Postcard from London

 in London and not going to spend much time on you because, um, did I mention I’m in London? BUT: On the plane on the way over to London (which is where I am) I read one of the most delightful books I’ve read in a while. I acquired my copy at my local Children’s Book Shop, and I recommend you do the same. 

Actually I don’t. You see, I went in only to discuss how to buy foreign language books, and I left with this beautiful book. Going into excellent, friendly, well-curated indie book shops will do BAD THINGS to your wallet, I warn you!

In posting this picture for you, I realized something dreadful: Grace Lin seems to have written two other books I’ll now have to read.

What’s the book about? Stories. Stories about stories are among my favourite sorts of stories, and this one is not only beautifully written, but exquisitely illustrated (in colour, no less!) and creatively typeset.

You may want to see some charming books from London, and I’ll be going to Hatchard’s on Sunday, but so far I only got to visit Librairie La Page in South Kensington (I was with others and didn’t get to see their children’s books, more’s the pity!) and a few very beautiful books at the Victoria and Albert Museum:

And some beautiful glossed Bibles I don’t have time to share with you because they require editing– and did I mention I’m in London? More later.

International Cat Day

Twitter tells me very prominently that today is International Cat Day. This gives me an excuse to boost some truly excellent books we haven’t discussed in a while!

Limited text today– but I’ll give you links!

A Castle Full of Cats by the incredible Ruth Sanderson

Trina Schart Hyman’s exquisite, cat-heavy, retelling of Little Red Riding Hood

The White Cat and the Monk still gives me shivers and smiles in equal measure.

And Big Cat, Little Cat still makes me cry! (Sorry, that link is to IndieBound because I can’t find my post quickly enough…)

They All Saw A Cat will change how you look at cats forever…

And Catwings will change how you look at life, the world, and others (typical Ursula Le Guin!)

And if I Am a Cat doesn’t make you smile, at least once, go to the doctor.

What about you? Do you have any International Cat Day plans?

(Every day is Cat Day in our house, so let me diversify by showing you Weo the Wombat, latest denizen of our house, wearing… sunglasses…? Probably better not to ask.)