Green Papayas by Nhung N. Tran-Davies - Illustrated by Gillian Newland

Oma (grandmother) is near the end of her life. Mama recalls the sacrifices Oma has made for her family; her perseverance through a war torn country and her determination to provide a better future for her children. Although Oma is very old and later passes, her strength, love and spirit are not forgotten. Green Papayas is a tender tribute to a strong woman whose legacy is honoured by her child and grandchildren. Through loving eyes, Oma's life is remembered and those memories are passed on to the next generation.

The realistic illustrations in muted tones, capture the solemn yet hopeful mood. Oma's hardships are emphasized by her wrinkles yet her smile convey fulfillment. Present day images with larger portraits are juxtaposed with the memories of Oma, created with darker, stylized scenes of life in Vietnam. 

 

It is less common in children's books to feature the elderly. Green Papaya's does so in such an incredibly endearing and real manner. Recommended for ages 5+.

More about Nhung N. Tran-Davies and Gillian Newland.

Related post: In a Village by the Sea by Muon Van illustrated by April Chu.

Amazon

Red Deer Press 2023
Hardcover 32p
8.75" x 11.5"

A Vintage Christmas: The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann Retold by Veronica Tennant - Illustrated by Toller Cranston

Veronica Tennant is a Canadian producer, director, filmmaker and former prima ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada. Tennant's retelling of E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker is full of decadence and splendor. From the lavish Christmas party to Clara's journey through fantasy land, each page sets the stage for an extravagant imaginary performance. The rat king makes a quick appearance to start off Clara's delirium that is soon filled with music, dancing and the feasting of sweets.

The high energy and exuberance of this story is matched with colourful and psychedelic art by Toller Cranston (1949–2015). Cranston was a Canadian painter and figure skater. He is a six-time Canadian Champion, 1970-1976, has won the 1974 World bronze medal, and the 1976 Olympic bronze medal. Cranston's fluid lines morph and bend into art that could be described as mesmerizing and surreal.

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McClelland and Stewart 1985
Hardcover 48p
10.75" x 9.5"

A Vintage Christmas: Holly Hobbie's The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore - Illustrated by Holly Hobbie

The ever popular poem, "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) has been illustrated by countless artists. Each lending their vision to the surprise and excitement of seeing old St. Nick. In fact the official title of the poem is "A Visit from St. Nicholas". Moore's poem is memorable with its descriptive text and catchy rhyme; a fun read every year. Moore was an American writer and also a Professor at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in New York City. He taught Oriental and Greek Literature, as well as Divinity and Biblical Learning.

Holly Hobbie is an American children's book writer and artist. Her distinctive little girl with a giant bonnet character was hugely popular on greeting cards in the 1970's. This once nameless character soon took on the name of its creator. Its success grew to include a line of dolls, various merchandise and TV shows. Hobbie brings her rustic charm to Moore's poem and adds another layer of warmth to an already beloved classic. This version is an older edition. Hobbie has illustrated this again much later in 2013 in a very different style.

 

Related post: Hansel & Gretel by Holly Hobbie

 

Amazon

Platt & Munk Publishers 1976

Hardcover 22p

8.5" x 11" 

A Vintage Christmas: My Big Christmas Book by Hayden McAllister - Illustrated by Gisela Gottschlich

It's that time of the year again! The festive season is upon us so let's revisit some holiday classics. The first vintage book featured is My Big Christmas Book. The title is very accurate; it is big but not huge and contains a collection of stories, poems, carols, and craft ideas for the little ones. It is written by Hayden McAllister and illustrated by several uncredited artists. The cover is signed "Gottschlich" (Gisela), whose work covers the majority. Gisela Gottschlich is a German artist and Hayden McAllister is a children's book author. Their works are published with European publishers around the 1970's and 1980's. Little else is known about them. Gottschlich's vibrant illustrations of cute, doe-eyed children are instantly recognizable and have amassed a lot of interest with vintage book and ephemera enthusiasts.

Amazon
Peter Haddock Limited 1980
Hardcover 168p
8" x 10.75"

The Fog Catcher's Daughter by Marianne McShane - Illustrated by Alan Marks

In this modern fairy tale by Marianne McShane, readers are whisked away to the coast of Ireland and to the mystical island of Lisnashee. Superstition and fear of the fairy folk have the villagers using charms and special herbs to deter bad luck. A powerful element used for protection against the supernatural is magic water collected from the fog at Lisnashee. Young Eily learns the skills of a fog catcher early as she braves the storm and her fears.

Watercolour paintings by Alan Marks sweep through the pages of this original tale as magically as the fog at Lisnashee. The wind, the mist and the waves feel cold and alive; illustrated with a sophisticated style often reserved for an older audience.

This compelling picture book recalls a simpler time when there was no dependency on technology, where most things were handmade and magic was the cause and cure for the unexplained. With a thoughtful, brave and quick-witted hero like Eily, readers will be guided through the fog to a satisfying end. Recommended for ages 5+.

More about Marianne McShane and Alan Marks.

Related post: Books by Horseback

 

Amazon 

Candlewick Press 2022

Hardcover 48p

11" x 9.75"