Artwork of the Week: The Yellow Books

The Yellow Books by Vincent van Gogh

1887 

Another surprising revelation of ordinary things: the library! Graham and I go to two different branches for story times and music/movement class at least twice a week, and while we're there, I'll usually check out a few board books for him. I never considered borrowing books for myself because I take FOR-EV-ER to read them and figured I would either end up with excessive late fees or returning them half-cracked. Then I read Alissa's post about Dinner: A Love Story and decided, you know what? I should check that out! So I went to my library's website and discovered that not only could I RESERVE BOOKS ONLINE, but I could also RENEW ONLINE! when the return date was approaching.  My whole literary world has been blown apart. I loaded up on cookbooks last week, including two on one pot recipes that I've been eyeing on Amazon for awhile. I may never buy another book again. 

I'd never seen this Van Gogh painting of books before, but apparently you can buy a print of it at Walmar. Look who's getting good at discovering things everyone already knows about.

- Cathleen 

Noyes Library

Tucked on a residential street lined with trees in Kensington, MD is a picturesque children's library. 

The Noyes Library (pronounced noise) was built in 1893 and was the first public library in the entire metropolitan area. 

Circa 1901

Now solely dedicated to children, the library lives up to it's name and is a place where kids can look through books, be noisy, and have a great time! 

A wise old owl, carved in the 1800s, guards the library. 

An interior shot of the library. 

This library is such a special place for children and adds to the beauty of suburban Maryland. 

- Grace

Amos & Boris

My daughter and I just checked this book out of our library on Tuesday. Amos & Boris is a beautiful story about a mouse and a whale and their friendship. 

I've always loved William Steig, but had never come across this book before. I won't ruin it for those who haven't read it, but if you want a story with substance, great illustrations, and a valuable moral then this is the book for you. 

Check it out and let me know what you think. 

- Grace