I've been shopping at some interesting estate sales lately. For some reason, many of my recent finds have been vintage children's books. These discoveries have really brought me back to my childhood. Maybe they will for you, too. Have a look . . .
"Let's Play" was published a bit before my time, in 1952. It has the most charming, vibrant illustrations and even has its original price sticker on the front — a mere 19¢!
This 1954 "Romper Room Book of Nursery Songs" is filled with words and music to the songs children love best. Did you watch Romper Room on TV as a child? I certainly did! At the end of each show, Miss Barbara (the host of the show where I grew up in Northeast Ohio) would look through a pretend mirror and chant “Romper, bomper, stomper, boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today. Did all my friends have fun today? Did all my friends have fun with me today?” Then she would recite random names and say, "I see Tommy, and Alice, and Micky..." etc. It was always thrilling when she said some version of my name (Susie, Sue, Susan) as I was sure she could see me watching through the television screen!
"Little Swimmers" was published in 1960. I wish I had this book back when I was learning to swim. I remember my mom taking me for swimming lessons at a local high school when I was five or six. Oh, how I dreaded them!
"Pussy Cat's Secret" was published in 1949. I love the 1940s imagery throughout this precious book. And the pink cover with its winking cat is awfully sweet, too.
Printed in 1951 in Great Britain, this Pixie Book is called "Woodland Babies." Just the right size for little hands, this book is divided into four stories about baby animals in the forrest: Bunny, a very small rabbit; Rusty, a fawn; Cuddles, a fox cub; and Tom, a baby bird. Cute!
These these nostaglic treasures will be trickling into my Etsy shop over the next few days. Don't they harken back to a simpler time? No cell phones, video games, eReaders — just a nice paper book to hold in your hand while you snuggle next to mom or dad on the sofa.
Susan
These are so sweet!
Posted by: Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com | March 04, 2011 at 08:44 AM
I too was fortunate to have a nice simple childhood. These a lovely.
Posted by: Mom Wald | March 04, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Love the vintage illustrations of pre-1959-60's. And, You never heard the Romper Room Lady say Melody...but one day she did say Lynn,,,imagine my shock;)
Posted by: Melody | March 04, 2011 at 06:50 PM
oh yes, simple times indeed. i like your finds, susan! they do remind me of my childhood, too.
xo
becky
Posted by: sweet cottage dreams | March 04, 2011 at 09:19 PM
Susan~ I had one named "Lucinda the Stubborn Donkey" which my mom
wore out. I made her read it so much that there is no cover to it
anymore but I do still have it.
I read it to my children and to
my grandchildren. Gosh it didn't
even need any batteries or have
to be charged up either.....So
Simple.
Posted by: Elsie | March 04, 2011 at 09:45 PM
late to this, but these children's books are dreamy! this is the stuff that makes me swoon. thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Entrenous | April 20, 2011 at 11:29 PM