"My world on stage was not too different from the world of Ella Bella ballerina... These books certainly take children into a magical realm. And who knows, like me, they might stay in there for years.”

Doreen Wells, Prima Ballerina - The Royal Ballet

Monday, 28 February 2011

Retro Records



I'm always trawling second hand shops for inspiring books and records and was really pleased to find these two gems. I haven't played these 10 inch discs yet, but I just love the vintage covers. Casse-Noisette is The Nutcracker of course, the story of the next Ella Bella book, which I'll be working on in the autumn, in the run up to Christmas!

The other is a cover for the Firebird, a tale I have retold often and for many years, indeed a version was included in my own book, Koshka's Tales, in 1993. It is one of my favourite stories, although I prefer the original tale to the ballet scenario, which is shortened considerably. Nevertheless, I fevervently hope - indeed will insist - that Ella should one day meet the fabulous flaming Firebird in a book!

2 comments:

  1. Do you know the date- I'm guessing late 40's early 50's- fantastic covers!

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  2. Hello julia,

    Yes, late forties or early fifties. The records are not dated though...

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