Jolly fun

What fun it would be in these days of economic gloom and the credit crunch (good name for a biscuit don't you think) to be able to make whatever you needed from a cardboard box, scissors and some sticky tape. 

Take this little house for instance. It has a splendid front door and two little windows with the prettiest red and white check curtains. Who could ask for more!

But how would you feel if one day you returned to your house to find a glassy blue eye watching you from one of the windows? Would you, I wonder, recognise the owner of that eye?

Well yes, you probably would if you had read 'Jolly Tall' the wonderful little story for children written and illustrated by the very talented Jane Hissey. 

In the story the toys find a cardboard box and draw a door and windows in it to make a house. But when they cut out the windows they find a very tall furry giraffe inside and they name him Jolly Tall (because he is).

After several attempts to get him out of the box the toys use a little red crane which successfully does the job with only a few spills along the way. 

My daughter and I are huge fans of Jane Hissey's stories about Old Bear and his friends and, as you can see, we have collected a number of the cute characters from the books over the years.

If I didn't think you'd seen more than enough snow this year already I could have told you about the book entitled 'Jolly Snow'. In this story the toys long for some of the magical white stuff to fall from the sky but when it doesn't they try making it from flour, pieces of cut paper and even soap bubbles. Eventually they settle for some fun sledging down a white sheet obligingly held high by Jolly Tall. (Yet another cardboard box has come in useful you'll notice!)

If you have any cardboard boxes left at the end of the day you could try making a train just like the toys have done in the book about a little dog named 'Ruff'.

Many of you I'm sure will be very familiar with Jane Hissey's stories for children. The illustrations are wonderful and all the characters in the books are kind and friendly to each other. No one gets hurt and no one is ever unhappy. There is however plenty of action and excitement in the playroom, and best of all plenty of simple play ideas for young children to imitate and enjoy. As you might have guessed by now, I love all Jane Hissey's books and feel sure you would too!

Until next time,

Eli

Comments

[Martha]

Oh my GOSH!!!
We adore the Jane Hissey books!!
I thought we had them all, but I see several that we don't know. Time to go do a search!!!
Love the stuffed animals. Cute, cute, cute. ♥

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

You always have such sweet and delightful posts! I have not heard of these adorable books! Thank you so much for sharing about them. They look absolutely charming! You have a wonderful collection her books and the sweet characters that go along with them! I will look for Jane Hissey books!

Have a lovely day!
Paula

[Redwood House]

Hi Eli, you have taken me back to when the girls were small the times we read Old Bear to them at bed time they loved it and the wonderful pictures. I miss getting childrens books I used to love finding a new book and we could hardly wait until bed time to read and look at the pitures together it was a special time which I will always treasure.

Love the name credit crunch for a biscuit that really made me laugh....Jan

[Rhondi]

I love children's books and that one looks delightful. I haven't heard of that author but I'm going to look her up.

[Maggie]

Oh, Eli, I just would love to come over and play!
I love that 2nd image with the eye peeking out!
When my children were small - and, if I am hones, when I was young, too, if anyone in the street got a new appliance delivered - a stove, washing machine, and oh my, a big refrigerator - well, we kids (or parents)were all over that box!
We would do exactly what you have done: draw and cut-out windows and doors and play inside the box for the entire day.
I made them for my children, too, and they had the same fun I did as a child.
Your little post has brought back a lot of memories.
xxx
Maggie