New Leaf Nominations for July 2018 • Some Like It Hot: Summer

[Bookworm_Girl]

I was feeling nostalgic and recently purchased Martin Pippin in the Daisy-Field by Eleanor Farjeon. I was enchanted by this book as a child when I discovered an old hardback edition in my mother's bookcase.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKOC01O/

Wandering minstrel, Martin Pippin, encounters six little girls on his travels - who beg him to tell them stories. This he does whilst they are making daisy chains, and so his wonderful tales of magicians, mermaids, pirates and pigs are here-recounted. The collection includes one of Farjeon's most famous and charming stories, 'Elsie Piddock Skips in Her Sleep. This classic, magical collection will be loved by adults and children alike - perfect for bedtime reading.

Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) was a British author of children's stories and plays, poetry, biography, history and satire. She lived much of her life among the literary and theatrical circles of London, and her friends included D. H. Lawrence, Walter de la Mare and Robert Frost. She won many literary awards, and the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award for children's literature is presented annually in her memory by the Children's Book Circle.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Bookworm_Girl

I was feeling nostalgic and recently purchased Martin Pippin in the Daisy-Field by Eleanor Farjeon. I was enchanted by this book as a child when I discovered an old hardback edition in my mother's bookcase.

Oh, what a lovely book. It reminds me of another pleasure of kidlit, the window into the past. Not so much as with the classics such as Alcott, but the typical stories children of another read. In my house, we had an anthology of stories from the old St. Nicholas magazine and they fascinated me.

Originally Posted by orlok

For me it evokes the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton. I used to sit enraptured as our teacher read these to us in our down time, which probably fuelled my love of reading. They weren't all based in the summer, but that's the enduring memory I have of these wonderful stories.

The Five books and the ones I mentioned encapsulate the particular charm of summer kids books in that they're about children in charge of their own lives. Unlike the school books where operating under regimentation was the norm, summer gave the kids agency. I think that's part of summer's appeal to me still, that lingering sense of being able to kick over the traces - or maybe of time suspended for a little while.

[Catlady]

Maybe it would be fun to have a children's book theme some month--perhaps something like favorite childhood books or books you wished you'd read as a child.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Maybe it would be fun to have a children's book theme some month--perhaps something like favorite childhood books or books you wished you'd read as a child.

Later this month we'll work out our next slate of themes.

[CRussel]

The children's books I remember with the greatest fondness were the complete set of L. Frank Baum Oz books we had. With the lovely illustrations, and mix of fantasy and characters,they sparked a lifetime love of SFF. But I also remember Alcott with fondness. Though if we're going to do a children's theme, I'd far rather Baum than Alcott.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by CRussel

The children's books I remember with the greatest fondness were the complete set of L. Frank Baum Oz books we had. With the lovely illustrations, and mix of fantasy and characters,they sparked a lifetime love of SFF. But I also remember Alcott with fondness. Though if we're going to do a children's theme, I'd far rather Baum than Alcott.

It doesn't matter, but it might be more useful in the long run to post theme ruminations in the Theme Suggestion Thread and try to stick to summer here!

[CRussel]

Good point. I'll move over there for that discussion.

Meanwhile, I just need one last second for A Long Summer Day. Really, this was one of my favourite reads last year, and I'd love to share it with everyone.

[Dazrin]

I will third Long Summer Day just to get it to the vote but I'm not thrilled with the idea of another almost 700 page book.

I will second A Man's Got to have a Hobby as well.

[astrangerhere]

Originally Posted by Dazrin

I will third Long Summer Day just to get it to the vote but I'm not thrilled with the idea of another almost 700 page book.

I will second A Man's Got to have a Hobby as well.

You should love my 100 page nomination then, Dazrin

[bfisher]

I'll second A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams. What's a summer book that's not ended by a famous hurricane ?

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by CRussel

Good point. I'll move over there for that discussion.

Meanwhile, I just need one last second for A Long Summer Day. Really, this was one of my favourite reads last year, and I'd love to share it with everyone.

My hesitation with that one is not 700 pp. per se, but 700 pp. without an audiobook.

[issybird]

Two books are left which need a vote apiece. Here's a reminder that anyone can vote at this stage, even if they plan to lurk during the discussion.

[orlok]

Originally Posted by issybird

Two books are left which need a vote apiece. Here's a reminder that anyone can vote at this stage, even if they plan to lurk during the discussion.

Okay, as they all seem worth reading this month, I'll nominate the remaining two. I don't think I'll be able to participate in the reading/reviewing this time due to RL constraints, but will if I can.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by orlok

Okay, as they all seem worth reading this month, I'll nominate the remaining two. I don't think I'll be able to participate in the reading/reviewing this time due to RL constraints, but will if I can.

Do what you can, when you can. You're always welcome and will be missed when you can't make it.

(This goes for everyone, btw. If life happens, don't sweat it. The club is supposed to be fun, not a chore. Good intentions cover most situations. )

Oh, and thanks for the seconds!

[Bookpossum]

Oh good, all tidied up!

Good luck with the real life constraints orlok - hope you can get back to us when things settle down.