Hello, my fairy tale-lovin’ friends!
It has been awhile since I have done a TGIFTF post, in fact, I have just fallen off the band wagon completely with posting some of the things I enjoy writing about best. I thought things would settle down so that I could get back to a routine this month, but not so much…YET!
The book I am sharing with you today isn’t exactly a fairy tale but more like a patchwork quilt of some of the best moments in fairy tales and other children’s stories from the folks at Little Golden Book.
I received this sweet book Everything I Need to Know about LOVE I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow from my BFF Sharon at Valentine’s Day.
Such a thoughtful, perfect present.
Like all of the gifts Sharon sends me, this one touched my heart.
And apparently the hearts of all who have read it.
School Library Journal reviewed it in October 2013 saying:
“A fun and entertaining walk down memory lane… This title will be great for sharing one-on-one with children.”
In September 1, 2013, Kirkus Reviews described it as:
“Chicken soup for fans of Golden Books.”
And today, Leslie the Librarian adds:
“Everything I Need to Know About LOVE is refreshingly innocent, a sweet reminder of an era gone by.”
Author Diane Muldrow has taken illustrations from some of the most memorable Little Golden Book stories and paired them single lines of text that offer an encouraging message about love to the lovelorn.
Remember these sweet end page illustrations from the Golden Books you had when you were little?
There’s just something magical about having your very own book with your name on it.
Did you ever write your name with one of those fat kindergarten crayons inside of your books?
But while this book looks like a children’s bedtime story, it is really sage advice for grown-up children as hinted at by the cover art.
It begins by asking:
[From Tootle, 1945]
[From The Little Golden Book of Poetry, 1947]
[From The Musicians of Bremen, 1954]
Yup, that was me. Until I met my Prince.
In fact, wait a cotton pickin’ minute…among that motley crew above are a couple of my ex-husbands and at least one former boyfriend.
Readers are encouraged to not be discouraged in their search for love.
Because one day a handsome stranger may appear out of nowhere.
[From The Wild Swan, 2014]
Ta-da!
[From Match.com, 2003]
However…
[From Beauty and the Beast, 1959]
You can say that again.
“Love can be complicated.”
Thank you.
Not to say that my Prince Charming was ever a beast.
But after a couple of false starts at the altar, both PC and I were apprehensive about (re-)marriage.
[From My Puppy, 1955 and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, 1962]
For us that translated into a five-year courtship with at least two break-ups.
[From Good Little, Bad Little Girl, 1965]
You got that right, Diane Muldrow.
Four, count ’em, four kids between the two of us.
That equates to two sets of step-kids and two (or more) exes.
But despite the exes, the kids, the nerves…
[From The Wild Swan, 2014 and The House that Jack Built, 1954]
There will come a day when you are finally ready to take a chance…
[From Home for Bunny, 1956]
Actually, we left nothing to chance.
We wanted our vows to take so badly that we said them twice.
Once on July 11, 2008 before the Justice of the Peace and then again in a marriage blessing at our home on September 28, 2008.
And you know the ending, don’t you…
They lived happily ever after.
Thank you, Sharon, for this very precious book.
It kind of tells my story, but I bet you already knew that.
Hugs and kisses,
Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day
What a neat book! I had several golden books growing up! And isn’t our own fairy tale always the most special one? I loved reading yours. I didn’t know you two met online!
~Sheila
Making the Most of Every Day
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Sheila. We met on Match.com. PC contacted me and I thought he was about the most handsome guy I had ever seen. I fell hard and fast. He was slower, ha! But then he fell and I got cold feet. Geez. We danced around getting married for about two years before taking the leap.
Abbie
I love Golden Books!! This was such a fun way to tell your story. I loved it.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Abbie. This book is perfect for someone who is going through a break-up or worried they may never meet the right person for them. It is really thoughtful.
Sharon
Love you friend! 😊
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I haven’t seen this book, but what a great book for a gift and just to have around the house! Thanks for sharing it! I need to see if Amazon has it!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Keep it in mind if you ever have a friend struggling with relationships. It is quietly reassuring that someday their “right” person will come along.
Katie
I might still have a bunch of golden books! this is the sweetest….love that BFF of yours!!! Have a great weekend Leslie!!!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
We both have pretty amazing BFFs. Sharon finds the most thoughtful surprises. This book is just so sweet and uplifting for those struggling with finding their perfect person.
Jill
I loved Golden Books as a child! What a sweet post and a fun way to tell your story!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Jill. Someday I will fill in our story with some more details but the important thing is we found each other and finally settled down together for life.
LISA
What a sweet little book (and story) – I always loved the Golden Books when I was little.
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I remember reading some of the ones mentioned in this book as a child and some of them to my own children. I think all of us remember at least one special Little Golden Book.