inspiration ...
One of the ways I have found to nurture myself and to practice gentleness towards myself is by reading picture books...by truly immersing myself in a beautiful storybook. I have a growing collection of titles in a basket, both for me to enjoy and be inspired by now, and for my future children one day to grow up loving.
I truly believe that adults can be inspired, nurtured, and taught by storybooks. I believe they are incredibly lifegiving and a gentle way to be reminded of some of life's most important things and be filled with meaningful value. Storybooks are one of my greatest inspirations...I adore the stories. And the illustrations just take them over the top for me.
Two of my favorite illustrators are Jan Brett and Wendy Anderson Halperin. I am working on growing my collection of any works of theirs I come across. They truly create worlds with the gorgeous artwork they put into a storybook. I am mesmerized with every page I turn as I savour the littlest details on each and every page. Seriously, they are the kinds of illustrations you wish you could just jump right into!
My favorite picture books are ones about my most favorite things...home, family, domestic details, nature, seasonal living, life's simple pleasures, old-fashioned charm and values, morals and virtue, magic and whimsy and beauty, imagination and wonder, both in word and art. The ones featured in these photos are some of my newest discoveries...and I am obsessed with each one of them. I borrowed them all from my library, but you can be assured that they have all gotten written down on my list of books to keep my eyes open for when I'm out and about at used bookshops, rummage and garage sales, and little free libraries. These are some real gems, and no matter your age, I highly recommend them.
What are some of your favorite picture books? Or storybooks authors and/or illustrators? Please share, because I'd love to learn about some new ones to check out!