When I was little, my mom enrolled me in the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club. I don't know if the books literally came every week or what, but I remember that I had a lot of them. Actually I don't have to remember too hard because many of the Weekly Reader books are upstairs on the boys' bookshelf. I loved so many of those books and even back in the day I couldn't bear to part with much. Thus I have quite a collection of children's books and many favorites.
When I was younger, I enjoyed the stories. Even the ones that scared the ^&*@ out of me (i.e. Crictor the Boa Constrictor...).
Looking at these books now what I love is the illustrations. The whimsy, the detail, the curvy lines and simple forms.
One of my mom's favorite books from this group is Lemonade Serenade by Adelaide Holl, illustrated by Don Madden. I believe it is currently in the minivan, Ebby likes to read it. The story involves a boy, an older woman, a bathtub and an overgrown garden. On Saturday I was thrifting at Value Village and this book, One Kitten For Kim, jumped out at me.
I haven't even read the story, I'm just in it for the pictures. So I think I'm officially launching a new phase in my Weekly Reader books from the 1960s collection. Too bad my birthday isn't for 7 more months. Luckily I have many more to share before then...
