"Children's Books & Stuff We Love at the Garden Fairies"

To my way of thinking there are two major responsibilities that parents and grandparents have for their offspring.  

The main lesson is to teach them the joy in creating and the second is to fill their  minds with beautiful pictures and sweet stories just before they go to sleep so they have a head start on goodness and light in their life.  This is especially important in light of  today's blitzing media of playstations, MTV, and (I.M.O.) disgusting lyrics of songs - "Sex sells, what the hell - push it on the kids".   Sometimes I think it's the Devil who is in charge with the music industry today, with all of the temptations everyone warns you against, - pushing all this stuff on the minds of our sweet little children.  I'm sorry if you disagree, but I honestly don't think it's fair to a 6 year old to make them think that "Kid Rock" is a sing along buddy!  Of course if they are equipped with the latest war game ... 

It's no wonder America has so many troubles with behavior problems in the schools, the kids are being taught right from an early age how to be violent from influences all around them, subtle or otherwise (cartoons).  They are constantly making unconscious adjustments to their behavior as they imitate what they observe on TV, in songs and magazines.   So if you the parent or grandparent can fill their heads with sweet and pure images while they are still little they will have a head start in becoming good people rather than the sex crazed icons of MTV world which seems to be influenced by the not-so-subtle porno movie industry.

 The best time to take advantage of this sponge-like behavior is when children are just going to sleep.  This is when the molding of the personality most occurs as children drift off to sleep they review everything from the day's stimulation that has happened to them in the day whether or not they realize it and mold their selves to whatever stimulation is freshest in their minds.  This is the best time to "program" their dream minds with fantasy tales and lovingly hand drawn colored images which stimulates their minds to the natural way of life rather than the false world as shown on television.  

Sing to your children sweet gentle songs.  Read to them the sensitive caring stories found in Raggedy Ann and Andy and other fairy tales and watch their beauty inside flourish (auk so some of the tales of the Brother's Grimm do have a bit of a problem .... ) .  When I was growing up in elementary school (waaay back in the 1950's) I remember spending some blissful time during the day dancing and singing simple joyful songs, which suited my playful nature to a "T".   To this day I can still sing some of those songs with the same gusto as I felt back then, it shows you how powerful early songs and images are - take care what you input into your child's mind - Hitler was aware of this (Hitler Youth), and so should you.     

The importance of showing beautifully drawn pictures to a child to spark their  imagination cannot be stressed enough.  Life-like images (such as the ones in the following books) delight every child and spark their imaginations.  Stylized drawings such as comic books or those which depict harsh lines are too sophisticated for children, their minds haven't developed enough to discern what is real or what is "Hip".  They need colorful images and simple lines, there is time enough for the jaded or commercial images to imprint themselves on their mind.  Give comic books a rest and let them play with some old time books and see the changes in their ways of thinking.  Also I have recently heard on the radio how poetry helps in understanding our emotions as often times a metaphor is easier to understand than simple words.  Teach your children rhymes at an early age and they will thank you for it later on.

The books we have chosen to present to you this season have been hand picked by the mother fairy herself, from the heyday of the 1920's when sweet children's books were filled with beautiful hand drawn illustrations.  You will find Mother Goose in all her splendor, past and present; fairies galore; Brambly Hedge Mice Series by Jill Barklem; antique reproduction books including the flower fairies illustrations we have on our front door; and one of my most favorite of all, Raggedy Ann and Andy stories by Johnny Gruelle.

And if you allow yourself to be creative, the illustrations in these books make lovely quilt blocks or backgrounds to embroider upon with your photo transfer methods, they are just delightful.

Flora's Feast A Fairy's Festival of Flowers in Full Color by Walter Crane - Paperback

A leading designer of Art nouveau textiles and wallpaper, English illustrator and painter Walter Crane (1845-1925) was equally celebrated for his imaginative illustrations of nursery rhymes, fables and children's stories.  Included in this edition are 40 captivating illustrations which depict ethereal figures attired in fantastic garments made from buttercups, tulips, irises and other familiar flowers.  Sure to delight admirers of fine book illustration, this floral tribute will also enchant flower loves of all ages and anyone with an affection for fairies and make-believe.

The Mary Frances Sewing Book - Adventures Among the Thimble People

A great book where you can learn valuable sewing techniques while making doll clothes from the Titanic Era for the 16" doll.  Patterns included are perfect for bisque and Schoenhut Dolls.  Includes 33 Sewing projects and full sized patterns for 16" dolls.  Adult doll collectors are now using this as a wonderful reference for sewing for dolls such as Schoenhuts, bisques, compositions,and others from the early years of this century. 100+ Illustrations. 7-1/2 inch x 9 inch.  Hardback edition.

Mary Frances Knitting and Crocheting Book

Learn to knit and crochet from these doll fashion projects from the 1920's.  Easy enough for the novice but also appealing to the experienced enthusiast.  Contains over 55 projects for bisque dolls and bears.   Richly illustrated with drawings from the turn of the century as well as a delightful commentary that will thrill any lover of vintage stuff.  Great instructions for the beginner, especially geared towards the younger mind but anyone can learn from this book.Originally written as a young girl's instructional, adult doll collectors are now using this as a valuable reference book to learn knitting and crocheting fashions for their dolls. This book is full of projects, easy for the novice as well as the experienced enthusiast. 8 color photos and 100+ illustrations. 288 Pages · 6" x 9"

How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart
Adapted from the story by Johnny Gruelle

"One day Raggedy Ann takes a kite ride way up in the sky -- only to land in a bucket of paint! A friendly painter offers to fix her up like new, and it looks like as though Marcella will have to part with her doll for a short time. But when Raggedy Ann comes back to Marcella, she's better than ever because of the painter's special gift."

Price $15.00
Quantity requested    

Raggedy Ann and the Birthday Surprise - Ages 3-7
By Stephanie True Peters

"One bright sunny day, Raggedy Ann carries a big white box out of the playhouse with Raggedy Andy tagging close behind. Raggedy Andy is dying to know what is inside the box, but Raggedy Ann won't tell him. Soon enough, though, Raggedy Ann is called back to the playhouse, and Raggedy Andy sneaks a peek. The surprise inside carries him away on a high-in-the-sky adventure. And while Raggedy Andy is floating overhead, Raggedy Ann and all of their friends are busy planning another special surprise just for him!"

Price $15.00
Quantity requested    

Raggedy Ann's Wishing Pebble
Adapted from the story by Johnny Gruelle

"One day Raggedy and And Andy are playing by the Looking Glass Brook when Raggedy Andy discovers a round white pebble. It's a magic wishing pebble! Right away the dolls wish for a magic soda-water fountain for their friends, the Muskrats. But when the trickster, Minky, steals the pebble, the fountain instantly disappears -- along with all the fun! Now it's up to Raggedy Ann and Andy to get the magic pebble back so that they can keep making wishes for all their friends."

Price $15.00
Quantity requested    

Raggedy Ann & Andy & the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees
Adapted from the story by Johnny Gruelle

"One day while Ragged Ann and Andy are walking in the woods they meet up with their friend, the Camel with the wrinkled knees. Together they go in search of Babette, the doll who is missing from the nursery. Along the way they come across an old horse and twelve angry pirates - but will they ever find Babette?"

Price $15.00
Quantity requested    

Raggedy Ann's Tea Party Book by Elizabeth Silbaugh

"Raggedy Ann knows all about tea parties, and in this charming book she shares valuable tips for making them fun and easy. You'll learn how to create your own colorful invitations, to prepare goodies like Raggedy Ann's famous candy-heart cookies, and to set the table in an extra special way. Chock-full of recipes and games, here is a book that celebrates the simple pleasures of an old-fashioned tea party.

Raggedy Ann's Birthday Party Book by Elizabeth Silbaugh

"Children of all ages love going to birthday parties, but sometimes throwing a party for someone can be the most fun of all! Raggedy Ann knows how nice it is to make someone happy on that special day. So when a beautiful new doll arrives in the nursery, Raggedy ann and all the other dolls decide to throw her a party. In this delightful activity book, Raggedy Ann shares her helpful hints for making a birthday party extra special. Readers will learn how to make everything from homemade gifts and wrapping paper to a delicious striped birthday cake. Then when everything is in order, sit down for some tasty treats and party games! Jam-packed with practical tips and loads of inventive party activities, this birthday book will be relished by readers."

My First Book of Numbers
Illustrated by Margaret Tarrant

"Children will enjoy learning their numbers from one to twenty in this delightful book. Each number is accompanied by a beautiful full-color illustration and entertaining verse."