Light Summer Reading

I love getting packages in the mail. I think that is the reason I love Etsy so much. Sure, the handmade element is wonderful... but doesn't it just feel fabulous when you open the mail and there is a lovely package just for you? Of course, 99% of them are ordered by me, for me... but packages in the mail are wonderful just the same.

The other day, I got two packages in the mail. Both books, and both just absolutely adorable.

For Gracie and Annelie, I bought Animal Alphabet by Dave Chow and Marcyanna Parzych, which is a sweet and simple alphabet book illustrated with the most charming animals you will ever see. Gracie instantly fell in love and spent quite a good deal of her time pouring over her present and grinning at the animals. She is no stranger to the artwork, though. A few readers have been around since the beginning of my blog, and might remember this post, which inspired my entire blog category titled, "Things that Make Me Smile."

I'm still smiling at the adorable animal alphabet prints my girls were given! This book features the entire collection of alphabet animals found in Marcyanna's shop, and is perfect for children of all ages.

If you want to learn more about the artists behind this book, be sure to visit Marcyanna's blog: The Art and Inspiration of Marcyanna.

For me, there was a tiny little book called Scuppernong and Muscadine, written and illustrated by Emily Martin of The Black Apple. I have always loved Emily's artwork and Etsy shop, but this book was something I just absolutely had to have. I'm a HUGE Edward Gorey fan, and Emily captured the magic of Gorey's style (minus Gorey's famous creep factor - which was good in this case) in this sweet story about two lovely little hedgehogs.

This book is the cutest little thing.

I'm glad Gracie has my same love for books. I hope this is something that can stay with her always. In my opinion, there are few things better than lazying about on a summer day, enjoying some light summer reading.