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Once Upon A Time...
An illustrated collection of true and fictional anecdotes, stories, and reminiscences by well-known children's authors and illustrators about books and the experience of reading.
64 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 13, 2024
“Once Upon A Time...” is a special release from 1986, in which authors from my childhood decade reflected on their passion for literature. There is a great variety of poetry and short pieces. I am reviewing this in the new year 2024 and read it in October 2023. The dedication is beautiful and meaningful: “To readers of all ages, especially those who share their love of reading with children”.
There are no Canadians, whom I know better but that is fair in an American publication. I see this collection celebrates “the magic of children’s books in honour of the twentieth anniversary of Reading Is Fundamental”. I am a story lover who relishes the fun and permanence of searching for and collecting books for our home library, rather than borrowing or downloading anything. The editors were Judy Plume & Tomie De Paola.
Being a children’s compilation, let’s talk about the artist! The suspenseful, enticing, stunningly colourful cover depicts animals and people browsing. I am moved by the promise of treasures, in an alleyway made in a forest. It is the most original place and the most compelling cover I have seen. It is not from these stories. It was drawn by Ludwig Bemelmans in 1939 for his storybook, “Madeline”. I will eagerly seek his stories with such an electric vibe! The setting and premise of discovery are visually, imaginatively enchanting.
My favourite interior portrait is also arboreal, on page 30. Children, cats, roosters, and dogs recline in branches, with a bowl of apples and Chinese lanterns, while they are engrossed in books. A sign declares this refreshing, bright spot: “Readers Only”. Jim Trelease make a poignant introduction about the difference between learning to read and knowing the specialness of books. I am infinitely glad that I know this respite and joy.
There are no Canadians, whom I know better but that is fair in an American publication. I see this collection celebrates “the magic of children’s books in honour of the twentieth anniversary of Reading Is Fundamental”. I am a story lover who relishes the fun and permanence of searching for and collecting books for our home library, rather than borrowing or downloading anything. The editors were Judy Plume & Tomie De Paola.
Being a children’s compilation, let’s talk about the artist! The suspenseful, enticing, stunningly colourful cover depicts animals and people browsing. I am moved by the promise of treasures, in an alleyway made in a forest. It is the most original place and the most compelling cover I have seen. It is not from these stories. It was drawn by Ludwig Bemelmans in 1939 for his storybook, “Madeline”. I will eagerly seek his stories with such an electric vibe! The setting and premise of discovery are visually, imaginatively enchanting.
My favourite interior portrait is also arboreal, on page 30. Children, cats, roosters, and dogs recline in branches, with a bowl of apples and Chinese lanterns, while they are engrossed in books. A sign declares this refreshing, bright spot: “Readers Only”. Jim Trelease make a poignant introduction about the difference between learning to read and knowing the specialness of books. I am infinitely glad that I know this respite and joy.
June 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories.
January 29, 2023
Good book
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December 26, 2015I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10398858
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10398858
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews