The 42 volume set, published between 1957 and 1961 by Nelson Doubleday. Each volume highlighted a mix of classics, original new stories, poetry, and non-fiction from many notable authors. They also showcased art from some of the better know illustrators and artists of that time.
Here are a few favorite illustrations from the books I have:
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| Hans Christian Andersen's The Steadfast Tin Soldier illustrated by Idellete Bordigoni (from volume #37) |
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| Margery Williams' The Velveteen Rabbit illustrated by Maruice Sendak (from volume #35) |
Volume #33 (1960) was full of vintage treasures:
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| Favorite Mother Goose Rhymes illustrated by Adrienne Adams |
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| Sophocles the Hyena by Jim Moran illustrated by Andy Warhol (yes, you read that correctly) |
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| A Dime's Worth for Free by Marion Holland illustrated by Richard Scarry |
Volume #31 (1960) is especially poignant, because of some very collectible art by the late Maurice Sendak that I'll show you in my next post; but I'll end today's with these illustrations by the Petershams...
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| The Picnic Basket by Margery Clark illustrated by Maud and Miska Petersham |
Not to be missed: Volumes 1 and 18, with artwork by the D'Aulaires; Volume 20, with Jean de Brunhoff's Babar; Volume 40 has Dorothy and Oz by L. Frank Baum, with illustrations by Richard Scarry; and other volumes throughout the series that include art by Leonard Weisgard, Don Freeman, Paul Galdone, Barbara Cooney, and Peter Spier, to name a few.
Go here for a complete list of the 42 volumes and their author/illustrators.
In his wordless book, Peter Speir takes us through all the sights and happenings of the season and gives us glimpses of the happy chaos of being part of a big family. Each of us has our own unique version of this celebration with our loved ones, but the peek into this family's is like a walk down memory lane for me! 
