Tight Times

Tight Times

Barbara Shook Hazen

pictures by Trina Schart Hyman 1979

Trina Schart Hyman can make anything look amazing, even a story about a little boy whose dad loses his job and his family is living in "tight times".  

Madeleine and I have a theory about children's books that came out in the 70's and 80's.  The subject matter is often very "real" and deals with hard real life problems.  We wonder if this is a backlash to the books that came out for children earlier, books that only showed a rosy-hued optimistic version of life (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

We are big fans of this woman's outfit-  70's boho amazingness!

The Blue Cat of Castle Town

The Blue Cat of Castle Town

Catherine Cate Coblentz 1956

illustrated by Janice Holland

This is such an unusual book.  It's a mix of history and magic all told through the eyes of a most extraordinary blue kitten.  Coblentz managed to weave the artisan crafts and craftsmen of a 19th century Vermont town into the story.  The layout and illustrations are wonderful as well.

The Borrowers

The Borrowers 

Mary Norton 1953

Another classic I remember from my childhood.  Charlotte loved reading this and was inspired to start making her own little "rooms" from little things she found around the house.  Isn't that such a wonderful thing- when a book stirs creativity and ideas?!  

Charlotte's room inspired by the book.

The Secret World of Arrietty, a very enjoyable film by the Studio Ghibli is also based on the Borrower's story. 

The Hidden House

I love when books come in the mail!  And today brought a particularly sweet one.  In this story, with detailed illustrations, a lonely old man makes some wooden dolls to keep him company.  But when he is gone and the house becomes neglected they're left alone waiting patiently on the windowsill as nature moves in.  A really lovely pairing of story and pictures.

The Hidden House

Martin Waddell 1997

illustrated by Angela Barrett