Friday, August 12, 2011

Vintage Children's Books: Mailman Mike



It's been a while since I've shown you another in my Vintage Story Book Collection.  This one is a new addition:  given to me by a dear friend, and nothing could be better.  I'd rather have one of these precious little books than just about anything!  She picked this up at a garage sale and I absolutely love it.  I'm familiar with the story, and am pretty sure that one of us nine kids had this book when we were little.




There's nothing better than story time with a freshly bathed little one, smellin' all sweet, with that damp little head underneath your chin, while sitting on your lap -- underneath a favorite quilt.  


Those are the best memories for a mom or a dad who invested time in reading with their little ones.  Luke even had a special quilt we used only for story time.  I still have it and plan on keeping it for when he has his own kids.  It's a farm print quilt, that I picked up at a craft sale, a teacher made quilts and tucked books into them for a gift to give.  She matched the book to the quilt and Luke's book was a farm book.  You could tell she really enjoyed choosing the books and the fabrics to tell the story.


Now for the story, Mailman Mike, by Mabel Watts, illustrated by Jean Tamburine, published by Rand-McNally & Co., 1969.  


CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE.  





















This book was fragile and brittle, but still ever so precious.  I suggest picking these up when you see them and they are affordable, for yourself or for a friend who loves vintage toys or books:  they make excellent gifts or are a wonderful alternative to a greeting card (which are highly overpriced!) for someone who loves vintage!


9 comments:

lillie mae acres said...

LUV it! I have a few old books that I've cherished thru the many many many years, a few Elf books. This one looks somewhat familiar so at some point I may have had it as a child or read it. Thanks for such a cheery post!

lil red hen said...

These do make excellent gifts. I'd rather read children's books anyway. I have such fond memories of watching Charlotte's Web with my grandson, falling asleep in the chair beside me, that when I hear the music from it, I almost get tears in my eyes. Thanks for sharing your gift with us.

Vintage Country Girl said...

I love old books like this. I have kept all my favorite golden books from when I was little, and read them to my kids. They found them the other day, and read them on their own, and laughed out loud. Great memories.

denise said...

i have quite a few from when my kids were little. i have Th With A Drum in my cedar chest . my parents gave it to my son for his first christmas in 1983. he loved that book. denise

Valerie said...

So simple and sweet. I love your back story about Luke, the quilt and the book. What a "novel" idea!!!

Blessings,
Val

Unknown said...

Love the old books & artwork ... so remember this with my children sitting snuggled closely, enraptured with the story.

Would you be so kind to leave a comment on my BLOG ONLY, for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.

Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon

Raluca said...

I love books! And I hope our girls will love them too! I can't wait for story time :-)

Kristy said...

Mailman Mike was absolutely one of my favorites as a child. I remember reading this book so many times. I wish I could find more of these books. I would love to share them with my children. I love your blog.

Anonymous said...

When our son was born, my wife and i inherited about 20 or so rand mcnally elf books from her grandmother. Mailman Mike is his favorite. He brings it to us at least once a day. He loves the page with Jane. Definitely a classic for the usps, since so many of us email now. Thanks