February 9, 2009

Do you ever… send a delightful surprise all wrapped with love?

2009-01-09-gus-with-book

I adore children’s books (yes, another passion to share!!)… Even before we had our own four boys, I belonged to the children’s book of the month club. Now I have a really great excuse to buy more books as our boys LOVE to read as well! Well, just before Christmas we received a box at the studio… upon opening it we discovered it was filled with books from a marvelous children’s book author who I was very aware of, Kimberly Willis Holt. I do hope you know of Kimberly because I nearly dropped on the floor that she sent us all of her books…… autographed (yippee… can you hear me clapping!) to the boys and our family……! I first could not believe what a kind and incredibly thoughtful gesture… I opened each book to read her lovely and inspiring thoughts to our children as I was all welled up with tears! For Kimberly to reach out to us, to tell us that what are doing is inspiring to her… and that she wanted to share her work!! Well… words cannot describe the joy! I had to share her work with you as I know you will love it as much as we do. I was already familiar with her Piper Reed series… but did not know of her other books.

2009-01-09-skinny-brown-dog

I will tell you that Skinny Brown Dog and Waiting for Gregory are regular reading in our home. I am a ridiculous sap… I was all teary the first time I read Skinny Brown Dog… it is a darling story that will simply melt you. I have to say the illustrations in Waiting for Gregory are over the top inspiring… beautiful collages and enchanting drawings by Gabi Swiatkowska that will make you smile. If you have your own small children, or you are a grandparent… or you just love gorgeous books and delicious writing, then these are must have delectable books from a thoughtful darling woman with a very big heart!! Thanks again, Kimberly!

xoxo,
Tracy

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Labels: books and such, do you ever...

posted by Tracy Porter Blog 12 Comments

Reader Comments

#1 
Written By artist on February 9th, 2009 @ 9:37 am

Tracy, as a former art teacher in the school system I must say I have always loved children’s books. Some of the best illustrations to be sure! Also wanted to tell you that Gus looks more like you every day. He’s growing fast! So sweet.

#2 
Written By Dawn on February 9th, 2009 @ 10:32 am

Oh could little Gus be any cuter???!!!! My oldest son had hair just like his when he was this age and I just LOVED it!! I, too, LOVE children’s books and am so thrilled to have a little one to share them with again. Lucy is just now starting to sit for a whole book…I think now that she is completely fluent in English they are a little more interesting :) …sometimes the pictures just weren’t enough~ I will have to get some of Kimberly’s books, we don’t own any and they look darling! What a thoughtful gift!

#3 
Written By artist on February 9th, 2009 @ 11:04 am

Dawn, I cannot believe Lucy is fluent in English already!!!!!! What a smart little one. Her pictures are so sweet and it’s obvious she loves those boys. How is life with a toddler again? Busy? LOL

#4 
Written By Dawn on February 9th, 2009 @ 11:23 am

Artist, Can you even believe these little brains??? Lucy has been home 6 months and is fluent. I really am trying to find a way for her to maintain her Chinese, but you can tell she wants to speak English :) She LOVES her brothers…I have to say the sweetest relationship is with my oldest (almost 16) she adores him and he the same. Life with a toddler…how quickly we forget! I think it has taken me these six months to adjust to how busy! It is fun with a girl though…she LOVES watching Tracy’s cooking videos…and we do LOTS of pretend cooking in that kitchen of hers!!

#5 
Written By martha on February 9th, 2009 @ 11:54 am

Ok i received a package last week-from YOUR site-LOVE that sweet set of birds-one for me-LOVE it, and have given one as a gift! Others will be doled out as gifts when occasion arises!
Also have your BOOK and I LOVE it-everyone needs one of your books!!! Will be ordering more i am sure!
A box of delights!
Can’t wait for your new catalog-
And i cannot think how many people i have sent to your blog-it is a highlight each day!
Love from the South!

#6 
Written By Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall on February 9th, 2009 @ 4:14 pm

Oh, what a sweet gift! And I must say, a sweet photo of Gus. It’s so cool to see how much older and bigger he has gotten since I fist started reading your blog a year ago:)

Thanks for sharing. I don’t have any kids, but I do have two favorites… GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU (given to me by my cousin. She had her boy 10 years ago when she was 16, and I was with her in the delivery room. She gave me this book on his 1st b-day). And my second fav is THE PRINCE. My dad got this at a thrift store for me when I was a kid. I didn’t appreciate it then as I do now as an adult.

I love to open them up and read the loving words written to me on the inside. It always makes a book that much more special.

#7 
Written By Daisy Cottage on February 10th, 2009 @ 7:06 am

Lucky, lucky me received an autographed book from Kimberly too – I will cherish it always! Not only is she a fabulous author, but she is a genuine sweetheart too! She is such an inspiration, as YOU are Tracy, and I know you and your family are treasuring your books! How wonderful! Thank you for sharing with us!

#8 
Written By Kimberly on February 10th, 2009 @ 9:02 am

Thanks, again, Tracy, for sharing my work with your readers. And Gus, I wish I had a poster of you holding my book. You would make it a bestseller!

#9 
Written By Tracy Porter on February 10th, 2009 @ 10:33 am

Dawn, you have really progressed with Lucy! How incredible… what joy you must all have!
Martha, thank you for sending our blog to your friends and family!! We are big believers in grass roots! It’s how we’ve grown our entire company, thanks to all of you!!
Daisy Cottage, what a darling blog you have!!
Kimberly, the photo cracks me up, because of course Gus’ hair is much like the darling little girl in your book, all blond… wispy… angel hair!
We again last night read “Skinny Brown Dog”… pretty sweet! Gus runs to the bookshelf before bed, pulls 15 books down, and this is always one of them!
xo
T.

#10 
Written By mary on February 10th, 2009 @ 1:11 pm

Ohmygosh. I also adore childrens books. I have one child and I’ve saved most of his books and in fact have started collecting for future grandchildren! I don’t think that’s going to be for a while though. My son is a college senior and he has two more years in his program ( and no girlfriend at this point ) but I have a stash of books anyway!
Will look for Kimberly’s books!
mary

#11 
Written By Kari - Meadowview Farm on February 11th, 2009 @ 3:42 pm

A package that can lift our day – hmmm, kindness is still a vast resource in our country – thank goodness.

And as for children’s books with wonderful words and illustrations to match…heavenly.

A little can still go a long way.
Kari

#12 
Written By Denise on February 17th, 2009 @ 5:39 pm

I am kinda new to your web site and I just love, love, your videos every day. I wish we could go on a tour of your home. I keep going back to the videos just trying to catch a peek here and there. I know you do show bits and pieces but I know I would love to see it as a tour. I am sure there are others like me. We live vicariously through your beautiful world. Oh and I am so excited about your sale. I have always wanted to purchase the things you have on and so now I can. Thank you so much for a wonderful visit.