M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Recycled Books Thrill a New Generation
By Holly E. Newton

Publishers will reissue books that were popular and well received years ago with new covers or have new illustrations to present the book differently or in a more updated way. However, in some cases, the reissue is packaged exactly the way it was when it first came out. Here is a list of some outstanding reissues that have become classics in children’s literature.

Let’s first begin with picture books geared for youngsters ages 4 through 8. Little Toot, written and illustrated by Hardie Gramatky, is one of those classic treasures that many of us owned or remembered from our childhood. Here is a book that has been completely restored and has the original paintings that helped make this a popular book for children.

The book was first published back in 1939, and enlightens children as to how large ships navigate into ports. Little Toot has spunk and personality but doesn’t dare to venture out near the ocean where it’s rough. But, he suddenly has a chance to show his courage. This edition has a note to the reader from the author’s only child and would be a treasure in any home!

And while we’re on classic picture books that were first published long ago, Tubby the Tuba was a 1946 song that has been masterly made into a picture book with the retro paintings of colors and hues of the 1940’s. Paul Tripp has written the text, with illustrations by Henry Cole. There’s even a CD included of the classic recording. There are many layers of learning in this book. This is a terrific group read-aloud!

Earl the Squirrel, written and illustrated by Don Freeman, isn’t exactly a reissue, but it’s been sitting around for more than 50 years waiting for someone to take notice and publish it. Mr. Freeman died back in 1978 and had attempted to publish this story, but it didn’t happen until long after his death. Fortunately, it was discovered and published in 2005. The pictures are completely done in the author’s signature style of simple black and white with only a bright red scarf that Earl wears throughout the story.

The next six picture books are all classics with new illustrations. Jack and the Bean-stalk, by E. Nesbit, and illustrated by Matt Tavares, is so beautifully painted with pencil and watercolors that they completely fill the pages and capture the imagination of this classic story. Beauty and the Beast, by Max Eilenberg, and illustrated by Angela Barrett, also takes the reader into a familiar story but with pictures that are sure to hold the attention of all. The Frog Prince, by the Brothers Grimm, and retold by Kathy-Jo Wargin is another familiar story but with breathtaking pictures by Anne Yvonne Gilbert.

The Princess and the Pea [and the 12 Dancing Princesses], retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora, takes the reader to Africa as you learn about an African princess and her trials of feeling a pea in her bed. Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale, retold by Stephen Mitchell, and illustrated beautifully by Bagram Abatoulline, is the story of humility and honor. The Emperor of China enjoys his nightingale but soon discards him for a more beautiful mechanical bird. But the nightingale returns when the Emperor becomes ill. Abatoulline masterly creates a feeling of exotic China in his paintings.

The Bravest Knight, by Mercer Mayer, was first published back in 1968 but has been redone in bright color. This hilarious read-aloud is about a young boy who imagines becoming a knight of olden days and fighting dragons.

The next four books would be great to read aloud for all ages. The House at Pooh Corner, by A.A. Milne, and illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard, is the perfect book full of all the adventures of Christopher Robin and his friends that live near his house. The illustrations are in color and carry the original pictures of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. There’s even a colorful map on both inside covers depicting the layout of the land.

Astid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking has the illustrations by Lauren Child which updates this fantastic tale of an unusual girl who is fun and full of adventures! A Beatrix Potter Treasury: The Original and Authorized Edition, would actually be an inspiration to those readers who aspire to writing. Not only is Potter’s complete compilation about Peter Rabbit and his friends included, but there is also an illustrated, moving and in-depth introduce

tion about what inspired the author to write these stories. The first publication was back in 1902. Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, is a wonderful reissue with Zwerger working her magic with her imaginative renditions!

And for my last three books, these are geared for ages 9 through adult. Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen, and illustrated by Drew Willis, was first published more than 20 years ago. This book is made for the reluctant reader — the one who hasn’t yet discovered that books can truly be exciting and hard to put down. If you’ve not read this one, I envy you! You’re in for a real adventure about a boy who survives a plane crash in the wilderness. This edition is remarkable, with beautiful illustrations and an oversized publication.

Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville, and illustrated by Patrick Benson, was first written back in the 1800’s. This awe-inspiring epic will draw the reader in with the majesty of writing and incredible illustrations. There’s even a glossary and drawing of the internal makings of a whaling ship located in the back.

Beowulf is an epic story that has been passed on from gener-ation to generation about a Danish warrior who fights three terrible monsters to keep them from destroying his kingdom. There are three illustrated books about this classic: Beowulf: A Tale of Blood, Heat, and Ashes retold by Nicky Raven, and illustrated by John Howe; Beowulf: A Hero’s Tale Retold by James Rumford and Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo, and illustrated by Michael Foreman.

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