Golden Lamp Books

14/12/2023

12/12/2023

Nostalgic Christmas Illustrations for Children's Books and Cards

As the holiday season approaches, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the enduring charm of Christmas illustrations and their profound impact on children's literature and greeting cards. These visual depictions capture the festive period's essence and offer glimpses into the history of cultural and artistic landscapes of past eras. At Golden Lamp Books, we love to explore historical references to see how they continue to shape and inform children's literature today. We decided to look at the significance of 19th-century Christmas illustrations that graced the pages of children's books and holiday cards.

Thomas Nast's Santa Claus: The Iconic Visionary
Discussion of 19th-century Christmas illustrations is incomplete without acknowledging Thomas Nast's contributions. Widely regarded as the father of the modern Santa Claus, Nast's illustrations in Harper's Weekly during the latter half of the 1800s shaped our enduring image of the jolly man in red.

Kate Greenaway's Victorian Elegance
A prominent Victorian children's literature figure, Kate Greenaway brought her distinctive style to Christmas illustrations. Her delicate and detailed depictions often featured children in idyllic winter scenes, evoking a sense of innocence and wonder.

Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas" Illustrations
The classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (more commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas") by Clement Clarke Moore has been a staple of Christmas tradition. Various illustrators in the 19th Century contributed to visual interpretations of the poem, enhancing its appeal for young readers.

Louis Prang's Pioneering Christmas Cards
Louis Prang, a lithographer and publisher, is credited with popularizing the commercial production of Christmas cards in the United States. His beautifully illustrated cards, featuring festive scenes and holiday greetings, became a cherished tradition.

William Roger Snow's Chromolithography Masterpieces
The 19th Century saw the rise of chromolithography, a printing technique that allowed for vibrant and detailed colour reproduction. Using this method, William Roger Snow's Christmas illustrations showcased the full spectrum of festive hues and intricate details.

Christmas illustrations from the 19th Century in children's books and cards evoke nostalgia while connecting younger generations with the cultural heritage of the past. These enduring artworks are more than just decorative elements for the holiday season; they provide a glimpse into the history of art, literature, and the enduring spirit of this festive time. As parents and educators, embracing and sharing these illustrations can help bridge the gap between generations, instilling a deep appreciation for the artistic and storytelling traditions that have shaped our modern-day celebrations of the holiday season.

Golden Lamp Books is a publishing team passionate about fantasy, fairy tales and fiction for families.












Images from Wikimedia Commons

07/12/2023

Hey there, We're in the exciting stages of creating a fantastic children's book, and we need your help to make a crucial decision – choosing the perfect cover! We believe that a great cover is visually appealing and captures the essence of the story within. So, we're turning to you, our wonderful community, for your valuable input.

How to Vote:
We want to hear from you! Which children's book cover do you find the most captivating? To cast your vote, simply comment with the number of your preferred option – 1 or 2! Feel free to share why a particular cover caught your eye!
We'll keep a close eye on your responses and consider your feedback as we finalize the cover for our upcoming children's book. Your opinions matter; we can't wait to see which cover resonates most with our fantastic community of readers.
Thank you for participating in this exciting decision-making process at Golden Lamp Books! 📚✨ Help Us Choose the Perfect Children's Book Cover – Your Opinion Matters!


Want to know more about the Series? Read Below!👍
*The Adventures of Almirac Series*
Welcome to the Enchanting World of "The Adventures of Almirac" Series!
Dive into a magical world inspired by Arabian Nights, where laughter, courage, and the spirit of friendship come to life – introducing "The Adventures of Almirac" series, an enchanting fiction fantasy tailored for little adventurers starting to read chapter books! Here, they will learn about the oldest magic in the world - Genie Magic!
Meet Our Heroes:
Follow the captivating tales of three best friends – Hannah, Ayesha, and Zac – as they navigate the Almirac School for Genies. Little did they know their lives were about to take a magical turn when they stumbled upon an ancient lamp housing the mischievous thousand-year-old genie, Haspero.
Chosen Protectors of Almirac:
Our trio learns they are the chosen protectors of the school, tasked with defeating the cunning Queen Valzaika. Her sinister plan? To find the Amulet of Almirac, which holds unlimited power.
A Journey Filled with Challenges:
In each book, Hannah, Ayesha, and Zac face thrilling challenges. They seek guidance from wise professors and unravel mysterious riddles. Along the way, they meet characters who will help them with their quests, imparting invaluable values to our young readers.
Discover a World of Arabian Nights Magic:
The charm of "The Adventures of Almirac" lies in its enchanting world-building – an Arabian Nights-themed universe where every page unfolds a new magical wonder. The series has imaginative, spellbinding settings, from mystical creatures to captivating landscapes.
Values That Sparkle: Beyond the magic and mystery, our stories are woven with values that young children can wholeheartedly relate to – courage, perseverance, and the everlasting warmth of friendship. As our heroes face challenges, they demonstrate the strength that lies within.

04/12/2023

How 18th Century Illustrators Transformed Children's Books

The 18th century was a period of profound change and innovation in politics, philosophy, and children's literature. One of the critical catalysts for this transformation was the emergence of skilled illustrators who brought stories to life through captivating visuals. The 18th-century illustrators played a pivotal role in revolutionizing children's publishing in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Before the 18th century, children's literature as a distinct genre was virtually non-existent . The prevailing belief was that children should be exposed to moral and educational content rather than imaginative tales. However, societal attitudes shifted during the Enlightenment, with an increasing emphasis on the importance of childhood and the development of the child's mind.

In the early 18th century, the inclusion of illustrations in children's books became more common. Before this, books for children were primarily text-based, but illustrators like John Newbery and Thomas Boreman recognized the power of images to capture the young reader's imagination. These pioneers paved the way for a new era in children's publishing.

John Newbery, often regarded as the "Father of Children's Literature," was a pioneering publisher in 18th-century London. In 1744, he published "A Little Pretty Pocket-Book," which contained engaging stories and miniature illustrations. Newbery understood that visual elements could enhance a child's reading experience, making it more enjoyable and accessible.

Thomas Boreman, another significant figure in this era, produced some of the first picture books for children. His publication, "The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes" (1765), featured vivid illustrations that accompanied the moralistic narrative. Boreman recognized the market potential of appealing to children through storytelling and visual elements.

Simultaneously, the American colonies were experiencing their own cultural and literary developments across the Atlantic. While the US was still in its infancy, the ideas of the Enlightenment were taking root, influencing how children's literature was perceived.

In the American colonies, Almanacs were popular publications that often contained educational material and stories for children. Illustrated primers, such as "The New England Primer," became widely used for teaching children to read. These early educational tools incorporated simple illustrations to aid comprehension, marking a departure from purely text-based learning.

The 18th century witnessed a significant transformation in children's publishing thanks to the contributions of visionary illustrators. Their willingness to experiment with the combination of text and images opened up new possibilities for engaging young readers. Figures like John Newbery and Thomas Boreman laid the foundation for the development of children's literature and ignited a creative spark that continues to shape the genre today. The illustrated revolution of the 18th century set the stage for a rich and vibrant tradition of storytelling for generations to come.

We hope you enjoyed this article if you would like to know more please visit Golden Lamp Books, a children's publishing company obsessed with fairy tales, fables and children's art through the centuries.

Golden Lamp Books Team
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