Mai Miturich II

Mai Miturich's (1925-2008) illustrations for Kudasheva, R. Petushok's 1968 book 'The Cockerel' (PETUSHOK ПЕТУШОК). For me this is heavenly, I love the colour, but even more I adore the watercolour line work, again it is a pamphlet book, soft and magazine like. I feel it is really important to preserve these works whether in hard copy, electronically or in the case of this book in both forms.

Mai Miturich I

Illustrations by Mai Miturich (1925-2008) for the book, 'Forest Homes' written by Vitaly Bianki (1894-1959) for 'Forest Homes' published in 1979.

Mai Miturich (what a gentle looking soul!) was born to a family of artists in Moscow 1925. His
mother was Khlebnikova Vera Vladimirovna (1891-1941) a painter and sister of the famous poet Velimir Khlebnikov. His father was Miturich Peter Vasilyevich (1887-1956) also a painter and draftsman. Mai Miturich has incredible brush work and because of this quality often resembles Japanese paintings. 

The illustrations for 'Forest Homes' are beautifully observed nature studies. As I research further into children's books of the mid twentieth century I am struck how much more engaged with nature they are and how they are in turn enhancing children's love and understanding of the natural world.

Lilian Härm

Lilian Härm is an Estonian artist born in 1927. Her father was the theater artist Albert Vahtramäe (1885-1965). Her husband the graphic designer Endel Härma  Lilian worked as a commercial artist designing packaging and posters before illustrating over thirty children's books. These illustrations are from 'Kes Me Oleme' by Erika Esop published in 1969.

Josef Paleček IV

At the end of a day of celebrating Josef Paleček's eighty fifth Birthday on a cold February evening it seems fitting to share his illustrations from 'Pampelisek'  a book of poetry by Issy, V · Svoboda, published in a small run of 6000 in 1971. This has winter delights like a poor fish staring from a frozen pond, sledding and snow crunch, morning walks with the birds singing. 

Josef Paleček III

Josef Paleček's delicious hippopotamus butterfly from 'Pummel' published in 1995.

Josef Paleček II

"Jak zabicky pily caj" 1964 written by Gennadij Cyferov illustrated by Josef Paleček is one of those soft magazine like books, that is a miracle in itself to have survived so long. The illustrations in this book have a very contemporary Japanese feel as well as strong graphic compositions.

Josef Paleček

It is Josef Paleček's birthday today, he is eighty six and I hope he is having a happy and healthy birthday.
Here is a sample of his magical illustrations from  'Jake Oci Ma Vitr' written by Miroslav Florian and published in 1968.

Seiichi Horiuchi

Seiichi Horiuchi's (1932-1987) illustrations for Groompa's kindergarten" by Minami Nishiuchi, a sad story of an elephant trying to fit in , eventually he finds acceptance in a children's nursery. 
Seiichi Horiuchi was born in Tokyo, Mukushima in 1932. where he joined his father's graphic business. In 1955 Adcenter was founded and Seiichi was responsible for editorial design nd advertisements. His first picture book "Kurouma Blanky" was published in 1985, he went on to write and illustrate over 100 children's books.  He also worked on the publication of; Anan, Popey and Brutus. For the last seven years he lived in Paris with his family.

Nagano Hirokazu I

Nagano Hirokazu's book, 'Lonely Lion', about trying to fit in and make friends, has lively and vivid illustrations and is  a wonderful book about not judging by appearance.

Chiyoko Nakatani IV

Nakatani Chiyoko's gentle book about who you share home with, published in 1974.  

Nakatani Chiyoko

Chiyoko Nakatani III

Nakatani Chiyoko's book Hippopotamus, has such beautiful colours and smiley hippo drawings that it is a delight.