What a Feeling!

How can I describe the way I felt when I laid eyes on these two books in the Uufda used bookstore in John Day, Oregon?

It was like I'd been living in house for 30 years and suddenly opened a door I'd forgotten even existed.

That's what I love about illustration and image--they can take you back instantly! To somewhere you'd forgotten you'd ever been. And suddenly a whole world opens up. Which brings us to Meg. I forgot this series even existed, but when I saw these two books, I remembered that I'd read them both and had been an avid reader of the Meg--wait for it--Duncan series of mysteries. Yes, my son is named Duncan. Coincidence? Anyway, I bought both books to reread myself. You can't have them. At least not yet.

Q: When is a Gas Station Not a Gas Station?

A: When it is a bookstore.

This nondescript little gas station in remote John Day, Oregon, site of my latest research expedition, happened to house a treasure trove of old children's books. I was in heaven. I walked out of there with over $50 in used stuff. I'll write about some of it here.

Back from San Jose

Here's a lovely illustration by Jessie Wilcox Smith, one of the images I used to talk about the golden age of illustration during my presentation in San Jose. Tiffany's class enjoyed the talk, and so did I.