Wednesday, May 19, 2010

My Book House

I love old books. Especially old books for children. Recently, a used bookstore opened up near us. I introduced my beloved to it yesterday and we lost track of time in the tomes.  I seek out the old book section always and come home with a treasure trove of used books. This bookstore has the best prices, only $1.29 for children's books! This is a steal. Yesterday, I found a My Bookhouse Book in perfect condition.What I love about antique books for children is the attention to details. The covers are works of art with gilding in gold. I found this bookplate in one of the books. I think it is beautiful with such detail and whimsy. If you are interested in lovely, whimsical bookplates, check out Tricia Scott's blog. She creates the most wonderful bookplates and has them for sale in her Etsy shop. You can find her at: http://a-little-birdie.blogspot.com/ .What has happened in our world of mass production of books? We have lost the attention to detail, of excellent works of art for our children, of personal bookplates for them. I prefer hardbound to paperback. Instead we find the flimsy, computer generated art, and lack of attention to detail. If I could build a house out of books, I would. One of our triplets, Benjamin (who is five) said to me, "I like books better than toys". This warms my heart. I hope we are introducing our children to good literature. Even the inside of these old books is a work of art. Engaging the child, and the child in me, to cherish what I hold. "Books are our friends", I tell our children, "we treat them with respect".I found a signed book by one of my favorite artists. I will profile her on my next Free Spirit Friday. Can you guess who she is? I'll give you a hint. She was editor of Cricket magazine for many years.

9 comments:

Katie B. said...

Where is this used book store? I must go visit!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy you have this wonderful book store in town. There are some books called 'The Triplets Abroad' and other titles, vintage books that you may be able to find in the store. I have seen them at Goodwill books online...another good place to find books for cheap prices.
But not $1.29!!!
I loved all the beautiful artwork you photographed and posted from the old books.
love, your sis T.

Rebecca said...

Hi Katie,
I love that you check in and read my blog. Thanks! The store is on DW Hwy next to Costco. I think it is called The Used Book Superstore. It is filled with hundreds of books and a great children's book section in the far back on the right. Our children love it there. They can sit on the comfy sofas and look at books. The prices are amazing; Paperbacks $1.99, Hardcovers (adults) $2.99, Kids books $1.29, DVDs $4.00, VHS $1.49, and books on CD $6.00 and ALL TAX FREE (thanks to New Hampshire)! So worth the trip up there :) Enjoy!

Trishia said...

Rebecca, the craftmanship of old is incredible, isn't it? I think (hope) the pendulum is swinging the other way and our society is learning to appreciate such quality once again instead of the mass produced. And you got such sweet bargains:) I have a leather bound book from France that is incredibly well made -- and what I appreciate about it all the more is that is was produced during WWII. During the height of such horror, to think that a craftsman still gave his best.

Anonymous said...

I love old books too. Just sniffing them send me off to heaven. Thank you for sharing those lovely images.

Kate

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Hi Rebecca,

You are so right - the old children's books are real treasures. I'm especially fond of the illustrations.
Happy hunting in your new shop!

Amanda

Heather said...

I love old books too. These books you have are so gorgeous! what lovely illustrations....

Anonymous said...

You have had such lovely experiences with literature, and have written a wonderful essay on Trina S. Hyman. It is a great read! Would love to browse in New Hampshire with you! B. Mother

Tricia said...

thank you so much rebecca.
and i love visiting you here at your lovely blog!

xoxo