Don Quixote by Cervantes, Illustrated by Chris Riddell

My husband and I are currently reading Don Quixote for our book club. It's one of those books that many of us have tried to get through multiple times with little success, not because it isn't great, but because it's so long! Now that we are doing it as a group it has been a great motivator and it will be nice to finally cross this one off our need-to-read classics list.

I thought that while my husband and I are delving into this classic it would be fun to bring the kids along for the ride. I'm usually all about finding unabridged editions for our illustrated collection, however, there are some exceptions to that rule and since Don Quixote is just shy of 1,000 pages an abridged text was the obvious choice.

I had to do a bit of research before I found an illustrated edition of Don Quixote that I liked. Maybe it's because Cervantes' characters are so iconic, but I wanted to find something with a lot of humor and whimsy.

Candlewick's publication with Chris Riddell as illustrator was just what I'd hoped to find and I am so happy with my choice!





Don Quixote's character is so funny, comical, and lovable. I love how these illustrations enhance those qualities.









It appears that this edition is out of print, but it was easy to find a used copy.







I'm very excited to introduce my kids to Don Quixote and make this reading experience a family affair.

Collector's Edition of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, Illustrated by Garth Williams

Who doesn't love Charlotte's Web? And who doesn't love Garth Williams' illustrations? It seems like it would be impossible to improve upon the original, but the collector's edition tries to do just that. The enhancements in this publication are not dramatic, but they are perfect for a family read-aloud edition.

The first thing that I love about this edition is that it's hardback (of course) and oversized. You can see the comparison of the two with my old pocket-sized, paperback edition below:



Sadly, the collector's edition is out of print. But it was easy to find a used copy online for only $4! (Insert happy dance here!) Since the dust cover has seen better days I simply removed it and was very pleased to see the golden spider web engraved on the hardcover.



It's the perfect detail to represent the story and that spider detailing continues as you open the book.



The other thing I love about the Collector's Edition is the illustrations have been colorized. Now, I know that there are some purists out there who may be opposed to this change to the original sketches, but when it comes to reading a book as a family I believe that having color is a nice addition and my kids all readily agree.



The colorization was done by author and illustrator, Rosemary Wells, and she took great care to keep the color simple and true to the style of Williams' sketches. I think she did a wonderful job!



I also love that the type and illustration placement is identical to the original. It keeps the history and authenticity of the book in place while still making it special.







It pulls my heartstrings just looking at these illustrations. I think I need to read this one to my kids again... right this moment!

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol, Illustrated by Anna Bond

When it comes to illustrated editions, Alice in Wonderland has an incredible number of options. So many, in fact, that there are people who have entire collections of comprised of just illustrated editions of Alice in Wonderland.

Even with all the options out there, choosing which edition I wanted was an easy decision for me. Anna Bond is the co-owner and creative director of Rifle Paper Co. Her artwork has always been enchanting to me and her illustrations have been featured in many magazines and books. She has also illustrated an entire book cover series for Puffin Books. Alice in Wonderland is unique because not only did she illustrate the cover but she illustrated the entire book to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carrol's publication.

This edition is full of color, charm, and whimsy:

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, Illustrated by MinaLima

Peter Pan is one of those books that has been illustrated and brought to life many times over, allowing readers to choose from several beautifully illustrated options. It took some thought before I decided on a rather unusual edition which was recently illustrated by a company called MinaLima.

MinaLima is a graphic design company who's most well-known work includes designing props and set elements for the Harry Potter movies. Using that same kind of whimsy and magic, MinaLima decided to put out an edition of Peter Pan which is not only full of lovely vintage-style illustrations but also includes some interactive elements to bring the magic of the story to life!

Once I discovered the MinaLima edition it was an easy choice. In the end, I always choose the edition that speaks most to me and this edition is so unique and special.





One of my favorite things about the book are the two-page, colorful spreads that are used at the head of each chapter.







There are also a lot of those colorful, vintage-style illustrations mixed in along the way.





But now the really magical part, the interactive illustrations and fold-out elements that make this book one-of-a-kind:













The boys and I perused over the book when it arrived this morning and we all can't wait to read it together as soon as we finish reading The Secret Garden. As we were looking through our new book, one of my twins said to me, "When I'm a Dad, I want to read these books to my kids." That filled me with joy! Reading great books with your family can be a gift that continues for multiple generations.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

After my last post about The Secret Garden I couldn't let an opportunity pass without sharing one of my favorite garden-themed picture books. "The Curious Garden" is a charming story, full of gorgeous illustrations, and is one that frequently ends up in the reading stack.

Brown's illustrations are so colorful and whimsical, and his story serves as a reminder that we are all capable of making the world a better and more beautiful place.



In his book, Brown shares that his story was inspired by the High Line Trail in Manhattan which is an old railroad line that was shut down and altogether forgotten. But after a time wildflowers and trees began to grow there and today it's "a lush garden that curves above the streets and between buildings."

It just so happens that I visited NYC this past summer and had the opportunity to walk the High Line Trail. It was lovely and it was especially fun to visit the trail after having read and come to love this book.



So many special details go into his illustrations.























Definitely worth reading over and over again.