How I have longed for this book since I heard of it's looming publication! The very thought of a book full of my favourite classical juvenille fiction characters and recipes just intrigued me! I first heard of the book via my sister, who bought me Jane's first book "The Gentle Art of Domesticity" - which is incredible! ( Infact Cherry Cake was also a gift from my sister, arriving in my mailbox with another book called"Hungarian Dances" by Jessica Duchen.)
I instantly began to think of what food items from my childhood books came to mind .... Popovers and Pickled Limes from Little Women, Raspberry Cordial from Anne of Green Gables, Katy and Clover's Christmas Hamper from What Katy Did at School, The Midnight Feasts at Malory Towers, Naughtiest Girl and St Clares, Kaffe and Kuchen from the Chalet School and Cherry Pie from a pretty unknown book called Harriet and the Cherry Pie.
Well not all of them made Jane's book but most of them did - yes, even the pickled limes!
The book is full of wonderful old illustrations, great memoirs from Jane and lovely quotes from the wonderful books! It reminded me of Seven Little Australians which I need to reread and "The Little White Horse" which I need to read!! The only error I have come across is regarding "What Katy Did at School" where Jane refers to Katy's parents ... alas Mrs Carr passed away when Katy was eight. There are recipes from Milly Molly Mandy (ooh how I loved this series and how I DID colour in the map at the front of the book and I wanted a "Little Friend Susan" so much), Many Enid Blyton. Pollyanna, Little House, The Railway Children , Mary Poppins, The Borrowers, The Secret Garden, Ballet Shoes, Pippi Longstocking, Heidi, Daddy Long Legs and A Little Princess.
Jane has a real gift for character analysis - I giggled every time I read about Dick from the Famous Five being a future chef or cookery writer!
Here's an excerpt from the book which I know everyone will enjoy ....
I recommend it to anyone who loves classic juvenille literature and/or cooking! You will be transported back to your childhood instantly!
"An Adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all!" The Valley of Adventure by Enid Blyton.
2 comments:
This does look charming. I do hope it is published here, we are still waiting for Jane's first book due this fall.
Sounds good...did not know the writer. Will keep an eye on it!
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