As many of my friends know, I am a big fan of Lois Lenski. My son, Elliott, loved the Mr. Small books when he was little — something about the simple stories and simplistic (but adorable) illustrations is just so appealing. Of course, one of the reasons I like her drawings is because they can be easily adapted for embroidery. I love all of her books, but some of my favorites are the early publications from the 1920s.
This is a small hardcover book (5″ x 7″) with two or three nursery rhymes on one page and an illustration of the first rhyme on the facing page. Although the book begins with two colored illustrations, all of the rest of the illustrated pages have a color picture alternating with a black outline picture. I am uploading them in order over several posts because there are over 60 pictures and they all need to be cleaned up due to page discoloration.
Jolly Rhymes of Mother Goose
Platt & Munk, 1922
Lois Lenski, Illustrator
I really like the art work on these. Are you going to make stitcheries out of them?
Those are very cute! I think my favorite is the three men in a tub. I am reminded of the question, “what would you want if your were stranded on a desert island?” Only, “what would you take if you were in a tub with two other men?” I think the guy with the pie is going to be the king of the tub!
They are really neat! I love the one of the children dancing in a circle!
Wonderful illustrations! These would be so much fun to do as crayon painting/ embroidery.
Martha, thank you so much for sharing these adorable pictures. It is so hard to resist their sweet expressions and beautiful colors. I’m so tempted to do something with them.
These are just beautiful – I think Mary had a little lamb is my favorite. Must be the pink dress.
These pictures by Lois Lenski really sent me reeling. I have a book called Mother Goose Rhymes by Watty Piper and the colored drawings you showed are all included plus several more. None of the black and white are in my book. Another artist — Eulalie- provided many more drawings. They are all wonderful. This book was originally published in 1922 also by Platt & Monk. My copy was published in 1955. I have always loved it. Thanks for jogging my memory. Wish I could share all my pictures with you.
I have this book “Jolly Rhymes of Mother Goose” before me. My mother received it as a gift on 12/25/1932. She was born in January-1930. I remember this book being read to me as a child. How fun to find your website.