classics | Booksellers Without Borders

The Country Bunny and the Little Golden Shoes by Du Bose Heyward

Written in 1939 for his daughter, this is a very feminist tale.

In a world where there are 5 Easter Bunnies a little girl rabbit says “Some day I shall grow up to be an Easter Bunny – you wait and see!” But soon she has 21 babies. She teaches them life skills and teamwork, so when it’s time to pick a new Easter Bunny she goes out for the job. She proves that her children are self sufficient and will be fine for one night without her.

This is a story every girl should have. It has an important message that you can do it all…… just not all at the same time.

Spotty by Margret Rey, pictures by H.A. Rey

24 Apr

Margret and H.A. Rey escaped Nazi Germany on their bicycles and in their belongings was the first draft of Curious George. Then, in 1945, Spotty was written. Often only available around Easter, this book is not about Easter bunnies but the intolerance of difference that exists in our world.

Spotty is a spotted rabbit born into a white rabbit family. Because he is different he is left out home while his family goes to Grandpa’s Birthday party. Grandpa would not approve of a spotted rabbit. Sad and alone Spotty runs away. In the woods he meets a spotted rabbit who brings him home to his spotted family. There in the corner is an all white rabbit. Like Spotty She did not fit into her family. He explains how his family is all white and he is the different one. The families meet and the story ends with a message of tolerance and acceptance.

Old Mother West Wind by Thornton W. Burgess

11 Apr

“Old Mother West Wind came down from the Purple Hills in the golden light of the early morning. Over her shoulders was slung a bag – a great big bag – and in the bag were all of Old Mother West Wind’s children, the Merry Little Breezes.”……” When she reached the Green Meadows, Old Mother West Wind opened her bag, turned it upside down and shook it. Out tumbled all the Merry Little Breezes and began to spin round and round….” The Merry Little Breezes explore the forest one story at a time. Mr. Burgess collected 16 tales in this volume, the first of over seventy books.Through nature we learn how to behave and why rules are important. Qualities of loyalty, friendship, trust, hard work and the consequences of misbehavior are all lessons we hope to instill in our children, as well as hold in our subconscious forever.

My favorite story is “The Tale of Tommy Trout, who Didn’t Mind”. Tommy Trout is warned not to venture out of the Laughing Brook, but his curiosity leads him beyond safety and into the mouth of a great big, big fish. “Ah-ha”…”I like little trouts.”……”And nothing more was ever heard of Tommy Trout, who didn’t mind.” The End. Although grim, it is powerful in its blunt simplicity.

I recommend this be Read To Children ages 3-7 years by an adult, in order to able to discuss the stories meanings.

HARD BOUND AND GAGGED…..