Jane Werner Watson (1915–2004)

I thought this might be a cute book for my young nephews, who love both space and Disney. I figured, you can't go wrong with a Mickey Mouse book! Unfortunately, you can go wrong with a Mickey Mouse book written in 1952.

The boys (Donald and Mickey) get to go off on a fun adventure, while the girls (Minnie and Daisy) are literally just on the sidelines waving and admiring their daring boyfriends.

On the ship, Pegleg Pete threatens Mickey with a gun, and there is violence before Mickey show more restrains Pete and keeps him tied up while he and Donald explore the moon.

Between the casual violence and sexism, I don't want my young nephews (or any young folks) anywhere near this book. show less

This book has stayed with me since I was a young child when it was a favourite. Miss Kitty, Mr Pup, Brown Bunny, Little Chick, Fluffy Squirrel, Pokey Turtle and Tweeter Bird all get along wonderfully together in their home, with the exception of mealtimes when they all want something different. “They got along nicely when it came to sharing toys, being quiet at nap times and keeping the house neat. But they could not agree on food.” The story is about the concept of home, but also show more getting along with others, individuality, and figuring out what you’re good at. It’s a Little Golden Book, so of course it all turns out for the best! After a fireside meeting, each character sets out on a journey to discover what makes the best home for them. "At last I've found the best home of all, the very best home for me." It’s cosy and comforting, and we learn that what constitutes happiness and fulfilment can be different for everyone - and that’s okay. show less

Out looking for pumpkins to be turned into jack-o-lanterns, Donald Duck and his three nephews observe what appears to be a witch in flight in this Disney picture-book from the 1950s. Scoffing at the very idea of witches, Donald Duck assures his nephews that there is no such thing. Not convinced, Hughie, Louie and Dewey set out to find the witch the next day, and when they succeed, they decided to play a Halloween trick on their uncle, with the help of Witch Hazel...

Published in 1953 as part show more of the Little Golden Books line, Walt Disney's Donald Duck and the Witch, was apparently based upon the 1952 animated short film, Trick or Treat. In the film Witch Hazel aids the boys when their uncle plays a trick on them, rather than giving them treats when they come Trick or Treating one Halloween night. By contrast, in the book the issue is Donald Duck's non-belief in witches and his nephews' mischievous desire to play a trick on him. The story is fun, and sure to please young Halloween lovers, as well as fans of these characters. As someone who grew up mostly sans Disney, this was my first encounter with Witch Hazel, but having enjoyed the book and the film (which I found on youtube), I will have to see whether the character recurred in subsequent adventures. show less

Ah, what do I remember about a book I read before I was even old enough to go to Kindergarten? I was able to read at a very young age. I've been told I even went to Sunday School during this time but, oddly enough, I have no memory of that whatsoever.

What I remember about this book is a sunny, warm day. The kind of day that is perfect for swinging in your tire swing (It was a red plastic tire swing which of course I remember going to the store to buy but, oddly enough, no memory of going to show more Sunday School).

So I'm eating candy red hots. Mmmm. Swinging in the sun, eating red hots, and contemplating God and creation. I was amazed at the concept of a deity up there who made me and my swing and my red hots. I was very, very happy. I remember thinking - God made grass blades and God made me. (I spent a lot of time studying the plant world - probably because I was close to it when I was young and short!)

I believe this was the first book that made a profound impact on my life. Or perhaps it just kick-started the philosophical bent that I have. At the very least, it made me associate candy red hots with God and if I had a writing inclination that might make a very odd and interesting story. show less