#FaveKidsBookArt

Today on Twitter people are sharing their favourite children's book illustrations and crediting the wonderful creators thanks to author and illustrator James Mayhew who started the hashtag. I am enjoying sharing my much loved illustrations but for some of my favourites I cannot credit the artist because they are not mentioned in the books sadly, they are from beloved childhood favourites of mine.
When I was young my dad worked in London Bridge Station and often came home with presents for me from WH Smith that was situated on the station forecourt (yes I was a spoilt brat as my sisters and brother would confirm!). These books always produced great excitement in my young bookworm self and I cherished them as though they were the greatest treasure. One of my favourites was a large book of Bedtime Fairy Stories with full page colourful illustrations. There were many great tales included but the one that touched me the most was the story of the Little Matchgirl and oh how I cried when she died at the end. The story was probably one of the first to touch me in an empathetic way and I loved it. I hope my dad knew the part he played in shaping me as a reader, I think he did.

         Another much treasured book I had was Tales the Wind Told that I have just realised was given to me as a school prize in primary school! The full colour delicate illustrations transported me to worlds of imagination and adventure and I read and reread the book many times.This one was illustrated bu Ludek Manasek and I am still in awe of the beautiful pictures he created.