New Book

New Book
Grandma's Purse

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Coocon


I was inspired by a rare children's book that I gifted to myself
called, "Piccola" Okay finding a copy of this amazing book is
not easy and it sure ain't cheap! Some people by the designer
shoes or handbags. I do rare children's books that I love.
I had to have this baby! It's a beautiful book. A collectors item.
I will post pictures of the story soon.
It is wonderful children's book about a boy and
a very tiny girl named Piccola. Piccooi is a girl who is so little that
she can sleep comfortably in a ordinary matchbox or sit curled up,
in a walnut shell. But she is unusually strong for her size.
She is also brave, enterprising , and ingenious-without being in
the slightest stuffy about it! I wish that Simon and Schuster would
reprint and bring it back. The illustrations are amazing. The book
is written by Phillppe Halsman and illustrated by one of my favorite
illustrators Paul Julian!!! Oh if you have ever watched Bugs Bunny you
have seen his before background work. Amazing!
Have a wonderful week!

40 comments:

rachel awes said...

i totally understand
your inspiration.
this is
DARLING.
love what you are
drawn to & draw. x

Jane Wilson said...

Very Cool! I am a picture book junkie too! I met Maurice Sendak and he signed my copy of Where the Wild Things Are! It is one of my most prized possessions!

k.h.whitaker said...

I love to collect childrens books Vanessa and I have never heard of this one! You are always enlightening me. Sounds like a book I would love.

Ellen Byrne said...

Oh, you are such an AMAZING illustrator! Your stuff is soooo brilliant! You are the master.

Karen said...

oo la la... this is just wonderful. I have to go in search of wee Piccola and Mr. Julian myself as you've piqued-ola my interest ;)

Brad said...

super cute little illustration vanessa! if this book is one of your favorites then i must search it out! i am an avid collector myself and i know exactly what you are talking about. the story of piccola sounds so interesting that just your little blurb about it makes me want to read it right now!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

How could I not love this??? It has a medical element in it...and after collaging old handwritten Rx's for a couple of days....this wins my heart! ♥
Strangely, the book sounds familiar. Mom always had me in summer reading programs and I wonder if this is one of the MANY I read.....

XXOO!!
Anne

Ces Adorio said...

Hahahahah! Oh vanessa, you are such a joy. I totally dig your style. Now I can't think of anything for this coccoon thingy and now you inspired me! Hahahah! Tsup!

Okay,

I am a little concerned about some parts of your comment about the hospital and all that for yourself. was this recent? You know "some" people keep secrets from me.

Liv @ Choosing Beauty said...

I just found you via Rachel Awes' blog and I'm so happy I did! I love that your guilty pleasure is rare and wonderful children's books - and that you're creating more today to be collectors items for others tomorrow! What a beauty you are!

shelby healey said...

I LOVE your style! Your pictures are so joyful. I'm really glad I've found your blog.

Unknown said...

you are so so cool Vanessa...this book sounds awesome and I collect picture books too....I love love love children's books...to me they are even more magical than rare paintings....This is such a cute piece.....

Hugs,
Diana

Ginger*:) said...

A wonderful illustration and a heartwarming explanation. I too love some of the rare old children's books. Many were mine as a child but have disappeared over the years. I know all too well about the price of some of those. I am happy you found your "gift" and that you have a new treasure for your soul.

Tamara Henderson said...

She is cute! I really love Mary Blair! Her work is amazing! I been searching for her books and it's been hard for me to find them.

Krista said...

Congratulations on finding your book! A prize all for you! (Well, I'm sure you'll share it with your sweeties.) This is adorable, as usual, imagine cocooning in a walnut shell!

Bella Sinclair said...

Oh, Vanessa, she is DARLING! I want a Piccola. I'd carry her around all day with me, and she could help me open those blasted jars that love getting stuck.

You and I must truly be sisters. I only buy shoes if I need them, and I wear the same ones every day. And I don't remember the last time I bought a handbag for myself. But children's books? Oh, I cannot resist! That's why I cannot WAIT for yours to come out!

Valerie Lorimer said...

This is fabulous! I'd love to see this book. I understand your desire to collect children's books. They are awesome.

Eve said...

It's always nice to hear about someone getting their hands on something they really enjoy collecting. Well done you. Treat yourself often! You really have inspired me to get back to art work. Thanks so much. I've mentioned you on my blog! I wish you had a button I could grab, I'd love to add it to my blog!

Maldito Columpio said...

Is a veeery beautiful ilustration,
full of elegance and sense of humor...
(as always)
I think I remember to be told a tale like that when i was little, I'll ask my mom.

Sandra said...

I love your idea and the illo so sweet. Simple yet lovely.

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful illustration. She looks so cute in that dress.

Unknown said...

... all curled up in her cozy little box! Thanks for sharing the info about Piccola.

Tomás Serrano said...

Wonderful illustration! Is not easy find a work from you not full of colors...

Ken said...

nice drawing! And money spent on inspirational books is always well spent :D

Owl Eng said...

this is sweetest cocoon i have ever seen!! thanks for the recommendation. will keep a lookout for this wonderful book!!

Heather said...

oh she's a darling little Piccoli - love this drawing and her expression...Thanks for sharing the book and Paul Julian's lovely illustrations with us - glad you got yourself a copy!! :) heather

steve said...

Haha! Super job!

Soph said...

aww she is so sweet! The story sounds really sweet too :D

Anonymous said...

Very amazing story and illo. Are you contracted to illustrate a modern day book?

MrBibleHead said...

Hey Vanessa! I can feel the joy of getting your hands on Piccola and I can see the joy in your work. What a wonderful illustration and a perfect tribute to Paul Jullian. By the way... I'm not sure if I mentioned it before... but I love, love, love the new header!

Mónica said...

Cute inspiration, adore your Piccola version. I like very much her face. Congrats!!
Hugs

donny* said...

spectaculah!! i love your take on it because, let's face it, it's awesome.

also, thanks for sharing your find. i absolutely love the book illustrations as well. that last one has my jaw on the floor. bugs bunny you say? time to re-watch that wascally wabbit!

Cheryl Lynn said...

This is an amazing illustration, Momma! I love it. It reminds me of Thumbalina! I love children's books like that. The images ususally have a simple elegance but when you look closely, the line detail is astounding.

Your illustration truly fits the bill! Love you!

michael robertson said...

just beautiful...I especially love the monochromatic ones with that amazing linework. I really love your tribute piece too. thanks for sharing, V!

Nessa Dee said...

What a great concept, and I love the illustrations from the book!

Beautiful work!

Dear Fireflies said...

Oooo...she is such a darling!! And look at her stylish outfit! Heehee.. You really have magic, V! :))

. justin segal said...

Piccola sounds amazing — part Pipi Longstocking, part Elouise, part ... pixie. Thanks for sharing!

wholesalediy said...

you blog is beautiful.children must very love you.hp laptop battery

aimee said...

WOW! i LOVE IT! i would love to run around in your head for a few minutes while you do your doodles that you do so well!

Peter Breese said...

Ugh, I'm really getting tired... phew... OK, let me focus on this beautiful illo, ah yes... I can definitely see the inspiration (going in reverse was helpful this time). Nice! Hmmmm... maybe I should walk backward to the next one? Yeah... ok... ...

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BOOOM!!! OUCH! I bumped my silly big melon on your banner!!! Wrong direction... OK... here we go again.

Kay Aker said...

Love it! Love it! Love it!