The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, illustrated by P.J. Lynch

I don't really know who the target audience of this book are - I found it in the children's picture book section of the library, but the story is for adults. You can read it aloud, but the language is not overly easy for the under tens and the pictures feature New York in the early 1900's, a bare apartment and a young married couple. Not subjects that usually appeal to the picture book crowd. So, who would read it?

Well, me, for a start. I love this story, love the clipped, witty style, the New Yorkyness, the humour. Even though I say that I'm not a fan of the short story, reading this one is pure pleasure.

And the combination of words by O. Henry and illustrations by P.J. Lynch is entrancing. According to the book jacket, he always wanted to illustrate The Gift of the Magi as he liked the idea that some of the New York streets are still very similar to how they were when it was written. Anyways, the romance in these pictures just jumps off the page. Scroll down and take a look..

So if you want a present for someone you love who loves American literature or old New York stuff or just beautiful things, this is ideal. Someone of any age at all, but ideally over ten.

The Magic Bed by John Burningham

I got thinking last week, after writing about William Steig, about John Burningham. Their books are similar insofar as they are both equally popular in this house, and equally, I don't want to say thought provoking, as I have never seen my kids rubbing their chins and looking pensive after reading them, but they do peer closely at the illustrations and sit silently for the stories.

The Magic Bed was our first Burningham book. It's definitely my favourite. Georgie needs a new bed. His granny advises going to the shopping centre. (Isn't that so eighties? When nothing was any good unless it came from a shopping centre?) But Frank, (his stepfather? I'm not sure, but he is an only child and lives with his mum, his gran and Frank) on Georgies suggestion, opts for a second hand shop. And they find the bed.

So Frank helps Georgie clean up the bed and they find a message written on it. According to this, if Georgie says a magic word, the bed will take him to wonderful places. Frank does not laugh at this(unlike his mother and irritating Granny) he just tells George that the magic word is not easy to read and it says "M something, something, something, Y." And Georgie keeps trying until he gets it.  Soon he is travelling over the city and having many adventures.

But when the family take a break in the sun, Granny decides that a new bed is in order. She is SO annoying! On his return, Georgie is horrified, and races to the dump to see if he can save the magic one...

And phew! There it is on top of a skip. 

This is a wonderful book for any age. Other Burningham treasures include Harquin, reviewed by me here and Harvey Slumfenburgers Christmas Present, which is  perfect for this or any time of year.