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Just like music, art evokes various emotions within us. Some makes us feel happy. Others make us a bit sad. And there are those that leave us all warm and fuzzy inside. Vintage children’s book illustrations often stir up nostalgia. They transport us back to our days as little carefree humans. A time when looking at the pictures was sometimes even better than the words of the fairytale.
The sadderlizards Insta account has over 300 thousand followers. It’s the perfect place to go if you feel like traveling back to your cozy nights of bedtime stories. But still want to relate to the illustrations as a grown adult. There's a gallery of adorable art, each with a relatable meme to melt your heart. Bored Panda has put together a list of our favorites. Keep scrolling and don't forget to upvote yours.
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#1
Jill Rhodry 1 year ago
Yeah me too - but don't you find buying/collecting books is actually a different hobby than reading?
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Beak Hookage 1 year ago
My trick is to always keep a book next to the toilet. Every visit I read some more, and when I finish the book I replace it with another one.
OneWithRatsAndKefir 1 year ago
Too true. I currently have a few Sherlock Holmes books, the Odyssey, the Illiad, a couple of comics, the Art of War, various fantasy-history books from Skyrim and a graphic novel of 1984.
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#2
Kit Black 1 year ago
Apparently how dare you have a different opinion?!? Like, why are you being downvoted???
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Hljott Anne 1 year ago
In Venezuela (perhaps in all SouthAmerica) this story is known as Sapo y Sepo.
#3
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
Yup. Been retired since I was 23. (Sounds more fascinating than saying I'm disabled. 🤪)
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highwaycrossingfrog 1 year ago
Not a book! It's a piece of art called "Sleeping Cat" by Poul Dohle. You can buy it in his Etsy shop
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Roan The Demon Kitty 1 year ago
does anyone know what book this is from? or the artist of the image? that cat looks like my little Luna Lulu who I had to send off over the rainbow bridge just this week. <3 so cute
Bill Swallow 1 year ago
Love the little mouse holding the spoon. Somehow, it looks despondent.
Imagine a world without story book illustrations. Our childhoods might have been a bit boring. The pictures bring the words to life. They inspire, educate and keep little minds engaged. Children’s book illustrations have evolved a lot over the years. They took off in the 19th century, when children’s literature became a genre of its own.
Back then, the pictures were first carved into wooden blocks. And those were then transferred onto the pages of the book. Sometimes they were coloured in by hand, adding even more "life" to the stories.
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Kit Black 1 year ago
Although kinda disappointed that it's the 2012 edition...
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#6
The Bearded Viking 1 year ago
Naked, by the look of it too. Pooh's gone sans his red coat, the progressive little tike, ain't he 😁👍🏻🤣
Dumb teenager 1 year ago
Literally the only times I’ve ever left home without people knowing is to go bushwalking.
It was during this time that the Grimms’ Fairy Tales were brought to life. Childhood classics like “Cinderella”, “Hansel and Gretel” and "Snow White" remain popular more than 200 years later. They're still being translated into different languages, and adapted into plays and films around the world.
Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm published the first set of stories in 1812. You might be surprised to know that they weren't actually written for children. According to the National Library of Scotland, 'Kinder- und Hausmärchen', as the first volume was originally called, was aimed more at scholars. It contained 86 fairy tales.
#7
Roxy222uk 1 year ago
I recognise the style. I think her surname was Brett but I can't remember her first name.
Jaya 1 year ago
Thanks! I recognized the style too from a poster I had on my wall when I was a kid, but couldn't find who it is. But the name Brett helped me find her: it's Molly Brett.
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#8
Kris 1 year ago
I meant to do my work today— But a brown bird sang in the apple tree, And a butterfly flitted across the field, And all the leaves were calling me. And the wind went sighing over the land, Tossing the grasses to and fro, And a rainbow held out its shining hand— So what could I do but laugh and go? -Richard Le Gallienne
#9
OneWithRatsAndKefir 1 year ago
Technically, since cats can stand on their hind legs, there’s a low but not impossible chance that this has happened or will happen. I will hold onto hope that it does.
highwaycrossingfrog 1 year ago
It appears to be a standalone piece of art rather than taken from a book - it's called Pagan Cats and it's by Cécile Berrubé
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Keryn Lavery 1 year ago
This is what I aim to do every time my friends stay for the night but they never want to😥
The Grimms started collecting fairy tales "in the hope of discovering some essential truths about the cultural heritage of the common people," reads the library's site. They later edited the stories to make them more child friendly. And thanks to the brothers, we saw the emergence of children's literature. The collection has since been translated into more than 160 languages.
#10
Bill Swallow 1 year ago (edited)
"In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.” (Also seemed to work pretty well for Bugs Bunny.)
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 1 year ago
Earthship homes are the real deal, people. Look them up. Closest thing to a hobbit hole irl. Want to live in one so badly.
Dumb teenager 1 year ago
You get places like Coober Pedy as well where half the population lives underground because of the harsh climate
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LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
If I ever win the lottery, I'm building myself a Hobbit house. Like the ones they made in NZ for the films, round doors and all. 😁
Still Going 1 year ago
I dreamed about this as a child, and drew pictures of a very similar setup. (Not nearly as good, though!)
