A Treasure

While at a very fun bookstore, which sells mostly pre-owned books, I was enjoying the back section of the store, where the older books are sold.  There is just something about that rooms that keeps me there.  Maybe it is when you open up a familiar "classic children's book" and see the first owner's name and drawings in it that makes me feel somehow connected to them.

Or maybe it is just thinking about how many hands have held and eyes have read all the books in that room.  From the leather bound to the books no longer in print.  That room holds my attention more than any other room.

While browsing, I noticed several volumes of books with animals on them.  They were two of the "Burgess Children's Books," one volume about animals and one about birds.  There was even an additional set of 10 Burgess Bedtime Story-Books, having had one previous owner, that were in excellent condition, but pricey.  I've heard excellent things about the "Burgess Books" but never ordered them or looked them up at the library.

As I leafed through the "Bird Book for Children," I fell in love with the author's style of writing an enjoyable story, but also including details about the birds.  The playful language of the birds who shared their differences with each other, educating the readers on why some travel south for the winter and others do not, among other things.

Below is an excerpt.  Jenny Wren, just having returned to the Old Orchard, following Mistress Spring, is talking to Peter Rabbit and has asked him how he likes her new suit.

"I am very fond of brown.  Brown and gray are my favorite colors."  You know Peter's own coat is brown and gray.

"That is one of the most sensible things I have heard you say," chattered Jenny Wren.  "The more I see of bright colors the better I like brown.  It is always in good taste.  It goes well with almost everything.  It is neat and it is useful.  If there is need of getting out of sight in a hurry you can do it if you wear brown.  But if you wear bright colors it isn't easy.  I never envy anybody who happens to have brighter clothes than mine.  I've see dreadful things happen all because of wearing bright colors."

"What?" demanded Peter.

"I'd rather not talk about them," declared Jenny in a very emphatic way.  "'Way down where we spent the winter some of the feathered folks who live there all the year round wear the brightest and most beautiful suits I've ever seen.  They are simply gorgeous.  But I've noticed that in times of danger these are the folks dreadful things happen to.  You see they simply can't get out of sight.  For my part I would far rather be simply and neatly dressed and feel safe than to wear wonderful clothes and never know a minute's peace.  Why, there are some families I know of which, because of their beautiful suits, have been so hunted by men that hardly any are left.  But gracious, Peter Rabbit, I can't sit here all day talking to you!  I must find out who else has arrived in the Old Orchard and must look my old house over to see if it is fit to live in."

The books' pictures had more reading even longer.

And from the Animal book.

The Bird Book, I'm assuming, was given as a Christmas present to its owner because the inside cover has his name and the date "Dec 25, 1942."  My parents were both born the following year. The Bird Book was printed in 1940 and the Animal Book was printed in 1924.

 

The books are available online.  I did purchase the "Burgess Seashore Book for Children" for less than $10, but it is not a hardcover.  The pictures lack color and are printed on the same paper pages as the story.  In my older copies, they are printed on the smooth, glossy paper that makes the colors and images stand out.

We've started reading the Bird Book aloud and I've found myself wanting to read ahead while the children rest.  I do believe these will become treasures in our home.