"The Frog Prince Continued" by Jon Scieszka, paintings by Steve Johnson (Penguin Books Ltd, London 1991)

Weird and wonderful interpretation of the Frog Prince story (or rather what might have happened after the Princess' marriage to the frog - which could, sadly, apply to most marriages once the spells wear off...). There's a bit of "Hansel and Gretel" and "Cinderella" thrown in for good measure. Scieszka went on to write "The Stinky Cheese Man" which also makes fun out of fairy tales and traditional stories but what impressed me most about this book were the outstanding pictures by Steve Johnson. So much work must have gone into these illustrations! Every little detail and every character have been so meticulously worked out. The colours and composition are amazing and there are so many puns and jokes hidden in the pictures you can see something new each time you look at them. I could find nothing else by Steve Johnson - I hope he's still creating great pictures like these.

"Fairy Gold", Ruth Ainsworth, Illustrations by Barbara Hope Steinberg (publ. by William Heinemann, London 1972)

Just a few of the 60 fantastic b/w illustrations in this book.

"The Hobbit", JRR Tolkien (first published in 1937 by George Allen & Unwin). Illustrations by Eric Fraser

This is not from the original edition I'm afraid - it's the 2001 reprint of the 1979 Folio Society edition. Eric Fraser(1902-1983) creates landscapes which are mesmerising and endless while his figures are solemn and monumental. The detail and the rhythm in the shapes and patterns are incredible - the could keep you hooked for hours. He has been a huge inspiration for so many artists and illustrators - myself included.

There are some great examples of Eric Fraser's work - posters and advertising illustrations - at http://www.fulltable.com/VTS/aoi/f/fraser/f.htm There's alsohttp://www.chrisbeetles.com/gallery/artist.php?art=1740 where prints of his work can be purchased.

"The Second Virago Book Of Fairy Tales", edited by Angela Carter, illustrations by Corinna Sargood (publ. by Virago Press Ltd, London 1992), part 2

Just a few more of the many prints found in this book.

"The Second Virago Book Of Fairy Tales", edited by Angela Carter, illustrations by Corinna Sargood (published by Virago Press Ltd, London 1992)

I bought this book in the early nineties and it's been an inspiration ever since. The stories are great but the illustrations are so rich and magical. Corinna Sargood's take on these subversive and - sometimes - disturbing tales is really superb. There's so much to discover in these pictures that they still seem new to me after all these years.

There isn't much information available on this brilliant artist (born in Britain, 1941). There is mention on the jacket sleeve that she was one of Angela Carter's oldest friends and that these illustrations were done while she lived in in Mexico but that's about it. These lino cuts have appeared in exhibitions this year in the UK - which, typically, I missed!

1950's Thriller/Action Book Jackets

Great book jackets from all those decades ago. I can't resist buying them even though I never read the stories! The artists are never credited. There's something nostalgic about these action and adventure books and the illustrators are so good at capturing all the suspense and excitement and attracting the potential buyer. No disrespect for the writers but I think I'm not the only one that falls for the cover rather than the content! By the way, I so hate those sticky price label that won't come off without ruining the book.

"Spook" Jane Little, illustrated by Suzanne Kesteloo Larsen (published by Scholastic Book Services 1965)

This one is from the days when witches were really scary - not cute! Lovely pen & ink work. No information on the illustrator though...