Tuesday, July 21, 2009

This is Paris by M. Sasek

I love big picture books. I love wonderful illustrations. I love having tons of reading material for my grandchildren. I want them to remember me for the stories I told them and the books they read at my house.

I just discovered the This is series, by Miroslav Sasek, which was first printed in the 50s and 60s. M. Sasek, as he signed himself, was a Czechoslovakian artist, illustrator and writer. He escaped from Prague and settled in Munich in 1948 when the Communist Party came to power. He was trained as an architect. Later Sasek worked for Radio Free Europe before he wrote his first children's book, This is Paris. His This is series can be described as travelogues for children.


My first purchase this past weekend was so delightful that I immediately ordered 3 more in the series from Amazon.

21 comments:

  1. Beautiful. And to think that I do not even know of him, considering my background.
    I know about radio Free Europe though. We used to listen to it all times. Particularly my grandfather; I still see him to this day in front of me with his old, small transistor radio to his cheek, late at night or early in the morning, listening to the aether...

    Stevie, make sure to stop by my place tomorrow (Thursday), there is an award-tag waiting for you.;))
    Have a great Wednesday.;)
    xo

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  2. I thought it looked familiar, my family was in Germany in the early 60's (I'm an army brat) and the I totally recognized the nun.

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  3. I love children's books, too! This looks like a great one...love the illustrations! I have a little stack started...hopefully for grandkids someday! :)

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  4. What a fabulous series .. I am thinking its a great gift idea .. off to order it myself!

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  5. I own his "This is New York" book! I bought it in the LI Anthropologie store of all places. His artwork is so detailed and yet whimsical.

    I love pop up books and I'm collecting them as "read together" books for my grandson.

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  6. Pat, I found my book at Anthropologie too. When I decided to order more I check Amazon. They had them for almost $5 less. Because I ordered 4 I didn't have to pay any shipping. They have lots of titles. Love pop-up books too!

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  7. this looks like a delightful book! i have books for my grandkids as well but i really like the idea of collecting old children's books for them. you've inspired me as you always do!!

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  8. I love the looks of this book. Very cute. I must check it out. Avery loves Paris so I must look for this specific one. Don't you love books that are fun and teach also?

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  9. This book seems so wonderful !!!

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  10. Oh-oh-oh. I just might have to get some of these for my own little library. Grandkids or not.

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  11. They do look wonderful. I'd be willing to bet that you have a very impressive library. :)

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  12. I want to read books that have pretty pictures in them!
    I wish I had an Anthropologie store in my area. The closest one is in Boston. :(
    The post cards are little pieces of history. The expressions on the older women are priceless.
    denise

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  13. I love and collect some children's books too...especially older ones...but I have somehow missed these and you have really piqued my interst!...I'll be looking for them now!

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  14. Stevie, I'm very excited about having two of my Grans next week to read to!Kohl is 10, Molly is 7.
    I ordered three books just for reading to them, plus I have Masek's Ireland book that I will also read since you brought his books up! Thanks!

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  15. Oh, lovely book! Thank you so much for sharing this exquisite piece with us!

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  16. I love illustrations too and this era - retro - even more! You are a lucky gal and I lurve the memories you are making with your grandkids!

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  17. The "This is" books are popular at our house... so mod and simple and delightful!

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  18. What a WONDERFUL book! I'll have to keep an eye out for these for my kiddos.

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  19. These remind me of the artistry of Ludwig Bemelmans. I love this style.

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I'm glad you stopped by and I look forward to your comments. As Dr. Fraser Crane would say, "Hello, I'm listening."