Author Archives: admin

293B: Young English Sisters Learn Art and Sharing

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This book is about two young sisters in England during WW2. They have a father, who lets them ride a giant rocking horse out in a shed at one point (there’s an illustration of it), but not necessarily a mother. They are forced to share their Xmas gifts with an orphaned boy their age; they choose plasticine and the boy turns out to be talented. One of the sisters learns to paint a doorknob to look gold, like the old lady artist they befriend. The book is meant for children probably between 8 and 12.

Thanks in advance for your help.

293A: HANUKKAH* MURRAY

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More or less a Santa Claus story for Jewish children celebrating Hanukkah

A Jewish children’s book in which a man (the Hanukkah Murray) flew from one child’s fire escape to the next child’s fire escape in the Bronx, NY (possibly Brooklyn too) on a flying dreidel (bringing gifts?).

*NOTE correct spelling Hanukkah is not known–I guessed at this version for no particular reason

292Z: SOLOMON SHAG (Solved)

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A children’s story book in rhyme about a yellow dog named Solomon Shag. I seem to remember cobblestone streets and cars in some illustrations which makes me think it may have been a European city like London.

292Y: And The Sun Came Up

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My grandfather read this book to me over and over, probably around the early 1950s, so it may have been published as early as the 1930s. It was a children’s picture book, and all I can remember is the last page read, “And The Sun Came Up.” That phrase was most probably used throughout the book.  I loved it and have looked for it all these years, at antiques stores, rummage sales, etc. I would love to know the title and see if it is still around somewhere, so I can read it to my own grandchildren.

292X: Animals he could make small and take home

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I have no idea about the title of this book. It is one I read (and owned) in my childhood. I think it was sent as part of my subscription to a children’s book club–perhaps Children’s Literary Guild. Probably I encountered it between 1940 and 1946. Plot was about a child–I think a boy–living rural, who went to a visiting circus. There he encountered animals who he could somehow make small and take home with him.

292W: The Pope and a Jewish doctor

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I do not remember the title, it is a novel about 30-40 years old by a popular writer.

The story is that a Jewish doctor is called to treat the Pope who has a heart problem and in the first 20 pages or so follows a full and complete description about the treatment and how the Pope will feel and react following the procedure.

292V: Cats in the city

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I read this children’s book in the 1950’s so it’s publishing date was long ago. The story involves a group of cats in a city. The illustrations that I remember were of apartment buildings with fire escapes. One of the cats is the hero, defending the other cats. He has a swashbuckling persona complete with sword and boots. This is the part of the story that is most memorable- this dashing and sword fighting cat. The title escapes me; in fact,there is nothing else I can tell you. But, I would appreciate whatever you can find. Good luck and thank you in advance.

 

292U: Mr. Down Stomps the Keystone (Solved)

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A children’s book from the 1970s or earlier. I am not sure of the title but it might be ‘Mr. Down’ or include the words ‘Mr. Down’. The setting is possibly medieval England. Townspeople are trying to build churches to pray in but every time they complete one, Mr. Down (a little troll-like guy or gremlin type character) comes in the night to stomp on the roof and destroy the church. They go through several designs all of which Mr. Down stomps on until they finally design an arch with a ‘keystone’ at the top. This is a classic Gothic style arch and no matter how much  Mr. Down stomps, it will not collapse. I used to check this book out of a small Methodist church library in North Carolina every single summer of my childhood.  It would mean the WORLD to me to find this book again.

 

292T: The Adventures of Little Tom (Solved)

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Hello, I am trying to help my 89 year old mother locate a beloved book from her childhood. Her memories are vague, but here is what she told me.

The title is something like The Adventures of Little Tom or something similar. It was probably published in the 1920’s or earlier. It had a green, faded linen cover.  There were gorgeous, colorful illustrations, maybe by a Czech or European illustrator. The pictures were very detailed, of tiny people and flowers.  There was a soldier fighting ants. He had a girlfriend who died and there was a picture of her lying in state surrounded by tiny, white flowers.  That’s all my mom can remember. She has been looking for the book for years. I searched online but had no luck. Maybe you can find it.

Thank you!

292S: Numbers who get angry

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This is a book from my childhood that I have thought and talked about often.

The year was 1949-52.  Not sure!

The book had several short “stories” for young children.  The one I keep remembering was a story about how letters/numbers became upset when they were written backwards!  For example, the #3 was hurt or angry when a child wrote it backward.  He wanted to be written correctly. The numbers we’re living and capable of feelings.  Any thoughts/ideas?!?!

Thank you!