I love all kinds of books, but children's picture books hold a very special place in my heart. Many happy memories with my own boys come from reading to them, and I worked in elementary and middle school libraries for lots of years. Now that my sons are grown, and I don't have a good local book store, I don't often get a chance to browse and appreciate wonderful new picture books.
But I do have five great-nephews and two great-nieces, ranging from four months to 16 years old, and I'm the great-aunt that gives them books. (Books may not be a child's first choice in gifts, but they're not quite as bad as Ralphie's pink bunny suit or underwear.) I shopped on Amazon last weekend and a big box o' books just landed on my porch. It was almost like Christmas (for me)!
I ordered some old favorites, along with some new ones, hopefully choosing books tailored to each child's age and interests.
But there was one book that I just couldn't stop thinking about, The Antlered Ship, written by Dashka Slater and illustrated by the Fan Brothers (the same siblings that wrote and illustrated The Night Gardener).
I'm not exactly sure why, but once I read the description and saw the illustrations, I was hooked. This book was in and out of my cart many times, and in the end, I just ordered it, with no specific recipient in mind. I'm so glad I did.
It's a creative and beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations that carry me away. I had intended to gift it to someone once I had a chance to read it, but that may not be happening. So far, I've resisted buying yarn, adult fiction, tea, wine, alpaca hats and scarves, fountain pens, and a cutting board made from whiskey barrel staves for myself while Christmas shopping for others, but this time I had to give in. I'm happy to give the gift of books, and one for me.
Thank you, Bonny!! I think The Antlered Ship is going to land under my tree, too! These past three years have renewed my appreciation for good children's books. They touch my heart and soul in such a beautiful way!
ReplyDeleteI adore children's book, too! When I have time to browse, I love to visit the children's section of the library or even Barnes & Noble to check out the newest books. I will definitely look for The Antlered Ship -- it looks just beautiful! (The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig was always a favorite in our house! In fact, when Erin was a freshman in high school, she used that story as her Forensics Storytelling piece -- and ended up placing at States with it! Happy memories.)
ReplyDeleteOh I will need to look for The Antlered Ship for my gramma book basket
ReplyDeleteWell, let's just continue the same comments - I think Santa Claus will put “The Antlered Ship” under the tree for my grandkids! And fortunately this is the year they come to this Grandma’s house for Xmas.
ReplyDeleteI love kid's books, I wish kids could stay kids a long time. At least books stay young,
I hope your grandchildren enjoy it as much as I have. Maybe that's part of why I love kid's books so much; even if the kids insist on growing up (as they should), at least books stay young. Well said!
DeleteThe Antlered Ship is going in my cart shortly! Thanks for this wonderful reading post!
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations from The Antlered Ship look fabulous, I'm going to see if the library has it. Books make the best gifts!
ReplyDeleteWe nearly always give books to the young kiddos - most of them end up enjoying them at some point.
ReplyDeleteI don't even have anyone to give it to and I want it! (And the Three Little Wolves...I don't know that book!)
ReplyDeleteI love children's books too. The Antlered Ship looks interesting and it might hop into my cart for me to read!
ReplyDeleteFabulous gifts! I wish I had a grandchild but I may have to get The Antlered Ship anyway...or in anticipation of some future time? When Colin was growing up he always received a lot of books as gifts from various relatives - we still have most of them. (And, books still top his wish list at birthday time and Christmas time)
ReplyDeleteThat book has tremendous appeal, and I can't figure out what it is. Sure, the illustrations are fabulous, but it is also the general appearance, maybe the color scheme? Anyway, fabulous book, Bonny! There is absolutely no better life-long gift to give anyone that the gift of reading. Oh, the places you will go...!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to figure out why I love this book so much. Maybe because both of my kids would have loved it when they were little, or since it's about asking lots of questions, I would have loved it when I was little! As a kid, I was often told that I asked too many questions, so I would have enjoyed a book that said asking questions is a good thing. It's simply a good book that speaks to me!
DeleteYes! to children's books! You have some fantastic choices. The Antlered Ship will be a must for me! I have a small shelf (of my own) which has elaborately illustrated books. Fortunately, we have a lovely LBS and I will visit later this week to pick books for my great-niece and nephew. I expect to have a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteShopping for books for my nieces is one of my favorite holiday activities. They are a little older (beyond picture books). But I will grab The Antlered Ship from my public library for my own pleasure!
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for Christmas-themed picture books, Olive, the Other Reindeer was always a big hit at our house.
Children's picture books are my art work. Every family member on my gift list gets a book and I give books to my grandchildren on every occasion. They love to listen to books and their parents appreciate books as gifts. I am going to have to look for The Antlered Ship. Mice Skating is my new pick for this season.
ReplyDeleteLove Over and Under and Up and Down, the Antlered Ship looks beautiful too. Beautiful Children's illustrated books are lovely, have you seen Fletcher and the falling Leaves one my children adore
ReplyDeletelovely book - I have my favorites tucked away from the kids that are 'my' picture books. I agree with Jane, the artwork, the words and somehow the memories of reading them to the kids when they were little make be nostalgic and warm inside. (the steadfast tin solder, the velveteen rabbit are my favs)
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