My Little Library
I was inspired to show my book shelves after seeing the #ShowUsYourShelves hashtag on Twitter. Books have been a huge part of my life since I was very young. They’re an escape from reality, a comforting shoulder to rest upon, and a friendly face after a long or difficult day. My favourite childhood favourites were by Roald Dahl, R.L Stine and Ann M Martin. I still have most of these books in my collection however a good chunk disappeared during the years when life’s experiences surpassed a desire for nostalgia.
My book collection ranges from children’s books to Irish history, history of art, archaeology, ghost stories, fashion, gardening, fiction and non-fiction. There’s quite a few books yet to be read, and it’s a humbling feeling to know I can just pop over to my miniature library and pick a new book to read, and enter a whole new written world. This is especially gratifying during times like these, when the world is enduring an anxious lockdown.
I still read what are regarded as ‘children’s books,’ but I believe that books shouldn’t have an age limit, and you should read what intrigues and delights you. I recently began reading the Mary Poppins collection, and P.L. Traver’s words are incredible, highly imaginative and descriptive, witty, and of course her books are so much better than the movie! I’m a children’s book illustrator, and reading books like this only helps to fuel my imagination, and spur ideas that ‘childhood me’ would only love to read.
I don’t have many shelves, but I do have many books! This is my little library (minus two more shelves which couldn’t fit into the photo).
Here lies most of my picture book collections and vintage annuals. This shelf is starting to bend a bit, but luckily there’s no more space and I reckon it should withstand the weight of many words.
A selection of spines.
Here are my Harry Potter collection (along with chocolate frog packaging). My Anne of Green Gables collection is held by some very elegant hands. I also have a rainbow collection of vintage Penguins which are quite fragile but still very much readable. One of my most treasured books is a signed copy of Monty Don’s Down to Earth, which he personally signed when I met him last year.
My cherished collection of Roald Dahl books from my childhood archives. Quentin Blake’s illustrations left an indelible mark on my young imagination, and also my career as an illustrator. An Edwardian Summer by John Goodall is a gloriously illustrated book celebrating a time and a season which pulls on the nostalgic heart strings. It’s one of my favourite historical periods, and I love collecting ephemera from this era.
I hope you enjoyed a little journey through my library. Take care, and read a book!
~ Rachel x