Hey, look, everybody! The Retro Book Fair has rolled into town, again! I wonder what neat, old book is being featured this time...? Let's check it out!
Wow! As it turns out, it's actually one of my favorite types of children's books! This one is the 'Young Reader's Color-Picture Dictionary - For Reading, Writing, and Spelling' by Margaret B. Parke, Ed. D. and illustrated by Cynthia and Alvin Koehler. That cover is great, isn't it?! Now, let's take a look inside...
Look at those end papers! That's some beautiful illustration, right there. And we haven't even gotten to the content of the book, yet. Moving on...
I can't even tell you how happy these old-fashioned illustrations make me. That apple... That dog! Oh, good, here comes another page.
Handy, Mandy, Jack-a-Dandy, huh? Well, whatever his name is, he'd better hurry up and eat his candy before I do because it looks mighty yummy! Look, another page...
That party sure looks fun, doesn't it? And those pets... Who wouldn't want one of those? Hey, check out this next page. It's totally different. It's from the back of the book, and it highlights parts of the human body.
Again, I just really can't get enough of this happy, idealistic illustrative style. Almost makes my teeth hurt, but I totally love it! What about you? Does this sort of thing "float your boat?"
Well, that about does it for this installment of 'Retro Book Fair'. Until next time, remember... Be nice. But especially be nice to your books!
I am so totally with you on this, Anthony. I am a a complete sucker for vintage illustrated books. I have never seen this one, and I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I LOVE "Retro Book Fair!" I also love "...be nice. But especially be nice to your books!" But you knew I would heartily agree with that. "Handy Mandy Jack-a-Dandy" is totally weird. Are they calling that boy "Mandy?" WTF? Those end papers are absolutely perfect. This book looks like it's chock-full of clip art-ready images.
ReplyDelete"The dog sleeps here today.
ReplyDeleteHe will sleep here tonight.
He always sleeps here."
I love that.