Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Jessie Watkins Over The HIlls, Illustration with Victorian Charm

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This darling Victorian children's book gives us a glimpse into the life of a child in the 1880s. Very sweet. Over the Hills has poems from a child's perspective by E L Shute with accompanying illustration by Jessie Watkins. The book was published by Frederick Warne & Co. There is no date, however, similar books were published in the 1880s.
I have not been able to find any biographical information on the author or illustrator. Here is the cover illustration.

over the hills

In the pages we see the beauty of creative childhood play. Children had limited toys, but their imaginations were unlimited.

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Although we still have hula hoops, you don't see children playing these types of hoop games anymore (unless you visit a living history museum like Old World Wisconsin)

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Two little girls thrilled with seeing a bunny. Biophilia (love of nature) is natural for children, if they are allowed to experience nature.

I think the following two illustrations are very pretty.

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I love the way the illustrator chose peacock feathers as a border for this puppy love scene.

Quite a treasure!