ALEXANDER

Today's vintage children's book will help you get your retro mid century on. Alexander is the story of a little boy and his make believe striped horse that gets blamed for his misbehavior. I don't have any info on Tom Vroman as I'm short on time, but hope that you will enjoy the pics. Have a great weekend everyone.

ALEXANDER

By Harold Littledale

Illustrated by Tom Vroman

Parent's Press Magazine, 1964

Chestnut Grey, Russian Folk Tale

Today's book Chestnut Grey, is a Russian Folk Tale and is the story of the underdog (Ivan the Fool) winning the girl because he perseveres. I think it's also worth noting that his name is just plain Ivan at the end, because of his accomplishments. (You go Ivan!) BTW, the typography on the cover is terrible, just saying. Don't forget to click on the pics.

There is little information to be found on Tatiana Mavrina (1902-1996). A Russian artist who resided in Moscow, she mainly illustrated Russian folk/fairy tales. It seems a shame that there isn't more information about her. But I think it's because at the time recognition of artists like Mavrina were suppressed. Sad. Well, she did a fine job in illustrating Chestnut Grey, her use of color is great and she was a very good draftsman. Tatiana Mavrina was a very talented artist.

Chestnut Grey

Told by M. Bulatov

Illustrated by Tatiana Lebedeva Mavrina

Pepito's Story, Eugene Fern

Today's vintage children's book has a good moral about accepting others for who they are. Pepito's Story has some really nice illustrations and is richly imbued with bright colors. Don't forget to click on the pictures. 

Pepito's Story was written and illustrated by Eugene Fern (1920-1987). I was not able to find much about Fern other than he was an artist, writer, professor of art and illustrator of children’s books. Fern wrote and illustrated a number of children’s books.

What a wonderful sentiment and so true!

Pepito's Story

Written and illustrated by Eugene Fern

Ariel Books, New York, 1960

Books by Eugene Fern:

Pepito’s Story, 1960

Lorenzo and Angelina, 1968

The Most Frightened Hero, 1961

Birthday Presents, 1967

What's He Been Up to Now?, 1961

The King Who Was Too Busy, 1966

Little Red Riding Hood

Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Folk tales and fairy tales are at the top of the list when it comes to vintage children's books. The Brothers Grimm folk tale, Little Red Riding Hood, has been a beloved and enduring story. Originally titled Little Red Cap, the story has a strong lesson. Since it's publication, Little Red Riding Hood has been illustrated by many artists over the years. Here is just a sampling of the different artistic interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood. 

Retold and illustrated by Andrea Wisnewski

David R. Godine, 2006

Little Red Riding Hood

Retold and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Chromolithograph from a 1920's FairyTale Gems book 

Illustrated by Jennie Harbour

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A little history on the Grimm's brothers: Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were born in Hanau, Germany. In their university years they started to collect folk tales and fairy tales. They did so because at this time these stories were passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. They wanted to preserve these stories, especially ones that involved German heritage and culture.

Their first book, Children's and Household Tales (1812), had 86 stories. It was a big success. Readers were happy to see stories they had been told as children collected together. The next volume titled Grimm's Fairy Tales, had 70 additional stories. There were six more editions until the book contained over 200 stories.

Illustrated by Bernadette

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German Illustration

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Illustrated by June Goldsborough

Illustrated by Pablo Ramirez

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Illustrated by Winnie Fitch

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Illustrated by Susan Blair

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Little Whitman book

Little Red-Cap

Mabel Lucie Attwell

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Red Riding Hood Inspired Schedule Books

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Illustrated by Florence and Margaret Hoopes, 1938

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The Grimms brothers became known throughout Europe as experts on folk tales, language and all things German. Wilhelm and Jacob had a close relationship. They went to the same university and were always together. Jacob continued to live with his brother even after Wilhelm married. In addition to being professors at the University of Berlin, they both became librarians. Total book lovers, they published many other books such as German Mythology, Old German Tales, The History of the German Language and a German Dictionary.