An Alphabet of Old Friends By: Walter Crane (1845-1915)
In Walter Crane's enchanting masterpiece, An Alphabet of Old Friends, readers are taken on a nostalgic journey back to their childhood. Through timeless rhymes and captivating illustrations, Crane beautifully weaves a tapestry of alphabetic adventures that will delight both young and old. Each page unveils a new friend, accompanied by a lively and memorable rhyme. From the mischievous Antelope to the majestic Zebra, Crane breathes life into each character, instilling them with individuality and charm. Through his clever use of words, the author creates whimsical verses that effortlessly roll off the tongue and make for delightful read-aloud sessions. What truly sets this book apart, however, is Crane's stunning artwork. His intricate illustrations, reminiscent of classic fairy tales, transport readers into a world where animals are anthropomorphic and magical. The attention to detail in each drawing is simply astonishing, with vibrant colors and exquisite patterns that capture the imagination. An Alphabet of Old Friends not only educates young minds about the alphabet but also sparks curiosity and a love for learning. Each character serves as a gateway to explore deeper into the animals' habitats, characteristics, and behaviors. It effortlessly blends fun with education, making it an invaluable resource for parents and educators alike. Furthermore, the book's timeless appeal can be attributed to Crane's ability to seamlessly bridge the generation gap. Older readers will find comfort in revisiting childhood memories through the alphabet, while younger readers will be introduced to concepts and creatures they may not have encountered before. Occasionally, the complexity of the illustrations may overwhelm younger readers, making it difficult for them to fully appreciate every detail. However, this minor setback does not detract from the overall enchantment and enjoyment the book offers. In conclusion, An Alphabet of Old Friends by Walter Crane is a masterpiece that will charm readers of all ages. With its captivating rhymes, breathtaking illustrations, and ability to spark curiosity, this book is a must-have for any library or collection. It beautifully captures the magic and wonder of childhood, ensuring its enduring place in the literary world. First Page: [Illustration] AN ALPHABET OF OLD FRIENDS by Walter Crane An alphabet of old friends originally published 1874; AN ALPHABET OF OLD FRIENDS A A carrion crow sat on an oak, Watching a tailor shape his cloak. "Wife, bring me my old bent bow, That I may shoot yon carrion crow." The tailor he shot and missed his mark, And shot his own sow quite through the heart. "Wife, wife, bring brandy in a spoon, For our old sow is in a swoon." B Ba, ba, black sheep, Have you any wool? Yes, marry, have I, Three bags full. One for my master, One for my dame, But none for the little boy That cries in the lane. C Hen. Cock, cock, I have la a ayed! Cock. Hen, hen, that's well sa a ayed! Hen. Although I have to go bare footed every day a ay! Cock. ( Con spirito. ) Sell your eggs and buy shoes! Sell your eggs and buy shoes! D Dickery, dickery, dock, The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck one, Down the mouse ran, Dickery, dickery, dock. [Illustration: ABCD] E Elizabeth, Elspeth, Betsy, and Bess, They all went together to seek a bird's nest They found a bird's nest with five eggs in; They all took one, and left four in. F Father, father, I've come to confess... Continue reading book >>

An Alphabet of Old Friends By: Walter Crane (1845-1915)

In Walter Crane's enchanting masterpiece, An Alphabet of Old Friends, readers are taken on a nostalgic journey back to their childhood. Through timeless rhymes and captivating illustrations, Crane beautifully weaves a tapestry of alphabetic adventures that will delight both young and old.

Each page unveils a new friend, accompanied by a lively and memorable rhyme. From the mischievous Antelope to the majestic Zebra, Crane breathes life into each character, instilling them with individuality and charm. Through his clever use of words, the author creates whimsical verses that effortlessly roll off the tongue and make for delightful read-aloud sessions.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is Crane's stunning artwork. His intricate illustrations, reminiscent of classic fairy tales, transport readers into a world where animals are anthropomorphic and magical. The attention to detail in each drawing is simply astonishing, with vibrant colors and exquisite patterns that capture the imagination.

An Alphabet of Old Friends not only educates young minds about the alphabet but also sparks curiosity and a love for learning. Each character serves as a gateway to explore deeper into the animals' habitats, characteristics, and behaviors. It effortlessly blends fun with education, making it an invaluable resource for parents and educators alike.

Furthermore, the book's timeless appeal can be attributed to Crane's ability to seamlessly bridge the generation gap. Older readers will find comfort in revisiting childhood memories through the alphabet, while younger readers will be introduced to concepts and creatures they may not have encountered before.

Occasionally, the complexity of the illustrations may overwhelm younger readers, making it difficult for them to fully appreciate every detail. However, this minor setback does not detract from the overall enchantment and enjoyment the book offers.

In conclusion, An Alphabet of Old Friends by Walter Crane is a masterpiece that will charm readers of all ages. With its captivating rhymes, breathtaking illustrations, and ability to spark curiosity, this book is a must-have for any library or collection. It beautifully captures the magic and wonder of childhood, ensuring its enduring place in the literary world.

First Page:

[Illustration]

AN ALPHABET OF OLD FRIENDS

by Walter Crane

An alphabet of old friends originally published 1874;

AN ALPHABET OF OLD FRIENDS

A carrion crow sat on an oak, Watching a tailor shape his cloak. "Wife, bring me my old bent bow, That I may shoot yon carrion crow." The tailor he shot and missed his mark, And shot his own sow quite through the heart. "Wife, wife, bring brandy in a spoon, For our old sow is in a swoon."

Ba, ba, black sheep, Have you any wool? Yes, marry, have I, Three bags full. One for my master, One for my dame, But none for the little boy That cries in the lane.

Hen. Cock, cock, I have la a ayed! Cock. Hen, hen, that's well sa a ayed! Hen. Although I have to go bare footed every day a ay! Cock. ( Con spirito. ) Sell your eggs and buy shoes! Sell your eggs and buy shoes!

Dickery, dickery, dock, The mouse ran up the clock. The clock struck one, Down the mouse ran, Dickery, dickery, dock.

[Illustration: ABCD]

Elizabeth, Elspeth, Betsy, and Bess, They all went together to seek a bird's nest They found a bird's nest with five eggs in; They all took one, and left four in.

Father, father, I've come to confess... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Kids
Fiction

eBook links
Wikipedia – Walter Crane
Wikipedia – An Alphabet of Old Friends

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac