youth novels

with the recent (somewhat) release of the trailer for spike jonze's 'where the wild things are' i couldn't help but be reminded of my childhood and the bedtime stories that accompanied it. (and with that last sentence, i couldn't help but be reminded how 'i couldn't help but be reminded/think/wonder/etc' is the very foundation of the carrie bradshaw school of journalism - that is to say it's not very good technically). favourite books, read and reread, are now in tatters - missing covers, missing pages, scribbles all over - many have needed replacing over the years.

'the little prince' is not only my favourite children's story but also my favourite book of all time, and so it too has recently been replaced, after an hour searching high and low in the quirky used book store by my office. Aside from the great story itself, 'the little prince' also contains great illustrations which, face it, as a child are quintessential to an enjoyable reading experience.

antoine de saint exupéry filled the novel with simple little drawings (a snake having eaten an elephant, often mistaken for a hat by the aged eye, or a sweet lamb). however, it is in their simplicity that the reader finds authenticity in the narrator's voice - after all, he is supposed to be someone weary of adulthood.

i couldn't speak about children's stories without mentioning miss madeline - what a great television show this made as well

and of course, how could one speak of cheeky little girls in big cities without mentioning eloise! the smartest five year old i know, she taught me that when getting dressed, the first thing to do is put on my gloves. how posh!

then there are the intricate, detailed, and mesmerizingly beautiful illustrations that can be found in children's books as well.

the above can all be found in stories by marie queen of roumania, often illustrated by edmund dulac or helen stratton. the very first, my favourite, reminds me of klimt with its dark background, flat colours, and the daintiest flowers

needless to say, i'm more than excited for the release of 'where the wild things are', but until then i'll immerse myself in the book and rediscover all the magic i've forgotten since the last time i read it. ah, to be young again.