Children's Book Illustrator Monday

Well, dear reader, is the flu making its' way around your home, as it is mine? We are on our second week, and this particular strain includes horrendous coughing, which results in lost dinners, and aches and pains all over. Unfortunately, the littles are the ones in misery now, and so we run to and fro, easing aches with fluffy pillows, rubbing backs crouching over the toilet, and yes, giving in to the occasional "I'm hungry!", and then regretting it ten minutes later.

(All said with a tired but contented laugh, for I am certainly thankful to be healthy and available for these very moments!)

This Children's Book Monday will not include a review of one particular book, rather it will reveal one of my favorite illustrators of all time, PLUS the books she illustrated! Are you excited? Well, you needn't be, but just keep reading, please! (Caution: many links ahead!)

Betsy~Tacy. Betsy, Tacy and Tib. Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown. Winona's Pony Cart. (Have I kindled some nostalgia, ladies? Do you try to read these gems to your toddler, hoping she will find the same delight in them as you did, only to sadly shelve them, resigned to wait until she is older? No? Just me then!)


The first five books in the Betsy~Tacy series, by Maud Hart Lovelace, were illustrated by my favorite children's book artist, Lois Lenski. These already precious stories are quietly brought to life with her simple, almost childish, black and white sketches. I cannot see a Lois Lenski picture without feeling a tug at my heart to read these classics again.

Lois Lenski also wrote many children's books, and illustrated them with pictures that are delightful to the child's eye, as well as mama's!

For your olders, perhaps four through eight years old, On a Summer Day and Spring is Here will capture their attention, and bring giggles as well. For older girls, four through eight, Strawberry Girl would be a wonderful read-aloud, along with the Betsy~Tacy series!

Do you know Papa Small? How about Cowboy Small? The Little Sailboat? The Little Airplane? The Little Train? These are delightful books to read to your toddler age children - especially little boys, although my girl enjoys them as well! The stories and pictures are simple, but intriguing enough for little ones to be still (for the most part!) and listen.




So, find your nearest library and enter Lois Lenski into their search engine. Then take home a stack of these gems, and enjoy!

Happy Reading!

And please stop by Kelly's and Jennifer's to read their reviews today!