World Dolls Series: Norway

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World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

We’ve reached Norway in our World Dolls Series – a much-anticipated destination after a tough couple of weeks in Russia and a long trip over.

Front inside cover from World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

There are great illustrations by Frank Bird for this edition.

Asa and Karl, Norway national dolls from World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Our guides are Asa & Karl – a colourful, friendly pair with an unmistakable spring in their step.

Lapp and teepee in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Karl is a Lapp and hails from the far North so we head there first – the coach has a few more miles to do yet!

Lapps in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Karl shows us the traditional way of life in Lapland and we meet the lovely reindeer.

Lapp child with reindeer in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Then it’s back down South…

Fishermen in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

…where we take in the picturesque fishing harbours and get stuck into some cod.

Fishermen and cod in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Sightseeing in Oslo follows…

Asa, Norway national doll from World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

… and some serious R&R in the surrounding forests and on the ski slopes.

Ski jump with reindeer in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

We’ll be naturals before long – we don’t want to get shown up by the local 3-year-olds!

Skiers with reindeer in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

The long, hard graft of that Russian farm is a distant memory.

Mountain village with reindeer in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

We just about squeezed the coach onto the ferry for a trip down the fjords. Simply stunning!

Fiords in World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Thanks Asa & Karl – our spirits are refreshed.

Asa and Karl, Norway national dolls from World Dolls Series 'Norway' vintage children's book

Hopefully we’ll make a trip to Norway in the real world one day – and we pray it looks like Mr Bird’s illustrations!

World Dolls Series: Scotland

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vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book

This week we’re touring Scotland in our World Dolls Series of books.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustrations by M. Russon

There are twelve little books in the series. We’ve managed to get hold of them all, so we can do quite a comprehensive tour of Europe now.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book featuring dolls Andrew and Sheena

Our doll guides for this trip are Andrew & Sheena – sporting their national costumes which they wear for high days & holidays (they dress down in jeans & T-shirt during the rest of the week!)

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of a castle

Fabulous illustrations once more – this time the work of M. Russon from the Birmingham School of Design.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of children wearing tartan outfits playing with a snowman

They’re very atmospheric with a distinct 1960s feel.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of houses and boats in Aberdeen

We love the colours in this book – subtle shades of green, ochre & blue with flashes of bright red.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of a thistle

Some illustrations are full of tiny detail, but they retain a simple, spare quality too.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of a steamboat and highland cattle

We take in towns, harbours and the wonderful Scottish countryside.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of a red tractor

We love the depiction of life on the croft.

vintage World Dolls Series Scotland children's book with illustration of a flock of sheep with Sheena and a piper

Next week we’re heading off to Wales – hope you’ll join us!

World Dolls Series: England

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World Dolls Series, England vintage children's book | H is for Home

So here’s England – the first of those World Dolls Series posts we mentioned last week.

list of books in the World Dolls Series | H is for Home

These illustrations are by C. Jones from the Birmingham School of Design.

illustration of a pair of dolls in the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

Each book has doll-like characters to show you round their country – it’s George & Elizabeth taking us on the tour of England.

illustration of Tower Bridge from the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

We start in the capital…

illustration of horse guards and a British Bobby from the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

…with some classic landmarks.

illustration of a tube train from the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

We just love the depiction of this busy underground tube station.

illustration of a metal smelter in Sheffield from the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

We then move to other, diverse areas of the country – rural landscapes, industrial towns & coastal villages.

illustration of Yorkshire moors and mill chimneys from the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

Elizabeth comes from Yorkshire and the moorland landscape is very familiar to us here in Todmorden. Lots of sheep still live here!

illustration of a fishing boat from the World Dolls Series, England | H is for Home

We think these little books are so charming – hope you agree! We’ll be heading to Scotland next week.