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Recycled Books
Thrill a New Generation
By Holly E. Newton
Publishers will reissue books that were popular
and well received years ago with new covers or have new illustrations
to present the book differently or in a more updated way. However,
in some cases, the reissue is packaged exactly the way it was when
it first came out. Here is a list of some outstanding reissues that
have become classics in children’s literature.
Let’s first begin with picture books geared for youngsters
ages 4 through 8. Little Toot, written
and illustrated by Hardie Gramatky, is one of those classic treasures
that many of us owned or remembered from our childhood. Here is
a book that has been completely restored and has the original paintings
that helped make this a popular book for children.
The book was first published back in 1939, and
enlightens children as to how large ships navigate into ports. Little
Toot has spunk and personality but doesn’t dare to venture
out near the ocean where it’s rough. But, he suddenly has
a chance to show his courage. This edition has a note to the reader
from the author’s only child and would be a treasure in any
home!
And while we’re on classic picture books that were first published
long ago, Tubby the Tuba was a 1946 song
that has been masterly made into a picture book with the retro paintings
of colors and hues of the 1940’s. Paul Tripp has written the
text, with illustrations by Henry Cole. There’s even a CD
included of the classic recording. There are many layers of learning
in this book. This is a terrific group read-aloud!
 Earl
the Squirrel, written and illustrated by Don Freeman,
isn’t exactly a reissue, but it’s been sitting around
for more than 50 years waiting for someone to take notice and publish
it. Mr. Freeman died back in 1978 and had attempted to publish this
story, but it didn’t happen until long after his death. Fortunately,
it was discovered and published in 2005. The pictures are completely
done in the author’s signature style of simple black and white
with only a bright red scarf that Earl wears throughout the story.
The next six picture books are all classics with new illustrations.
Jack and the Bean-stalk, by E. Nesbit,
and illustrated by Matt Tavares, is so beautifully painted with
pencil and watercolors that they completely fill the pages and capture
the imagination of this classic story. Beauty and the
Beast, by Max Eilenberg, and illustrated by Angela
Barrett, also takes the reader into a familiar story but with pictures
that are sure to hold the attention of all. The Frog
Prince, by the Brothers Grimm, and retold by Kathy-Jo
Wargin is another familiar story but with breathtaking pictures
by Anne Yvonne Gilbert.
The Princess and the Pea
[and the 12 Dancing Princesses], retold and illustrated
by Rachel Isadora, takes the reader to Africa as you learn about
an African princess and her trials of feeling a pea in her bed.
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale,
retold by Stephen Mitchell, and illustrated beautifully by Bagram
Abatoulline, is the story of humility and honor. The Emperor of
China enjoys his nightingale but soon discards him for a more beautiful
mechanical bird. But the nightingale returns when the Emperor becomes
ill. Abatoulline masterly creates a feeling of exotic China in his
paintings.
 The
Bravest Knight, by Mercer Mayer, was first published
back in 1968 but has been redone in bright color. This hilarious
read-aloud is about a young boy who imagines becoming a knight of
olden days and fighting dragons.
The next four books would be great to read aloud for all ages.
The House at Pooh Corner, by A.A. Milne, and illustrated
by Ernest H. Shepard, is the perfect book full of all the adventures
of Christopher Robin and his friends that live near his house. The
illustrations are in color and carry the original pictures of Winnie
the Pooh and his friends. There’s even a colorful map on both
inside covers depicting the layout of the land.
Astid Lindgren’s
Pippi Longstocking has the illustrations by Lauren
Child which updates this fantastic tale of an unusual girl who is
fun and full of adventures! A Beatrix Potter Treasury:
The Original and Authorized Edition, would actually
be an inspiration to those readers who aspire to writing. Not only
is Potter’s complete compilation about Peter Rabbit and his
friends included, but there is also an illustrated, moving and in-depth
introduce
tion about what inspired the author
to write these stories. The first publication was back in 1902.
Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll,
and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, is a wonderful reissue with
Zwerger working her magic with her imaginative renditions!
And for my last three books, these are geared for ages 9 through
adult. Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen, and illustrated
by Drew Willis, was first published more than 20 years ago. This
book is made for the reluctant reader — the one who hasn’t
yet discovered that books can truly be exciting and hard to put
down. If you’ve not read this one, I envy you! You’re
in for a real adventure about a boy who survives a plane crash in
the wilderness. This edition is remarkable, with beautiful illustrations
and an oversized publication.
Moby-Dick,
by Herman Melville, and illustrated by Patrick Benson, was first
written back in the 1800’s. This awe-inspiring epic will draw
the reader in with the majesty of writing and incredible illustrations.
There’s even a glossary and drawing of the internal makings
of a whaling ship located in the back.
Beowulf is
an epic story that has been passed on from gener-ation to generation
about a Danish warrior who fights three terrible monsters to keep
them from destroying his kingdom. There are three illustrated books
about this classic: Beowulf: A Tale of Blood, Heat,
and Ashes retold by Nicky Raven, and illustrated by
John Howe; Beowulf: A Hero’s Tale Retold
by James Rumford and Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo, and illustrated
by Michael Foreman.
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