Hurray For Bobo

Hurray for Bobo

Joan Savage

illustrated by Berta Schwartz 1947

 This is an interesting find with very nice illustrations.  Diversity tends to be hard to come by in vintage books, but this one embraces a story about inclusion.  Bobo wants to play with the other boys but they won't let him because he doesn't know how to play baseball.  Even when Bobo practices with Janie, and Tommy suggests giving them a chance, Red refuses to include them.  It's not until Bobo brings something unique and interesting to share with the other kids that even Red decides to strike a deal.  Imagine their surprise when Bobo, Janie and Rusty (her dog) show them what they can do!

I just love the back cover!

A Twister of Twists A Tangler of Tongues

 Who likes a good tongue twister?  Alvin Schwartz has collected twisters old and new, short and long to give your tongue a work out!  He explains in the introduction that tongue twisters have been around for centuries, sometimes telling stories, being used as warmups for singers and actors, even helping a dentist assess his work and as a WWII password!

A Twister of Twists, a Tangler of Tongues

Alvin Schwartz

illustrated by Glen Rounds 1972

This one destroys me! 

I can't read this one without rolling my "r's" and thinking of that scene in "Singing in the Rain".

Sleepy Time Tales

I can't seem to track down the illustrator of this book.  It was published by Current in 1981 (they made greeting cards and stationary).  As an 80's kid myself, these pictures definitely have that 80's flavor and they are somehow both fantasy/fairytale and country cozy at the same time.  

Sleepy Time Tales

adaptations by Nan Roloff

1981

These look like they might have a different illustrator (and a bit of Holly Hobbie flair).

Doris

I recently visited a delightful little bookstore called The Blue Marble.  I picked out a couple books including this fun one of a dancing horse named Doris.  From the first page it appears that Doris is a circus horse, used to performing for an audience.  But one day she wanders away and is swept up in her own free spirited dance (the pictures are so silly and wonderful!). Does anyone else feel this way too, she wonders?  It's really a celebration of being uninhibited and joyful and making a friend along the way.  Sarah Jacoby is also a local Philadelphia author/illustrator and I love supporting local writers and artists!

Doris

Sarah Jacoby 2023

Brer Rabbit and His Tricks

The Title Page bookshop in Bryn Mawr, PA

"More of Brer Rabbit's Tricks" was recently found at an awesome used bookshop in Bryn Mawr called "The Title Page".  I had a lunch date with my friend, Margaux and we decided to check it out.  We didn't realize that we were walking into quite a treasure trove!  Edward Gorey's illustrations looked familiar when I pulled this green hardback from the children's section.  Sure enough when I got home I found our first copy.

Brer Rabbit stories are always fun to read because he is the consummate clever trickster.  Each time that he outwits that fox or wolf you can't help but laugh.  

Brer Rabbit and His Tricks

and

More of Brer Rabbit's Tricks

Ennis Rees

illustrated by Edward Gorey 1967, 1968