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Tina P.
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I am looking at buying my first Elsa Beskow, but have to buy it new as used ones are as expensive or more than new!  So ... what's the draw? I understand she illustrates beautifully, but what makes these books *living* books? And I'm curious, Mary G., why you said that Beskow books are *girly* when a good 1/2 of them seem to appeal to or feature boys?
Thanks,
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cathhomeschool
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I don't own any of Elsa Beskow's books, but I do love them and check them out periodically (mostly through ILL).
She does illustrate beautifully. I would consider them living books because she does not use dumbed-down language. Her stories are engaging and uplifting, innocent. Other aspects that I like: Children are respectful and helpful. I love the nature elements -- living simply in the forest, clothing and toys made from "nature." I think that the books appeal to my kids because they feature children adventuring in the woods and playing games with animals. My boys love stories about animals: Brambly Hedge, Beatrix Potter, Redwall...
The books provide many subjects for rabbit trails too.
I have only boys, and I do read them to the boys and they do enjoy them, but I would agree that they are "girly" in the sense that the illustrations are sweet. The children are sweet, cherub-like little things. There isn't much fighting or dueling in the stories. No trucks or trains. No knights.  Not what I typically think of as "boyish."
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donnalynn
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cathhomeschool wrote:
I have only boys, and I do read them to the boys and they do enjoy them, but I would agree that they are "girly" in the sense that the illustrations are sweet. The children are sweet, cherub-like little things. There isn't much fighting or dueling in the stories. No trucks or trains. No knights. Not what I typically think of as "boyish." |
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This, in part, is why I love these books for my boys (5 and 8)and I am so glad that my boys enjoy these books - I often find these books off our shelves and tucked in their beds!
My boys are so very all boy - I am still in a daze after having two girls first. They are very rough and tumble but I am also grateful that they connect with the tenderness, beauty, and wonder of these stories.
We have built up our collection over the years - recommending certain titles to Grandma and Nana for Christmas and Birthdays.
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Dawn
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donnalynn wrote:
| My boys are so very all boy - I am still in a daze after having two girls first. They are very rough and tumble but I am also grateful that they connect with the tenderness, beauty, and wonder of these stories. |
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My thoughts exactly, Donna! (Except for the part about the two girls first. )
The stories are just so wholesome and sweet. I fully admit, I love them best, but I know my boys enjoy them too. 
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cathhomeschool
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*wholesome* THAT was the word I was looking for! (I love them best too!)
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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Carmie
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My son, Luke, 8, loved Christopher's Harvest Time! I think it may have been his favorite picture book in 2007. The drawings are sweet and can be considered "girly", but I believe he enjoyed all the fantasy involved. We are trying to collect more Elsa Beskow books. We got a couple for Christmas, but Luke was disappointed that Christopher's Harvest Time was not among them.
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Tina P.
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Wow! Lots of help, here. Thank you, ladies. I decided to buy Ollie's Ski Trip to go with our winter theme, just in time for the snow to melt.  Christopher's Harvest Time sounds lovely. Maybe we'll actually get that one *before* harvest time!
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Mary G
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Tina,
Sorry for not answering sooner, but Janette did a wonderful job. Yes, boys like these books but they're so "sweet" and lots of fairies and things that even if they have boy characters, they just tend to the more girl-interest type of book.
They are wonderful though. Maggie has many -- maybe 6 or 7 of the titles) -- and we love to read them! The "Aunt" books -- with Peter and Lottie -- are wonderful adventures and Maggie always put Thomas and herself into those.
Have a wonderful time discovering the beauty and gentleness (and wholesomeness) of Elsa Beskow!
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my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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chicken lady
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We have all her books. We are great fans, but then again we are a girly household.
My point is to all of you looking to buy, I found ours at Half Price Books for a fraction of the cost. If you have a used book store in town look there, they are expensive new.
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Tina P.
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| Posted: April 10 2008 at 10:55am | IP Logged
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OK ladies, now can someone help to break down the Beskow books by season? I ordered Ollie's ski trip too late for winter (it's still snowing around here, just not sticking). So, I'd like to be a bit more timely for spring.
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Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
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missionfamily
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I'll give it a try and then maybe some others can chime in too:
Seasons Overview:
Around the Year
Children of the Forest
Spring:
Pelle's New Suit (I put this one here because it starts with a lamb...none of the others were really spring-y to me, so I'm going to put this one in our spring baskets)
Summer:
The Sun Egg
Peter in Blueberry Land
Flowers Festival
Autumn:
Wood, Hazel, and Little Pip
Christopher's Harvest Time
Winter:
Ollie's Ski Trip
I am not certain about the Peter and Lotta books as I've not read those yet.
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Colleen
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4Real Forums : Picture Book Discoveries
Topic: Review of Elsa Beskow?
