a most lovely package
When Nina of The Whole Self told me she had some books she thought we might like, she was, um, slightly understated. My jaw completely dropped when I opened this package. Not sure how two books could be more perfectly 'us'. Wow.
The first book, a 1915 copy of Stories To Act. Simply gorgeous. And such lovely, simple stories of the classics, tales of woodland creatures and fairy tales. I have a thing for old 'school' books, but I rarely find drama books like this. Amazing. We will most certainly be acting some of these out soon.
And then, there's the book that Calvin is sleeping with right this very minute. Costumes for Nursery Tale Characters, by Jean Greenhowe (1976. A good year, I do say). He's been carrying this around non-stop today, flipping through and trying to make the tough decision between the friar, robin hood, and wee willie winkie. Tough call, I know. But I'm sure you'll be seeing one of those around soon. Very soon if he gets his wish.
And the last bit of this glorious package were these cards, by Nina. Such a great idea. Vintage ephemera sewn onto cardstock. So beautiful.
Thanks so much, Nina!!
Wow, those are beautiful books. The illustrations in the first one made me think of an edition of Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne that my parents had. I wonder what happened to it? You received a lovely package :)
Posted by: Ash | June 22, 2006 at 02:16 PM
i can hear the wheels in calvin's head turning all the way from here!
Posted by: hannah | June 22, 2006 at 02:40 PM
Those are great books!! I love the language of old books. Modern kids literature is so dumbed down. It is nice to put those great words into their vocabulary. We just took out at the library today the copy of the Blue Fairy Book.
I just found an online copy that you can look through but finding this book in print is a real gem. I love the tag line of the web site http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=lang&book=blue&story=_contents
"Bringing Yesterday's Classics to Today's Children "
Posted by: Mollykolly | June 22, 2006 at 03:00 PM
What a great package! Those books look so neat and I know you'll do great things with them. Can't wait to see the fairy tale wardrobe. 8)
Posted by: Angela | June 22, 2006 at 03:04 PM
What wonderful ideas for books - and how perfect for your family too! I agree with Angela - I can't wait to see the next creations!
Posted by: Sarah | June 22, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Such a thoughtful gift!
Posted by: Kelli | June 22, 2006 at 06:48 PM
Wow!
Posted by: vegasandvenice | June 22, 2006 at 08:04 PM
Can't wait to see the productions Calvin crafts up for his eager audience!!! And yes, those books are very much right up your alley!
Posted by: Leslie | June 22, 2006 at 08:06 PM
the b/w picture of robin hood and friar tuck could be calvin and ezra!
Posted by: Blair | June 22, 2006 at 09:14 PM
What is so funny about this is that when I was in the library yesterday I was browing through the section on historical costuming and saw that book and immediately thought of your kids! I LOVE that you just recieved it!
Posted by: Beth | June 23, 2006 at 11:23 AM
We love to act out the Hobeyas story...I'm glad you got such great books. We can't find drama book with few parts to act out here for our family.
Posted by: wendy | June 23, 2006 at 12:32 PM
The perfect books! I am sure Calvin was having sweet costumed dreams.
Posted by: Veronica TM | June 23, 2006 at 01:22 PM
we have that costume book too and it's wonderful. Can't wait to see what fab costumes Calvin comes up with!
Posted by: Sarah | June 25, 2006 at 10:22 AM