Pilgrim's Progress illustrated by Robert Lawson

 Another version of Pilgrim's Progress that I didn't know existed!  Illustrated beautifully by Robert Lawson and adapted for an easier read for children.  I was delighted to find this at the thrift store (especially on $2 Tuesday!) and add it to our collection.  Maybe not as engaging as Joe Sutphin's animal version, or as nostalgic as The Dangerous Journey, it still has a charm of it's own.  And this story of the burdened pilgrim Christian and the cast of allegorical characters and adventures that he meets never gets old.

Pilgrim's Progress

illustrated by Robert Lawson 1939

The Bug Club

There's still a part of me that wants to be an entomologist.  I've never lost my love of bugs since I was 10 years old.  Apparently Elise Gravel hasn't either!  Her adorable bug pictures accompany facts and interesting information about the most populous creatures on earth.

The Bug Club

Elise Gravel 2022

Check out her mushroom book too!

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems

Langston Hughes

illustrations by Brian Pinkney 1994

I am grateful that Langston Hughes is one of those poets the kids always learn about in school.  The Harlem Renaissance, of which he was part of, was one of the most culturally rich times in American History.  Hughes' poetry, bright with rhythm and language, captures much of that exciting fertile time.  This collection, which is perfect for children, is accompanied by Brian Pinkney's scratchboard illustrations. 

  

Zagazoo

Zagazoo

Quentin Blake 1998

Quentin Blake's messy, wild illustrations are brilliant in this story about a couple who get an unexpected parcel.  Inside is a "little pink creature as pretty as could be" who gradually changes into some unexpected things with some hilarious results.  The very end is particularly delightful and after reading it to Charlotte (yes, she's 16 and we still read picture books together!) I went to read it to my husband (giving him a quaint reprieve from work.). Then when Madeleine came over I had her read it too!  She was particularly ticked with the ending.   This is one that would be a great gift to new parents.