Papier Mache Children's Magazine

Why didn't I know about this sooner? Australian kid's mag.

Online. Free. Adorable.

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Issue 3 is a standout. All images from Papier Mache

Alice in Waterland by Elena Kalis

I saw these images on Yatzer months ago, browsed, and moved on. Somehow the images kept coming to mind. Nothing overly technically complicated and no impressive computer-enhancement (yawn), yet Elena Kalis (who lives and practices her underwater art in the Bahamas) manages to capture the themes of Lewis Carrolls' Alice in Wonderland perfectly. 

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After all, when the world around you doesn't make sense, it IS a little like being underwater, isn't it? 

I especially like the 'through the looking glass' idea. You know how the image was made, logically, yet it perfectly describes an alternate reality.

Note to self: buy striped knee socks

All the above images via Yatzer, all rights to the images belong to the photographer Elena Kalis

A new version of the movie will be released March 2010. A Tim Burton production, it promises to be wilder and weirder than ever before. Click here for a write-up by Wired.com.

Production still via wired.com

Look At Book

Found on fun blog Far Out Brussel Sprout, terrific books for sale online at Present & Correct. Love the thoughtful presentation shots which remind me of Three Potato Four.

Must we burn Babar?

Interesting (but long: 4 pages of expounding) article on the meaning and artistry of classic children's character Babar, and suggestions Jean de Brunhoff''s creation was all just a bit of imperialistic propaganda. The article found in The New Yorker, written by Adam Gopnik, Freeing the Elephants: What Babar brought.

Jean de Brunhoff’s dummy for the cover of “Histoire de Babar,” the first book in the series, published in France in 1931. Courtesy the Morgan Library and Museum
My favourite page: “Babar says to her, ‘Thank you, Ma’am.’ Without wasting any time, he goes into a big store. It is such fun to ride up and down in an elevator.”“Babar leaves the forest and comes to a town. He is amazed because this is the first time he has seen so many houses.”

All © Librairie Hachette 1939/Hachette Livre 2006

I love finding happy books

I was in Sydney, alone on a significant birthday, and feeling very blue when I found an unexpected gift for myself. "Around the World with Mouk" is one of the most fascinating picture books that I fully believe was written, and drawn, just for me.

The book is printed in NZ and Aus by Gecko Press-Printers of curiously good children's books from around the world. This book is categorized as "Picture: 6-9 yrs" and I think it might be a reflection of my emotional maturity that I'm so terribly fond of it. You can buy it online.