Eloise Wilkin

I have been thinking about Eloise Wilkin ever since Vivi posted about Janusz Grabianski and his illustrations. Ms. Wilkin's art for Little Golden Books are some of the first images I remember looking at in the books in my playroom. When I see them now, I feel five years old and I am still fascinated by those drawings.

There is a warmth and peacefulness in her portrayal of children (even if their faces are a bit like cherubic cartoons at times) that brings comfort to the reader. While looking over images of her work on the computer, I came across this book.

Baby's First Christmas cover image

This title was not in my library growing up, but I would love to get it now. There is something so perfect about the way Wilkin has depicted the child's look and reach.

Though her art may be considered dated in that the fashion, furnishings in the home, and even some of the scenarios are obviously from another time, there are few who can capture the wonderment, determination, and pure sweetness of children as Wilkin did. She drew childhood.

Here are just a few of her covers and pages......