Book Worm - Where the Wild Things Are

Google has commemorated the much-loved, though sometimes controversial, American children's author and book illustrator, Maurice Sendak, best know for Where The Wild Things Are.

Sendak, who would have celebrated his 85th birthday today, was a superb artist who created some of the most original children's books every published. Some had his own text and pictures, such as In The Night Kitchen, Outside Over There and Higglety Pigglety Pop! while others, including Mr Rabbit and The Lovely Present andA Hole is to Dig, matched his illustrations to others' words.

  

All images (c) Maurice Sendak

Where the Wild Things Are, with its anarchic hero in the form of wolf suit-wearing Max, caused controversy on its publication in 1963, when some teachers and librarians thought it could be a bad influence on children, or otherwise be too frightening or disturbing for them. However, it went on to unprecedented success, selling over 19 million copies worldwide, and was later both turned into an opera and adapted for the cinema.

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Book Worm - Claude in the City by Alex T Smith

I was introduced to this by my nephew and his mum (my sister-in-law) who both love these books because their humour appeals to adults and kids alike.

Claude is no ordinary dog - he leads an extraordinary life!

When his owners, Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes set off for work, Claude decides what adventure he wants to have that day.

 

There are six books in this series (to my knowledge) written by Alex T Smith. Claude in the - city, country, spotlight, circus and on holiday and on the slopes.
 
As you can see, Claude is prepared for all eventualites and amazingly enough he comes in need of everything he packs!

When not working author Alex enjoys doodling in his sketchbook, reading, people watching and eavesdropping. He is also a big fan of cake and a nice cup of tea. He lives with and under the constant 'supervision' of his canine companions - two very tiny, very naughty chihuahuas (Coco and Mr. Bongo) and an ancient and very bossy Yorkshire Terrier - Lucy Locket.  You can check out his blog here ...

All images (c) Alex T Smith

 

Creative Director at www.cobwebknits.co.uk

Trivial Pursuits - embroidery with Wendy Stephenson

Another find on Facebook.  I wasn't sure whether to put this in the category Meet the Maker or Trivial Pursuits, but since she produces embroidery patterns to complement her adorable watercolours, I thought I'd include it in this section in the hope it may inspire some of you to have a go yourselves.

It was actually the sweet stitched image below that I saw first.  Made by Wendy Stephenson of snap dragon ....

.. a little further investigation unearthed more of her work including these cute little ceramic pots, cushions and other textiles.

I'm not sure if she does illustrations for childrens' books, but judging by these, she certainly could.

And so a little about the artist ...
"I love to take photographs, draw, paint, stitch and watch the clouds. If I can combine all these with a swim, then it's a day well spent. So welcome to my little studio space, and I hope you find something to make you smile!'

All images (c) Wendy Stephenson

Book Worm - Once upon a time

       

I love the collection of Ladybird books that I have had since childhood. They were the Well Loved Tales 606d series and I loved them because of the beautiful illustrations.

   

I longed for Cinderella’s ballgowns and I loved the fact that she attended three balls and that each gown got better and better.  And who could fail to fall in love with the cute little elves who helped the shoemaker? 

       

All the stories were beautifully illustrated by Robert Lumley or Eric Winter.  

       

They were truly stunning and it’s not surprising that when Ladybird began to enjoy a bit of a renaissance and launched a new range of retro products, it was inspired by this era.

There’s a website where you can buy prints of the illustrations http://www.ladybirdprints.com/index.php

Book Worm - Angie Stevens

As every mother knows, it’s the little things children do and say that make being a parent so rewarding. Yet even the most precious moments can get lost in the day-to-day mayhem.  

January                                                 February

This heart-warming book of sketches by mother-of-three Angie Stevens, from Swansea, celebrates the unsung side of motherhood.

                            

Mother's Day

Easter

Every night after her children, Millie, nine, Evie, five, and Gruff, three, go to bed, Angie, pictured above, devotes half an hour to doodling a scene from the day that’s just passed.

July

Halloween

 

Christmas

All images © Angie Stevens and Doodlemum, 2010-2013

You can see more of Angie's work on her blog (which is great viewing as she uses few words and great read would be misleading) and buy her book here.

Book Worm - Richard Scarry books

Do you remember this or any other of Richard Scarry's books?  

I loved it.  It was written with the intention that children would be amused but at the same time learn about words and numbers and even about things like sharing and helping.

 

And it worked.  I lapped up every image.  I loved the human qualities of the animals and the enormity of the elephant perched on his trike.

And I scoured the different rooms, looking for humorous pictures of the 'children' getting up to mischief.  I was completely duped by the fact that I was learning English, Maths, Geography, Zoology and Ethics at the same time!

All images © Golden Books

Richard Scarry wrote over 300 books and sold over 150 million copies world-wide.   They are timeless classics and I urge you to get onto ebay or Amazon and snap one up today!