's He Been Up to Now?, 1961
The King Who Was Too Busy, 1966

3.25.2011

Little Red Riding Hood

Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Folk tales and fairy tales are at the top of the list when it comes to vintage children's books. The Brothers Grimm folk tale, Little Red Riding Hood, has been a beloved and enduring story. Originally titled Little Red Cap, the story has a strong lesson. Since it's publication, Little Red Riding Hood has been illustrated by many artists over the years. Here is just a sampling of the different artistic interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood. 





Retold and illustrated by Andrea Wisnewski
David R. Godine, 2006

Little Red Riding Hood
Retold and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman


Chromolithograph from a 1920's FairyTale Gems book 
Illustrated by Jennie Harbour

A little history on the Grimm's brothers: Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were born in Hanau, Germany. In their university years they started to collect folk tales and fairy tales. They did so because at this time these stories were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. They wanted to preserve these stories, especially ones that involved German heritage and culture.

Their first book, Children's and Household Tales (1812), had 86 stories. It was a big success. Readers were happy to see stories they had been told as children collected together. The next volume titled Grimm's Fairy Tales, had 70 additional stories. There were six more editions until the book contained over 200 stories.



Illustrated by Bernadette



German Illustration


Illustrated by June Goldsborough


Illustrated by Pablo Ramirez
Photo Credit



Illustrated by Winnie Fitch
Photo Credit


Illustrated by Susan Blair


Little Whitman book


Little Red-Cap

Red Riding Hood Inspired Schedule Books


Illustrated by Florence and Margaret Hoopes, 1938

The Grimms brothers became known throughout Europe as experts on folk tales, language and all things German. Wilhelm and Jacob had a close relationship. They went to the same university and were always together. Jacob continued to live with his brother even after Wilhelm married. In addition to being professors at the University of Berlin, they both became librarians. Total book lovers, they published many other books such as German Mythology, Old German Tales, The History of the German Language and a German Dictionary.