Early Influences
April 6th, 2010 | 
Author: 
Guess Who Lives Here, copyright 1949 by Random House, Inc.
I grew up on Little Golden Books. The older ones – like How Big and The Little Book and Bow Wow Meow. Like most kids, I was taken in as much – if not more – by the illustrations as the words that accompany them. But it wasn’t until I re-discovered them, as a mother, that I realized just how deeply some of these books may have entered my psyche.
Where Did the Baby Go? copyright 1974 by Western Publishing Company Inc.
Where Did the Baby Go? copyright 1974 by Western Publishing Company Inc.
Not long ago my son, Oliver, received a Little Golden Book Collection of nine classic stories illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. Eloise was a frequent illustrator for the 68-year-old publishing company, and her style was both whimsical and rich with detail.
Baby Listens, copyright 1960 by Random House, Inc.
According to a write-up by her daughter Deborah Wilkin Springett, included as an introduction to the book, Eloise drew much of her inspiration from her own home, and regularly featured her children and grandchildren when they were still small.
Where Did the Baby Go? copyright 1974 by Western Publishing Company Inc.
Looking, now, at some of her artwork, I continue to be taken in by the pictures – but for different reasons. The detail of the wallpaper, a china pattern, a household of antique furniture and accessories, or a street full of heritage homes now captivate me.
We Help Mommy, copyright 1959 by Random House, Inc.
We Help Mommy, copyright 1959 by Random House, Inc.
Did an early study of such style unknowingly seep into my subconscious and influence the style of home I now try to emulate? Or the way I love to dress my babies?
Guess Who Lives Here, copyright 1949 by Random House
Or the dishes I use to feed my pets?
My Little Golden Book About God, copyright 1956, 1975 by Random House, Inc.
I am smitten with this patio – small, like mine, but with more brick. And I, too, keep my garden in pots.
From A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, copyright 1957, by Random House, Inc.
I would be quite happy in this house.
From A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, copyright 1957, by Random House, Inc.
Of course, there are myriad influences all around us. But knowing that the first glimpses into these worlds could possibly have some baring on later taste just gives me one more reason to choose such books for my own kidlets. That, and they’re just endearing reads.
I had a Little Golden Book titled “My Puppy”. I remember it only because the little boy had a built in captain’s bed in a wonderful attic bedroom. I’ve been looking for a copy of that book for years and this post made me Google it and buy a copy on eBay. Thanks for reuniting me with a treasured (and obviously influential) piece of my childhood.
A child’s garden of Verses was always and still is my favourite children’s book. I hadn’t seen that version, it’s lovely. “My Shadow” and “The Swing” were my faves. Thanks for the reminder!
That drysink is much like my 1700s one! Yes, maybe I was influenced. I love those books and will look for them too.
“Where Is Baby” was a staple when my girls were young, some 25 years ago. Everything looked so serene but there was the sense that the mom worked hard to make her home what she wanted and her kids needed.
Eloise Wilkin was certainly an influence on my style as was Tasha Tudor. Sadly, Tasha Tudor has been forgotten by many.
I used to read books illustrated by Eloise Wilkin to my children, now in their twenties
I always wanted to just climb right into the rooms. The books were “My Good Night Book” and My Good Morning Book”. They were old fashioned even then, but very charming nonetheless. Thank you so much for bringing back some warm memories.
I always loved these books and for my children, I found them also. The artist was a favorite of mine (along with Betsy Pease Gutman and Jesse Wilcox Smith). A favorite pasttime of mine was drawing and I would often copy her beautiful houses!
Thanks for sharing this!
~Nancy
I just love the Eloise Wilkin illustrations. I had the books for my boys, gave them away and have re-purchsed “We help Mommy” and “We Help Daddy”.. I had forgotten about “Where is Baby?”. I will have to search for it. The homes are so cozy and warm and I think they have influenced me over the years. Thanks for the lovely memories of small, warm children cuddling up for a good story.
I totally believe that children’s book illustrations had an influence on my love of interior decorating, especially in the “early cozy” look! LOL! I loved any kitchen and house that was warm and cozy with a mama cooking and a Daddy near by. The more details the better. I also loved pictures of homes that were just loved and lived in and, well, cozy. Two more examples, Miss Susz and Miss Twiggley’s Tree. I found that the little Golden books I read to my kids I usually picked stories that were illustrated by Eloise Wilken and others that made the home look so lovely and warm.
Hugs, Sharon
Hi, I’m stopping by from Julia’s.
My mom used to read “We Help Mommy” to us…I think it was her copy from when she was little. I LOVED the illustrations and I think the sweet story is part of what made me want to be a mommy. 
Great post!
What a lovely post! I’m absolutely captivated by the illustrations. So charming. I’m going to link to this in my Saturday round-up. Thanks, Lori-Anne!
The pictures of the houses look very comfortable and yet lived in. These are great stories and bring back memories.