My bedroom had two lovely bookcases on either side of the window seat. 
The window was often open in good weather and I remember how much I loved to watch the curtains blow in the breeze, as I snuggled in my bed across the room.
I was eight and even then my bookcases were filled with books. I used to love to sit on the window seat and read.
The day in 1956 when my father came into my bedroom with a book he wanted me to have, I can still remember it like it was yesterday. The name of the book was The Secret Garden.
It started a lifelong love affair with the book.
Although I struggled a bit at that age with some of the words, I cherished learning all about Mary Lennox and her adventures with Dickon in the Secret Garden.
That book made such an impression on me, and well, I cherished it throughout my lifetime.
I collected different versions, went to the play when it was on Broadway,
watched every version of the movies that were made, and began to fall in love with everything about the author.
My shelves are filled with all things about the author Frances Burnett, and I own several versions of The Secret Garden and other books written by her.
I certainly do not need another volume of The Secret Garden on the shelves of my library.
Yet, I know that there might be somone who needs thet same joy that I experienced in 1956, when I first met Mary Lennox.
This is the new thrill that I feel, knowing I will pass the joy along. Especially, when I find a treasure like the wonderful volume, which I have placed in my etsy shop today.
When I found this copy, I just knew it was special. The size for instance, is not your typical size. The Secret Garden illustrated by Tasha Tudor, measures 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 and holds 256 pages.
The illustrations are lovely, Tasha Tudor really created heavenly color plates and black and white ones throughout this volume published in 1962. The book was published by J. B. Lippincott Company. The book is in lovely condition, lovingly worn on the front cover. The pages are perfect.
Once upon a time my father gave me my first copy of The Secret Garden, and then I gave one to each of my daughters when they were about the same age. The name of the song for this post is Somewhere in Time.
I placed this beautiful keepsake, a secret garden charm bookmark which I made, and a custom bookplate to go inside, in my etsy shop For The Love of Old Books.
When I was about nine years old, I went to the school librarian and told her that I had read every book in the childrens section. Yep, every book!!!!! She took me to a shelf and handed me The Secret Garden and I proceeded to get 'lost' in that lovely book. I never had my own copy, but the memories are dear. Thanks for this touching post!
xoxo
Jane
oh, so gorgeous! you painted the
picture, spun your web, and almost
had me.
may still have me. :)
Soooo lovely, Karen! These illustrations just give me inspiration to try harder, but oh, I am so tired from teaching today...I drew a little but I can barely keep my eyes open now....Anita
The Tasha Tudor illustrations are delightful... I love how you describe your childhood room with the curtains at the windows and the window seat...utterly charming.
Oh, my, yes. You must be about my age. I remember it so well.It is my favorite children's book. I had a wonderful aunt who spoiled me. I asked her for a doll and she gave me the doll of the month club. I asked her for a book and I got a whole box. Among them was this. I must have been seven. Mu daughter now has a copy and we saw the musical together. And this song is one of my favorites.
Thank you!
Suz
Really great and beautiful posting.
Tanks and have a nice weekend.
Karen, these illustrations are lovely. Illustrations were my main exposure to art and they hold a very special place in my heart. So, so lovely!
Karen, these illustrations are lovely. Illustrations were my main exposure to art and they hold a very special place in my heart. So, so lovely!
Karen - The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books of all time. I was completely lost in it and reread it many times. I think a lot of us grew up reading it and had a love of reading fostered because of it. xoxo Nancy
As a Yorkshire lass, 'The Secret Garden' has alwaysheld a special place in my heart, too. The version you show is just beautiful ...what extravagant illustrations. A beautiful post, altogether. x
Post a Comment