In search of old children's books

[PurpleChez]

For years I'd been trying (on and off) to identify a favorite book from early childhood. I remembered it as being set in Latin America and had even gone so far as to send descriptions to Hispanic cultural groups and even the Organization of American States -- without success.

Then, a week or two ago, I posted the question here in the General Discussion forum. Two readers referred me to the Book Sleuth forum at AbeBooks (www.abebooks.com). I went there, posted a description of the book, and by the end of the day had some leads from other readers. I submitted an ILL request through my local library that was fulfilled with uncommon speed. I went to pick up the book, and as the librarian flipped through the pages looking for a bar code I recognized one illustration after another, even through the haze of nearly 35 years. It's not been an easy last few weeks, and this was a definite point of happiness, and very much appreciated.

So...thanks to DU members for coming though, and please (if you're a book geek) check out the Book Sleuth forum. I've already tracked down (or so I think) several other treasured childhood memories, and I'm just getting started.

Thanks again! DU rokks!

[InvisibleTouch]

1. Looks like a great resource!

There are some books I'd like to find again too. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[illinoisprogressive]

2. bookaholics know how to track them down!

[CrazyOrangeCat]

3. Thank you.

There's lots of 'em I'd like to find . . .

[Viva_La_Revolution]

4. oh, cool!

Thanks a ton!

[villager]

5. So... what was the book?

n/t

[PurpleChez]

7. "The Fabulous Firework Family" by James Flora

I used to get it out of the library with my aunt Helen for 4th of July, even though it had nothing to do with that holiday...it just had fireworks. I remembered the "firework castle" and the pinwheels. But I had also remembered parade floats that were essentially huge paper lanterns, the paper brightly colored and lit from the inside at night -- such things appear nowhere in this book. I either took the memory from another book and conflated it with this one, or I made it up altogether.

[yardwork]

6. Please tell us the title and author of the book!

I've had similar experiences here on DU. Once I woke up in the middle of the night with the fragment of a forgotten song in my head. I posted to the Lounge and within minutes someone had found it, even though my memory of the lyrics was mostly wrong.

[PurpleChez]

8. Please see post #7!

And thanks for asking.

[PurpleChez]

9. I had that happen with what turned out to be Steely Dan's "Josie"

My recollection of the lyrics was no where near reality, but I KNEW it had to be the Dan, and that helped.

[Sweet Freedom]

10. And you rock in return

Wow! I was just talking to someone about a story my grandmother read to me as a child. I cannot remember the name of it. When my grandmother died, I searched her house twice and never found it. Perhaps I'll find it now.

Thanks for the resource.

[Kali]

11. You said it: "DU rokks!"

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :applause: :applause: :patriot: :toast: :bounce:

[KoKo]

12. The help here is just incredible....it's a wonderful resource going beyond all the political stuff!

Good to hear you found an old favorite. Nothing better than being able to track down a book that meant something long ago.