Some mysterious someone (identify yourself now to receive our gratefulness, if you are reading!) was so kind to send these two old school, early 1980’s amazing books: The Giant Jam Sandwich, by John Vernon Lord and Janet Burroway, and A Visit to William Blake’s Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers, by Nancy Willard, illustrated by Alice and Martin Provensen. I very clearly remember reading the former many times in my childhood, so I immediately read this to Emil and Oliver on the couch. They loved it so much, they requested it again at bedtime!
The illustrations are so great — look at the colors and clothing of these townspeople! Just fantastic. 
Emil in particular loves the storyline — how the townspeople come together to trap four million wasps in the middle of a giant jam sandwich (he’s afraid of wasps and bees). Also, it is written in rhyme. The singsonginess of it is just perfect. 
I had never heard of Willard’s A Visit to William Blake’s Inn, but was immediately taken in by the beautiful illustrations and poetry. We’ve been reading one poem a night before bed, and all three boys seem completely intrigued. I think the foreign-ness of the language is hypnotizing to their little ears and brains! It’s a beautiful book. 
Do you remember these books from your childhood?
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I remember The GIant Jam Sandwich – it may still be on the bookshelf at my Dad’s house. Thanks for sharing this.
Serious flashbacks! I love it.
Frances was home sick yesterday, and we read through her library stack of books. She wiped out the Tomie dePaola and Patricia Polacco sections at the library, and her favorite was Strega Nona (a dePaola she actually owns). It’s another one of those big food / town crisis storylines.
I love the illustrations on these.
Haha! These were supposed to have a note from us accompanying them! I’m so glad the boys enjoyed them. We recently received a hand-me-down library for Luca from my mom–she passed along all the books I read as a kid. These were to of my faves, and it was so much fun to see them again, I couldn’t resist sending you all copies 🙂 Thinking of you all and sending love! xx C&G
Ahhhh, Cat! I had a feeling it was you two! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys always send the best books!