Category Archives: Unsolved

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

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.

 

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!

292Q: Little girl moves and leaves doll behind

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I read/was read this book in the 60s.  It is the story of a little girl who leaves a doll behind when her family moves. I believe the doll is left on a shelf in the closet. I think they are moving from the city to a house in the suburbs, but the focus is on the loss of the doll. I don’t think she ever recovers it.

292O: Favorite childhood illustrated/cartoon book

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As a child, back in 1981, there was a book at the library that I used to enjoy looking at and even attempted to draw from. [elephant, hippo and bear illustration]

Because it was an expensive and rare book it was stored in the reference section of the library and I wasn’t allowed to check it out. I could only view it at the library. I went back to that library as an adult and found out they no longer have that book, and I nor the library could remember the title or artist of the book.

It was an oversized large hardback book. I only remember the outside of the book being tan in color. Some illustrations were black and white and others were in color; I believe all were of animals.

Any idea of what book this was?