Roan The Demon Kitty 1 year ago
this reminds me a little bit of Brambly Hedge, I loved those books as a child, still do, the art in them is so cute and full of detail :3
#11
OneWithRatsAndKefir 1 year ago
In that case, I need an outright prescription of a little treat daily. Sleep’s been a bugger for the past week and a half.
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago
Idk what's going on with me, but I can only sleep for 4 hours at a time. I hope you get some good sleep soon. 😴 😴
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#12
OneWithRatsAndKefir 1 year ago (edited)
Redwall! I just wanted to add, for those who have seen me comment before, I finally figured out which Redwall book I read (because of TV Tropes)! It was ‘Outcast of Redwall! The characters in the picture are Sunstripe/Sunflash and Skarlath (Sunflash is the badger and Skarlath is the kestrel).
Sarah Jones 1 year ago
That’s a really beautiful illustration! I’ve never heard of Redwall, looks like I’ve been missing out!
Deson 1 year ago
Think of it as a Medieval Fantasy book series involving talking creatures, no humans and a fair bit of mayhem. A lot of fun.
Load More Replies... Beak Hookage 1 year ago
One of my favourite Redwall books! I wanted to pick up a sword and go on a quest SO BAD when I was a kid. In the end I sort of got my wish. I published my first fantasy trilogy and used part of the advance to buy a sword. It's currently hanging on the wall. Ah, those were good times. ^_^
The original Grimm Brothers' books were meant to teach important morals about life and contained common themes about family and society structures during that time. The lessons were often told through exaggerated portrayals of beauty, violence, poverty and wealth. Which is why some of the adaptations have done away with negative stereotypes and outdated ideas about what is wrong and what is right.
#13
kansasmagic 1 year ago
I know! Well, damn, if only I had *decided* to be happy...
Load More Replies... Hljott Anne 1 year ago
Is a nice decision but what´s really hard is to make it everyday until it becomes the rule.
#14
Brian Droste 1 year ago (edited)
If I need to get things done and I turn the TV on, I am basically done for the day.
Still Going 1 year ago
I'm like that with books. No matter what I tell myself and how many timers/alarms I set, putting down a good book is not a skill I possess.
Load More Replies... Shark Lady 1 year ago
This perfectly illustrates my daily productivity levels. Although I usually have a cat or two for company.
#15
G A 1 year ago
Library with wood panelling, a globe drinks cabinet, a chaise lounge, and cats n dogs for comfort. If I win the lottery.
Bill Swallow 1 year ago
We have a house with its own library. It's too small. Now we need a house with a TARDIS.
Freya the Wanderer 1 year ago
This is my idea of heaven - a well-stocked library with fiction and nonfiction, several cats that enjoy being lap fungus, and right next to it a taproom with a billion different beers.
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"The mothers, step mothers and women in general are often greedy and willing to do heinous things to achieve wealth and beauty," reads this 2016 research paper titled The Grimm Fairy Tales: An Analysis of Family and Society. "The fathers, although they mean well for their family, are very weak and submissive and thus make mistakes that often have grave consequences. As a result of the conflicts from the parental figures, the children are always the ones who suffer.”
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KillerKiwi 1 year ago
Reminds me of the little field mouse in Bambi that hides from the rain under the mushroom and then runs with the baby quails.
#19
The 19th century also brought us the whimsical tale of “Alice in Wonderland”. It’s another classic that continues to captivate children and adults alike, centuries later. The original book was titled “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. It was written by Lewis Carroll and published in 1865.
#21
Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
A random bird will always be sceptical about you, but if you have a recurring place to feed and watch them, like a garden or a balcony, they can get used to u and will tolerate you more over time.
KillerKiwi 1 year ago
Sounds like something someone with whimsy would say. 😔
Load More Replies...The fairy tale and characters were brought to life with illustrations by British artist John Tenniel. “Tenniel’s precise and imaginative drawings perfectly captured the whimsical nature of Carroll’s story, creating a visual world that has become synonymous with the beloved tale,” reads this blog post by a U.K children's book illustration company. To this day, people talk about (and dress up as) Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit.
#22
Wisteria Bookworm 1 year ago
*vaguely gestures at self* THIS just doesn’t be early, I’m always fashionably late ✨
#23
Little Wonder 1 year ago
Fun fact! people sent to the coast for "fresh air" often did feel much better for it, because they were no longer in their homes which were filled with arsenic from the green wallpapers and furnishings.
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#25
KillerKiwi 1 year ago
That’s besides the point Brian. Just take the damn flowers.
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Joy 1 year ago
I love how you've written L♥️VE. I'm going to use that. It's such a lovely idea ♥️
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KillerKiwi 1 year ago
Because it totally would be! But get your SO’s to match. Which may be hard to convince them to do but it’d be cute.
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#28
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago
I don't Iron, I just throw it in the dryer for 10 minutes. Ironing is a pain in the azz !!
Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
Yeah, absolutely. My mom and grandma spent whole sundays just ironing and the generation of my sister and me just stopped. I own maybe 1 or 2 fancy dresses that need to be ironed and the rest just doesn't get that treatment
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#29
Wisteria Bookworm 1 year ago
HEY!! IM SUING! HOW DARE YOU PUT MY IMAGE WITHOUT MY CONSENT?! *LE GASP* (I’m kidding btw for you Karens who think I’m serious)
Wisteria Bookworm 1 year ago
HEY!! IM GOING TO SUE BORED PANDA! HOW DARE YOU PUT MY PICTURE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?! *LE GASP*
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#31
pipboo 1 year ago
Brambly Hedge by Jill Barclem. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brambly_Hedge I loved the tiny worlds she created, when I was a child.
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Oskar vanZandt 1 year ago (edited)
Rien Poortfliet's "kabouter" (gnome)... He was an amazing Dutch illustrator.
SageHare37 1 year ago
I found a copy of the book in a thrift store and bought it on a whim. I had no idea it was so detailed and uncommon until I got home. Though I can only read English, I've enjoyed learning more about the author and illustrator. Such an incredible whimsical book.
Load More Replies... Panda Kicki 1 year ago
A movie based on this book was extremely popular christmas tradition in sweden. The original dubbing burned in a fire, but a vhs a viewer had was used to get a new copy.
#36
WindySwede 1 year ago
Pr are reading the menu, cause the doggo missed their glasses? 🙃
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#38
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago
The dog is domesticated, but still drinks out of a bowl. Is that hair of the dog ??
Panflute 1 year ago
You can tell he's domesticated because he doesn't drink directly out of the pitcher.
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#41
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago (edited)
The frog is deciding what he wants to eat from the buffet. Decisions, decisions 🐸🐞🪲🐝🪳🦗
Kezza 1 year ago
I have a deadly spider (katipo it like black widow) a few chickens and a peafowel as friends at work
Kezza 1 year ago
Peafowl peahens and peacocks make a really unexpected sound
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#42
PrettyJoyBird 1 year ago
So the fox is Lady or Sir Whistledown and what sayeth you fox? What does the fox hath to say?
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Jennifer Smith 1 year ago
They keep catching up to me because I have short legs and can’t run that fast
#47
reuben kift 1 year ago
I love how the spiders gonna pull the leg out from under his bench, as well. :o)
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Bill Swallow 1 year ago
The little shoes on the bugs remind me of the story 'Archy and Mehitabel'.
#49
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
I remember going to the supermarket with my mum when I was in my teens and saying 'I'm just going to wander aimlessly'. Not sure what motivated it but my mum does take a long time in the supermarket so that could be it.
KillerKiwi 1 year ago (edited)
POV you’re a new father of 16 baby mice waiting outside the delivery room (hole in the wall) for the mouse midwife to tell you you can see your beautiful mouse wife
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#51
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago (edited)
Kinda like looking at life through a child's innocent eyes 🤍💛🐇
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#58
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago
Aww, Reminds me of my grandlove when he gets upset. He's 7 years old in 3 days ( October 1st. )
Brian Droste 1 year ago
Oct1ist is my birth date also, but I will be 65. Please no birth well wishes. I don't celebrate my birth date.
Load More Replies... Shark Lady 1 year ago
Having a good cry can be helpful. Bottling up negative emotions can really affect your psyche and even your physical wellbeing.
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#60
Linda Gilliam 1 year ago
I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! No time to say "Hello, Good Bye" I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!
#64
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What do you think ?
wowbagger 1 year ago
Wonderful! Art for children's books requires a lot of skill; I don't think it gets enough respect in the art world.
Beak Hookage 1 year ago
It really doesn't! And call me old-fashioned but I will always prefer proper painted covers and internal illustrations. None of that stock photos stuff for me, thanks.
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Maudelin 1 year ago
Half of these are ruined with the comment posted over the picture. The post was about seeing adorable pictures FFS.
David Paterson 1 year ago
Made me nostalgic for English summer. And England doesn't have a summer!
Auntriarch 1 year ago
We do sometimes have summer. Just not in the summertime
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Barbara Griffin 1 year ago
That was a wonderful trip through pictures I remember from my childhood.
wowbagger 1 year ago
Wonderful! Art for children's books requires a lot of skill; I don't think it gets enough respect in the art world.
Beak Hookage 1 year ago
It really doesn't! And call me old-fashioned but I will always prefer proper painted covers and internal illustrations. None of that stock photos stuff for me, thanks.
Load More Replies... Maudelin 1 year ago
Half of these are ruined with the comment posted over the picture. The post was about seeing adorable pictures FFS.
David Paterson 1 year ago
Made me nostalgic for English summer. And England doesn't have a summer!
Auntriarch 1 year ago
We do sometimes have summer. Just not in the summertime
Load More Replies... Barbara Griffin 1 year ago
That was a wonderful trip through pictures I remember from my childhood.
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