(I bet you thought this post was about IKEA! Well, it’s not!)
Maria Gripe… I thought I knew a bit about children’s books – but tonight Cam and Max and Ari and I went for a get-out-of-the-house-after-a-long-peaky-day walk.. and we found these two lovely books on the outside table at one of the second hand dealers on Brunswick Street. Cam bought them for me, as I had a stitchy back and was a bit grumpy. Thanks Cam.
They are written by Maria Gripe – who wrote a lot of lovely books, it seems. These two are illustrated by Harald Gripe (I’m thinking her husband… correct me if I’m wrong).
The drawings are gorgeous, and I can’t wait to read the stories! Maria also wrote ‘Papa Pellerin’s Daughter’, ‘Hugo & Josephine’, ‘Agnes Cecelia’, ‘The Night Daddy’ & ‘Elvis and His Secret’.. and over 20 more titles.
What is it with Swedish children’s books?! They are GOOD! ‘Little O’ and ‘Pippi’ and now ‘Josephine’! Yikes!
xx mikes
I have that same Josephine edition lurking on the shelves somewhere. Love the Swedish authors too, and am still desperately searching for Little O (which I adored as a child).
i really like her yellow cardi and yellow shoes.
In my experience, the Swedish also make the best cross stitchers. I think they start teaching them before they can walk.
these books look wonderful!! what a nice treasure to find on your walk. rest your back, my friend. i recommend frozen peas (to lay on top of) and hot chocolate to sip:)
Great finds, I love the colours on the book covers. The protagosnists look rather interesting too.
I remember listening to a story about Hugo and Josephine on the radio with my kids when they were little. It was beautiful and exciting.