Pamela Prince

Beginning in 1915, with the initial Josephine and Her Dolls, British children's author Mrs. H.C. Cradock published a series of children's stories featuring an eight-year-old girl named Josephine, and her playful adventures with her many toys. Although largely unknown today, it was a popular series that ran for close to twenty years, and eventually encompassed at least twelve books. The Josephine stories were illustrated by Honor C. Appleton, and it is this delightful artwork - discovered by contemporary American author Pamela Prince when she stumbled across some vintage copies of the Josephine books whilst in London - that is the inspiration for this (relatively) recent picture-book.

A Day With Josephine and Her Friends pairs Appleton's artwork from the Josephine books with Pamela Prince's own original story - written to "explain," or to incorporate and connect with the images in the paintings selected - which follows young Josephine through an active day of play. Although I wouldn't say the story was particularly thrilling, I thought that Prince did a good job connecting her narrative to the artwork, with minimal awkwardness, and considerable charm. The illustrations themselves are simply darling, full of lighthearted humor, and a mischievous sense of fun! I particularly liked the scene in which Morgan the puppy is being lectured by Josephine and John - his expression is so droll!

It's a shame that there don't seem to be more ratings and reviews of this one, as I think that Appleton's artwork deserves more attention. I'm glad that Prince decided to publish A Day With Josephine and Her Friends, and think I will try to track down some of the original Josephine books, just to contrast and compare!… (meer)