The New Golden Encyclopedia

The New Golden Encyclopedia

Dorothy A. Bennet

illustrated by Cornelius DeWitt 1964

Cornelius DeWitt illustrations in this vintage Golden Book encyclopedia are just fantastic.  This is why I collect vintage picture books!  Some of the style reminds me a bit of the Mexican artist Miguel Covarrubias (who's work I just love!).  Even though the information in these old encyclopedias can be outdated, they are still a really fun way to learn and explore, especially when the pictures, like these are so engaging.

 

What If?

What If?

Helen and Henry Tanous

Pictures by J.P. Miller 1951

A nice little showcase of some Disney artists from the 1950's.  J.P. Miller's work has shown up often in Little Golden Books including one of my favorites, "Doctor Squash".  

Hiawatha

I love collecting different versions of stories and books that we already own. This story is "suggested" by Longfellow's famous poem and features sweet vintage illustrations.  Sometimes I get these books so cheap at the thrift store or flea market with the intent of cutting up the pages to use in collages or other arts and crafts.  But I liked this one too much and decided to keep it in one piece.

Hiawatha 

(suggested by Henry W. Longfellow's poem)

Marion E. Gridley

illustrated by Irma Wilde 1950

Magnolia Flower

Magnolia Flower

Zora Neale Hurston

adapted by Ibram X. Kendi

illustrated by Loveis Wise 2022

 I loved the book "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.  That led me down a path of picking up her other writing, including short stories, and folk tales.  This book colorfully illustrated by Loveis Wise is one such story adapted by Ibram X. Kendi for kids.  In the author's note at the end Kendi writes, "The earlier we expose our children to our literary treasures- to our literary legends like Hurston- the better."  I couldn't agree more!

The story starts with Brook asking Mighty River to tell a story of people in love.  It's a story not only of young Magnolia and John but of freedom and nature.  

The Strange Voyage of Neptune's Car

The Strange Voyage of Neptune's Car

Joe Lasker 1977

 This is a pretty incredible true story about young Mary Patton who took over command of her husband's clipper ship, Neptune's Car, when he became ill.  Not only was she only 19 years old, but she was pregnant at the time!  Able to navigate and read charts, Mary brought the ship to harbor in San Francisco after rounding the most treacherous path of Cape Horn.  Joe Lasker's retelling is accompanied by his illustrations that resemble old photographs.