Peter's Family, by Paul R. Hanna and Genevieve Anderson

Peter's Family

Paul R. Hanna and Genevieve Anderson

This is another lovely vintage Dick and Jane style early reader for social studies, by Scott Foresman, printed in 1942, and illustrated by Charlotte Becker and Ellen Segner. This book is about baby Peter, from the time of his birth until his first birthday. We learn about the nuclear family unit, mother and father, siblings, grandparents, and pets. We learn about family roles, and in this case, Father works, and Mother does not bring in an income, but is very helpful at home taking care of the home and family needs. Both are essential to a well-adjusted family. We learn how children can help at home, and how Father can help at home as well, since everybody lives there and should all take responsibility. We see the family visit the grandparents' farm, and learn about animals and farm chores. We learn about as the family expands, they need to find a bigger home, and how they look until they find the right one, near to a school and market. 

As I have stated before, I just love these old readers and their gorgeous illustrations. This one will also be going into my personal collection. 

 

The Little White House, by Odille Ousley and David H. Russell

The Little White House, by Odille Ousley and David H. Russell

If you have followed my blog for long, you will know that I really like vintage primers and readers, especially the "Dick and Jane" types. This one, The Little White House, was printed in 1953 by Ginn and Company, and was illustrated by Ruth Steed and Ellen Segner.

This book is full of easy to read stories about siblings Tom, Betty, and Susan, their parents, their dog and cat, and also extended family that live out on a farm. We learn about their house, their pony, visits to the toy store, birthdays, and much more. I just love the illustrations in this book, very appropriate for the time period in which it was published, and lovely use of colors. This one will be going into my collection.

 

Peter and Peggy, by Arthur I. Gates and Miriam Blanton Huber

Peter and Peggy, by Gates and Huber

This lovely little indulgence in my love for primers, is from the Work-Play Book Series, Peter and Peggy, very similar to Dick and Jane. It was written by Arthur Gates and Miriam Blanton Huber, and contains absolutely gorgeous full color illustrations by Beatrice Edgerley. It was originally printed in 1930 but this edition shows it was printed in 1940 and copyrighted in The Philippines, which I found curious.

It is very basic, with stories about brother and sister Peter and Peggy and their family, and also includes a trip to the farm and a story about a black rooster who visits the city. The best part of this book are Beatrice Edgerley's illustrations. Below I have included a sample:

Aren't they beautiful? I love the illustrations of that 1920s-30's era. There's a style and beauty you just don't see beyond those years.

I found this book at an estate sale. I know there are many different "Dick and Jane" type readers out there, but I had never heard of this one before. I am hoping that perhaps I can find more. And who knows, maybe someday I will have grandchildren that I can read them with. One can hope.

Would you like to buy me a book, or help keep my little free library stocked and maintained? You can donate here: paypal.me/AmyVanGaasbeck 

 

Growing Up with Dick and Jane, by Carole Kismaric and Martin Heiferman

Growing Up with Dick and Jane, by Carole Kismaric and Martin Heiferman

I was between 2 1/2 and 3 years old when I first began reading. I can remember it vividly. My mother had a Dick and Jane reader, which is still in my possession, and she would read out of it with me daily, until one day, I knew the words myself. I did not just memorize the story; my mother tested me by jumping to different words, and I knew them all, even out of order. Once I unlocked the ability to read, there was no stopping me. I became a lifelong reader, passionate about books.

I was pleased to find this book, because Dick and Jane is dear to my heart. This book did not disappoint. It gives the origin of Dick and Jane, history on the author and illustrator, how Dick and Jane changed through the years, and even added African American friends during the time of integration. It also includes a history of life in America during the time of Dick and Jane, what children experienced, and how learning changed over the years.

If you have ever read a Dick and Jane reader, or just have an enjoyment for childhood education or even 20th Century American history, this is worth a read.

Would you like to buy me a book, or help keep my little free library stocked and maintained? You can donate here: paypal.me/AmyVanGaasbeck