Alice About The House

We’ve just bought this great little book at the local market. Initially, it was the front cover that grabbed our attention – an eye-popping red & yellow – you couldn’t really miss it!!

Before we opened it we guessed it must have dated from the 1950s/60s period. And so it turned out, being published by Thomson Newspapers Ltd in 1960.

It’s called ‘Alice about the House’ and as the name suggests, features Alice and all manner of domestic challenges.

Various scenarios spring up from the perfect sponge cake to electrocution!

Much of it takes the form of comic strips.

The illustrations are fabulous – and so are some of the story lines.

As you might guess, it’s full of handy hints. Some are still relevant today, others belong to a bygone era. Both aspects make it a very entertaining read – the price is £10 including UK postage for anyone interested.

This is Cape Canaveral

We’ve just made a new addition to our collection of This is… books.

It’s always a treat to make a brew and settle down with one of these gorgeous books for ten minutes – especially one we’ve never read before.

Our new arrival is a first edition copy of This is Cape Canaveral dating from 1963. Later versions of this book were called This is Cape Kennedy and most recently, This is the way to the Moon.

As always, fabulous illustrations by Miroslav Sasek leap off every page.

It’s a pleasure to share them with our readers – existing fans and perhaps a few new converts too.

They’re insightful and very witty…

…and full of wonderfully observed detail.

They’re beautifully drawn and capture the era perfectly.

They also have a real sense of optimism about them.

We picked up this copy for £5 which was a real steal for a first edition.

It’s always nice to get a bargain…

…and perhaps added just an extra tiny thrill as we thumbed through the pages!

We always buy the early editions and really love our little collection – Cape Canaveral makes it 11.

A few more to go yet, though – there are 18 in the series in total!

World Dolls Series: Spain

We’ve reached Spain – and, sadly, the end of our journey in the World Dolls Series.

Just to recap for any latecomers, this charming set of children’s books written by Irene Dark has taken us on a trip through twelve European countries – our doll hosts guiding the way. The books are wonderfully illustrated by a variety of artists. For this final edition it’s the turn of J. Sirr from the Birmingham School of Design.

Carmen & Juan are taking care of us in Spain. They scrub up well don’t they?

As the book says, “Spain is a land of hot sunshine. a land of dance and song”.

We’re barely off the coach and we’re shaking our stuff to the percussion band!

We’re staying in a traditional Spanish house which is very pretty. Girls in the beds, boys on mats on the floor!

There’s more farming to do – we’ve done our fair share on this trip! It’s grapes, olives, cork and pigs here in Spain.

We’re not complaining. We like earning our keep – and what better way to experience life in each country? And it’s not as if it’s been work, work, work – we’ve skied, skated, sailed, swam, danced, shopped & gone sightseeing.

We’re getting all misty-eyed now – what a journey we’ve had. Wonderful sights and lovely people (dolls).

But all good things must come to an end – and what a beautiful place to rest and reminisce. We’ve sold the coach and have bought a couple of donkeys. We’re staying in Spain for the foreseeable future.

You’ll find us here on the beach with our jug of Sangria – staring out at the blue sea & sky. The odd swim to cool off, a light lunch perhaps. Let us know if there’s anything urgent.

GONE FISHING! – H IS FOR HOME x