Sometimes I think it’s a little weird that I write a weekly post for a vintage lifestyle blog. I definitely have an appreciation for vintage decor, and I loooove vintage fashion, (more on that next week) but most of my furniture is from – don’t laugh – IKEA. I definitely have handmade and cozy touches around, like the the Faerie Tree but in general, there’s much more of a minimalist-meets-two-small-children-live-here vibe in my home. Except in one place….
THE BOOKSHELF!
I love love love vintage children’s books. At the risk of sounding like my father, they just don’t write ’em like they used to! Since I have an extensive (translation – ridiculously huge) collection of children’s books, I wanted to share of few of my lesser known favorites with you.
1. A Hole Is to Dig by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
Really more of a collection of charming definitions of common words by children, A Hole Is To Dig made me laugh out loud. I treasure the hilarious things that the Busy Bees say, and I can’t help but picture the sweet faces of the children who gave Miss Krauss her inspiration for this adorable book. And Maurice Sendak is the best children’s book illustrator ever. Period. Done. That is all.
2. Lucille by Arnold Lobel, illustrated by Arnold Lobel
You probably have met Lobel’s most beloved characters, Frog and Toad, but Lucille is definitely on an equal plane with those two. Perhaps I love her so much because I identify with Lucille, the plain happy horse who tries to be something she is not, and discovers the joys of being herself. Or maybe it’s because the awesome colors remind me of my parents’ rockin’ 70’s brown and orange paisley velour couch.
3. Little Bear and The Marco Polo by Eloise Minark.
Little Bear is my faaaaaaaavorite. There’s something so sweet and reassuring about the language in the whole series and this lesser known Little Bear adventure is no exception. Little Bear shares an afternoon with his Grandparents and shares in their precious love story. And he gets to pretend to be a sea captain.
4. Miss Suzy by Miriam Young, illustrated by Arnold Lobel
A tale of a squirrel who loses her home and the brave toy soldiers who help her get it back. Chivalry isn’t dead. The illustrations are sooooo amazing in this book. I actually considered basing the Baby Bee’s nursery on Miss Suzy’s tree. Now I am considering basing my next home on Miss Suzy’s tree.
5. Cecily Giraffe and the 9 Monkeys by H. A. Rey
Did you know Curious George had a Giraffe sidekick? And 8 brothers and sisters? And a mom named Mother Pampelmoose? Now you do. Go read it. It’s awesome.
6. Burt Dow, Deep Water Man, by Robert McCloskey
This. Book. Is. A. Friggin Masterpiece. The hilarious storyline? Perfect. The incredible illustrations? Perfect. The hysterical characters? Perfect. It is just a wee bit long, but the story of an old fisherman who encounters a band-aid loving pod of whales might even hold the attention of the squirmiest wiggle worm.
Reading with my kiddos is usually the best part of my day, the calm amid the chaos. I hope you and your family will enjoy these vintage treasures as much as we have.
Happy Reading!
