Peter Pan - On TV and In Vintage Books

The musical Peter Pan is going to be broadcast live on television on November 4, 2014, with Allison Williams in the role of Peter.  This classic musical first appeared on Broadway in 1954 with Mary Martin as Peter Pan.  Later it was broadcast on television (always on NBC) in 1955, 1956, and 1960.  The 1960 broadcast was played annually and children who grew up in the 1960's will remember it fondly.

I always loved the story of Peter Pan as a girl.  I loved the annual Peter Pan musical that appeared on TV, and I also loved the story in picture book format - and later the original J.M. Barrie book as well.  I try to keep several editions of Peter Pan in my store.  You'll find them here:  Peter Pan visits Birdhouse Books.  All of the pictures below are from the bookshelves of my store.

Walt Disney's Story Book of Peter Pan is from 1953:

This edition of Peter Pan was from 1956, and illustrated by Ruth Woods.  (I had a copy of this as a child and loved it!)

This 1980 Wonder Book of Peter Pan was illustrated by Beatrice Derwinski.  It's really cute.

This newer edition is a Walt Disney Little Golden Book from 1991:

In case you'd like to see Mary Martin as Peter Pan, you'll find a video below from the 1956 production.  At the very end of the 4 minute video, you'll find a charming old commercial as well.  I hope you enjoy it!

The Littlest Angel

 

I first heard the story of The Littlest Angel in the 1969 Christmas Hallmark TV movie starring Johnny Whitaker ("Jody" from Family Affair) and Fred Gwynne ("Herman Munster" from The Munsters).   As a child I was moved by this story about a little boy who becomes an angel.  In the true spirit of sharing, he wants to give a box of his personal treasures to Baby Jesus.

The Littlest Angel was written by Charles Tazewell.  It started as a radio play in 1939 and was first published in book edition in 1946.  There are a number of picture book editions of this story, both old and new, and I always try to keep several copies on my bookshelves at Birdhouse Books.  It is a sweet, nostalgic Christmas book for children.   All the copies pictured here are from my store and can be found at my store link.

This 1960 Wonder Books edition has the classic illustrations by Katherine Evans:

This hardcover edition is from 1961, and also was illustrated by Katherine Evans:

This undated vintage edition is a board book with a die-cut window.  It's really charming and unusual!

 

 This newer edition (1991) was illustrated by Paul Michich:

This is a lovely religious Christmas story for young children.

Vintage Santa and Me Photo Folders

Do you remember taking photos with Santa as a child at Christmas time?  They always gave you a photo to commemorate the event.  The photos were in cute little folders like these.   I found some "Santa and Me" photo folders from the 1950's.  They are old store stock - unused - and would be so cute with a photo of your child or grandchild.  The designs are so charming that I wanted to share them with you.  (Of course, they are all at Birdhouse Books!)

My Visit With Santa - with Santa Claus waving from a helicopter:

Santa and Me - children watch a deer from a window at their home:

Santa and Me - children help Dad take a Christmas tree home.  Their Beagle is accompanying them:

Music Monday - "Walkin' Back to Happiness" by Helen Shaprio (1961)

Helen Shapiro was a 14 year old teenager when she recorded "Walkin' Back to Happiness" in 1961.  She had a pop career in the early 1960's in London, and The Beatles toured as her supporting act during 1963.  Helen Shapiro is famous for rejecting a Beatles composition.  Paul McCartney and John Lennon wrote "Misery" for her, but she decided not to record it. 

I first heard "Walkin' Back to Happiness" this year on the PBS Masterpiece Mystery! series Breathless.  I liked it from first listen, and find it perfect for a Monday morning.

#ShopSmall On Small Business Saturday

It's Small Business Saturday!  This day is a reminder to shop with small businesses, whether the local coffeehouse, the antique shop, the local produce stand, the little neighborhood pizza restaurant ... and of course, small online businesses as well.

I have a small online store focusing on cute, whimsical vintage items including children's books, holiday cards, dog and cat ephemera, and more:   Birdhouse Books on eBay.  I'm running a 25% off sale storewide all weekend through December 1, with over 2000 unique vintage items to treasure or give as gifts.

I also have some great friends who are online sellers, and I would love to share their links with you:

Big Daddy's Money

Book Corner Cafe and More - vintage collectibles (sale through December 1)

Depression Glass Warehouse

Eclectic Avenue

Grandma Bev's Stuff - sweaters, punch bowl sets and great stuff (sales and promotions running)

I-Love-My-Black-Lab-Girls

KDMore Crafts and More - sale through November 30

My Mom's Books

Sweet Woodruffs

This N That Freeland Enterprises - Christmas jewelry, Avon and more

I hope you have a great Small Business Saturday and enjoy exploring some fun small businesses today!