When we moved I found many old boxes of children’s books that my mom gave to me years ago when I had my first child. The Jolly Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg was in the boxes and I forgot what a treat this little book is. Now published in a bigger version with larger pictures and type, the original is just as precious. The reader follows the “postman” on his route as he delivers letters from one fairy tale character to another. Kids have a grand old time pulling the post cards, official letters, hand written notes, and catalogues from the envelopes. There are plenty of jokes aimed at a more adult crowd so grown ups are sure to enjoy this one as well.
This brochure was sent to the Wicked Witch of Hansel and Gretel fame.
Goldilocks’ note is handwritten with purposeful type-os as only a young girl would create.
The Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood is delivered a certified letter sent directly from the lawyers of Little Red who work at the office of Meeny, Miny, Mo & Co.
Jack (from the beanstalk) zips a little postcard to the Giant letting him know his goose that lays the golden eggs is doing just fine.
*While this was a classic I can assure you there were some seriously inappropriate books in the boxes as well. It’s funny how smoking by characters in children’s books was completely normal back in the 70s and 80s. I also cringed at a book about two hippos. One called his sibling “stupid and overweight”. I found a real gem about a little girl who has “the worst sleepover ever” complete with a little brother of the host who wears a poopy diaper the entire time and a host who wouldn’t share any of her things. Eek!
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