Inspiration & Nostalgia
I’ve been doing a little research on illustrators and kids books for an upcoming project. I’ve investigated the most popular kids books at the moment and am looking at what styles are attractive to kids. (Not that I’m going to change my style, but you can tweak little styles to suit your audience…)
I’m staying with my parents again this week, and I’m in the “Lavender” room – the bedroom where all the kids books and old VCRs are kept. I found some of my favourite illustrated books up there as a kid and wondered if maybe they had been inspiration for me, back in my subconscious somewhere…?
Which of these do you recognise?
When I saw “The Baddies” I wondered if I had perhaps this had been the inspiration from many moons ago for some recent multicoloured type?
What books did you read when you were little? Which were your favourite?
Posted by robyn
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5 comments
quiltercaroline
Hi Robyn. When I was young I loved the Millie Mollie Mandy books – from memory I think the illustrations were black and white line drawings – I know there was a map of her village at the front and I would enjoy looking back at it to work out where the events were happening. Funny how these things stay with you – thanks for the reminder. C
Ian Benet
I recognise all these book have bought some great memories back. I particularly loved the illustrations in My Naughty Little Sister. Nice post but you're missing The Jolly Postman.
Robyn
Caroline – thanks for your comments. I didn't read Millie Mollie Mandy – I might have to look that up!
Ian – thanks for your comments. You're right! I can't believe I missed that one! That was probably my all time favourite kids book. It's most likely wrapped safely somewhere (with all the letters falling apart) for the next generation to come. The Jolly Postman was the best.
Phil Trainer
What about Burglar Bill!?! "That's a nice…I'll 'ave that!"
Tom Barber
The old-school hardbound Rev W. Awdry Thomas the Tank Engine books were pretty cool – my Dad used to try and pick them up from junk shops and car boot sales. The Osbourne Farmyard Tales were great, and much more recently I’ve discovered Max Lucado’s ‘You are Special’, which, if not the best illustrated children’s book, is an example of really good integration between written narrative and image. And having a 4 year old in the house has acquainted me with Angelina Ballerina – think those might be watercolours…