I was recently awarded this lovely Very Inspiring Blogger Award from my friends at the DogDaz Zoo. You might go visit Sofie and Louise and all the cats over there. They seem to always be having a good time. This award is quite an honor for me! It’s nice to think that I might be inspiring somebody, somewhere. I find inspiration in Winnie the Pooh. He is the essence of simple joy. This conversation with Piglet says things quite well – “What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today!” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day!” said Pooh.
So, I’m setting out today, my favorite day, to INSPIRE you to discover the enchanting tales of Ms Natalie Babbit. Some of you may be familiar with her. She’s written and illustrated quite a few books. Most famously, Tuck Everlasting. When I was a wee young pup, My Girl Brenna read this one to me and I was smitten. It is a fun tale about a family that finds a spring that gives them eternal life. It is an imaginative, humorous, sad story about the good and bad of living forever. I believe that a movie was made from this book.
Well, on our recent outing to Half Price Books in Dallas, I discovered two picture books by Ms Babbitt. She is now my favorite author of the moment!! I LOVE these books! I love the stories and I love the illustrations.
Bub or the Very Best Thing was published in 1994 by Michael di Capua Books. It’s the story of a King and Queen who are trying to find out what’s the very best thing for their little Prince. This book was written for Ms Babbitt’s grandson who stars in the tale. And all the characters are members of Ms Babbitt’s family. Including the dog who appears to be the little Prince’s nanny. At least his constant companion. I won’t tell you what they all discover. You’ll have to read the book!
Elsie Times Eight was published in 2001, again by Michael di Capua Books. This story stars Ms Babbitt’s granddaughter. Elsie is a young girl with a very inept fairy godmother. The fairy godmother doesn’t hear very well and misunderstands things and then does some very silly magic. Elsie gets turned into EIGHT Elsies!! And then total chaos ensues! It is quite a hilarious tale!
The artwork in these books is quite exquisite. The characters just come alive with such expression! And the tales themselves are delightful. I love Ms Babbitt.
You can read an interview with her here.
A list of some of her books on GoodReads here.
Ms Babbitt reads from Tuck Everlasting
I hope you find some magic in your day today! It’s the best day ever!
Your friend — Rhythm
Reading With Rhythm 
Hi Rhythm,
I really like that quote from Winnie the Pooh and your attitude towards life that quote expresses. I wish you wonderful today then!
Best regards from southern Texas,
Pit
That Winnie the Pooh is one wise bear. And yes, that about sums up how I greet every day! Thanks for stopping by!
did y’all get much rain last week? We got about 6″ of slow soaking rain. It sure was fun!
Hi Rhythm,
unfortunately we didn’t get much rain. Only .5 inches in two days. Nearly everything’s going brown. š¦ The only advantage: even the weeds don’t really grow. š
Take care, and have a good one,
Pit
I love Ms. Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting and Kneeknock Rise! š I want to read that Bub book! š
I’ve not read Kneeknock Rise, But I’m on the lookout for more of her books. That Bub book is really something.
The Eight times eight book is huge! Love the pic of you peeking behind it š
Congrats on your lovely award š
Thanks Misaki! It’s really just a regular size picture book. A little on the big side. It just looks bigger in the picture. Something called perspective I think?
Congratulations to you and your mom, Rhythm on the blog award. That is pretty cool — like your blog. Loved TUck Everlasting. Didn’t realize there was a wonderful PB by Natalie Babbitt. Great post!
Thanks Ms Tilton! Tuck Everlasting is a good read. Ms Babbitt has several picture books to her name. She is one inspiring lady!
Congrats, you are inspiring, Rhythm and I love Winnie the Pooh quotes.
Thank you Ms Johnson! Winnie the Pooh is the wisest bear I know.
Loving your haaaaat! Where do you get all your lovely costumes?
I would be most happy to share my hats with you! Where do we get them? I don’t know. The Mom Person is always coming home with this stuff. She’s quite the scrounger.
Congrats! and 2 more books for summer fun
Thank YOU Ms Zookeeper! Yes, more and more books! Summer fun indeed! With occasional breaks for swimming and ball playing!
Congratulations, Rhythm, on a much deserved award! (cute hat by the way!)
Thank you on both counts!
Good job on the review Rythm, the Bub book looks like a perfect childrens book. P.S- love the glasses! š
Thanks Kirby! Yes, that Bub book is a good read aloud!