Last Saturday, our local bookstore World Eye Bookshop was sponsoring a booksigning with none other than Holly Hobbie, the author of the fabulous Toot and Puddle series of children's books about two adorable pigs. Holly Hobbie lives somewhere around here and so for the past seven or eight years, I have taken Julia to meet her as she introduces yet another Toot and Puddle book to our local area and the world.
This year, as in the past couple years, Holly Hobbie has recognized Julia as she walked in the door to buy two signed books – one for herself and one for her cousins. The welcome reception she got made her feel so special – it was sweet.
Many of you probably recognize Holly Hobbie’s name because of the “little girl” illustrations she did back in the 1970’s. I grew up surrounded by these images, as many young girls did. You can read more about my memories here. It is so refreshing to see an artist move on and find success with a second style of illustration. (It's difficult to do because the public just keeps wanting more of the same, as do publishers who are earning money from an author's past continued success.) The Toot and Puddle series has been extremely successful throughout the world of children’s books for the past ten years. The stories are simple and sweet – about friendship and family - and the pigs are beautifully represented by Holly Hobbie’s delicate and colorful watercolors.
Last year, she told us this new book Let It Snow would be her last in the T & P series. This year, we found out that Holly Hobbie has just finished a new book about a little girl named Fanny and it will be out next year. I’m not sure if Julia will have outgrown picture books by then but I doubt it. She loves to meet and talk with the authors that she has been fortunate enough to meet as do I. And yes, Holly Hobbie is delightful.
12 comments:
What a truly sweet photo. And is the hat and scarf knit in Julia yarn? I am still hoping that I'm one of the lucky winners, or have you already notified them?
I love Holly Hobbie's watercolors! And Toot and Puddle (the first book) is one of my favorites. I bought a Toot and Puddle calendar several years ago and had some of my favorite "months" laminated and have them hung in my laundry room, kitchen, and bedroom. I just love the feelings they capture. How wonderful that Julia's been able to meet her so often!
I must get my sister a T&P book. Her side of our room was Holly Hobbie heaven. I am so happy Julia gets to visit with her favorite author. Cheers.
this is a very nice photo. she is lovely your little girl in her julia handknits (i suppose). i have been reading your blog intensively due to extra time and checking in on the giveaway and i want to play with colours now. i love the inspiration for stripes and such. i even want to do stitchery now. had to when visiting my grandmother in portugal as a child... the happy winners are very lucky to be able to play with lovely quality yarn now in beautiful colours. one day i will order some for myself. along with the book. i am gobsmacked by the beautiful surroundings you live in and choose to overhear the horrors of the roaming coyote. but then again i am an old joni mitchell fan so coyote has a special meaning. congratulations on your beautiful house and lovely art. and your lovely little girl from merete in copenhagen.
I guess I thought the winner would be announced on this blog? I love the picture and finding out who Holly Hobby is.
I brought the Pixie to meet Holly Hobbie at the bookstore! Of course, she slept right through the whole thing. But it was wonderful to meet Mrs. Hobbie and she signed three Toot & Puddle books for Pixie.
We chatted about children's publishing (as we both work in/for the field) and painting technique and she's very much a kindred spirit.
My sister was just mad about the "country girl" that Holly created back in the early days. When I told her the other day I'd met the real Holly Hobbie she just screamed with delight!
Oh, what fun for Julia! She's a adorable. Actually, Holly Hobby is pretty cute, too. :-) Oh, and I received my book yesterday and it is every bit as wonderful as I expected! Thank you so much!
Julie, you are a fortunate girl! I hope you enjoy your new book from Holly Hobbie. I plan to go to the bookstore and look for it.
I never knew Holly Hobbie was a real person! I remember the drawings from the 70's, we got cards and whatever from my mothers two sisters in the US, and they were so cute! Great new illustrations.
The photo of Julia and mrs.Hobbie is adorable!
Take care.
Thank you for this post..
Our family has always loved HH's work and now my 3yo granddaughter is in love with T&P...it's the first book she wants mimi to read when she visits...
What a sweet photo.
My very first sewing machine was a Hollie Hobbie. I got it for my birthday when I was seven and it had a real needle and working treadle. Not surprisingly, I did my best work on that machine...
Thanks for the history of Holly Hobbie. My daughter now 38 was never a big fan, but we had a doll someone gave us. Recently, another friend her age had a new baby and I had found some adorable framed Holly Hobbie drawings. I wanted to give her a new doll for her older daughter and now after reading your blog I know that I can send a "toot n' puddle" book also. My grandchildren enjoy those books.
Thanks for the info.
Lizeylou
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