Thursday 29 November 2018

It's a Jan Brett time of year

One of my favourite children's authors and illustrators is Jan Brett. I've read her books to my own two children. I loved the simple story lines featuring animals, such as hedgehogs and bears, and creatures such as trolls and tomtens. I adore her illustrations which feature detailed borders. Within the borders are hints of what is to come in the story. But mostly I want to live in a Jan Brett world.

In recent years, the Danish concept of hygge has become popular. It is all about feeling cozy and contented and enjoying simple pleasures. Brett's illustrations often have a Scandinavian feel to them with intricate carved wood, knitted clothing, lots of texture, serene winter scenes, and old fashioned toys.


This story would be a favourite at this time of year. I tried to find some pictures of the reindeer stables. There is carved wood and their names are also carved above each stall.


Look at those wooden buckets, and the elves making woolen hats in a countdown to Christmas.


This was another favourite book, the story of a lost white mitten which becomes a temporary shelter for a number of forest creatures. Notice the birch bark border.

Hedgehogs are prominent animals in Brett's stories.


Wouldn't you love to live in that adorable home?

I think I bought the books more for myself than for the kids.

32 comments:

  1. The books were favorites of mine too. Love the illustrations.

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  2. These books look adorable! Never seen them before so I must try hunting them down. I love children's books with lots of detailed illustrations to pore over. Looks like you can indeed get lost in Brett's world.

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  3. I don't think I have ever seen those books but they are just gorgeous.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. Jan Brett is an American author, so I don't know if she would be as easily found as British authors for you?

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  4. Proper illustration. I can see those books forming strong memories in children.

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  5. Oh, I love Jan Brett and I love this post and I can't wait till Baby Grand is old enough to love not just the fabulous illustrations but the wonderful stories, too! She's amazing. Thanks for posting this.

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  6. Ah, Jan Brett! Thank you for the reminder of so many pleasureable reading time with children. When I was a librarian, Jan Brett was one of my favorites to share.

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  7. Yes Yes !!....love it happy weekend love Ria x 💕

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  8. Beautiful books. I love anything Scandi.

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  9. I had a couple of her books for my kids. I think we spent more time talking about the pictures than the story. I've tucked them away in case I have little children who might show up here in the future.

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    1. Yes, I agree that the illustrations were poured over, looking at all the little details, checking the side illustrations to see what was coming up... I like that she has repeat characters that you can try to spot in a variety of her books.

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  10. I agree, those illustrations are very cozy and Hygge looking! I DO want to live in that house!!

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    1. Ohhh and I can just imagine the food you would make there! Maybe a Swiss cheese fondue?

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  11. Illustrations can make or break. Certainly enhance, as these have done.

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  12. How do I not remember those books at all? They are awesome, so cozy looking!

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  13. First time I hear of them. These are adorable!

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  14. What beautiful artwork! I wouldn't even have to read the stories, although I am sure I would love them. I'd love to live in a world with reindeer and birchbark edgings.

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    1. So would I! I honestly used to look at the illustrations of the insides of houses (couldn't find any images on the internet to use in my blog) and think of how I would love to change my home so it would look like those.

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  15. I think I'd like to look into these Jan Brett books! I've felt the same way about the old Golden Books for children that used to be sold in every five and dime store years ago. The illustrations were totally 1940s and 50s just spilling over with warmth and family love and hygge!

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    1. I remember asking my mother for a Little Golden Book when I would go grocery shopping with her (there would always be a display rack of them in our local grocery store). Thank heavens she never scrimped on books for me!

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  16. I have to admit that I have never heard of these books, but I will be searching for them now… Thanks for sharing!

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  17. Hi Wyomingheart. Thanks for coming back. I tried to figure out what your blog is called, but clicking on your name did not bring me to your blog. Let me know if you have one and I'll come by!

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  18. I just bought The Mitten for my niece - they are beautiful illustrations!

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  19. I have to admit that I have never heard of these books, but they look wonderful.
    I will have to keep an eye open and see if I can find them.

    All the best Jan

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  20. I will have to find these books for my nieces and nephew. Thanks for telling me about them!

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  21. I like the drawings that go with the stories. I've never read nor been read any of these stories, so the book hunt is now on, I am sure of a few niece sleep overs coming up. ... Mary-Lou =^..^=

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  22. I haven't heard of these books, but I just love the drawings in them. They are simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Edna B.

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    1. Hi Edna, I think you're new here. Thanks for commenting! -Jenn

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