Poppy and James love their books and value our evening ritual of reading time.  Poppy particularly enjoys more detailed ‘chapter’ books at the moment and can’t wait to put the bookmark in each night, ready for the next installment.  James’ favourite book is Mr Huff!  I can’t tell you how many times I have read it, but I still love it too.

I recently came across this gorgeous shelf on The Grace Tales site and felt inspired by some of the books displayed.

Always a sucker for a fashion icon, Just Being Audrey stood out for me straight away.  After having a look on the Book Depository site, we may need to write a letter or two to Santa!

From Roman Holiday to Breakfast at Tiffany’s, when Audrey Hepburn starred in a movie, she lit up the screen. Her unique sense of fashion, her grace, and, most important, her spirit made her beloved by generations. But her life off screen was even more luminous. As a little girl growing up in Nazi-occupied Europe, she learned early on that true kindness is the greatest measure of a person-and it was a lesson she embodied as she became one of the first actresses to use her celebrity to shine a light on the impoverished children of the world through her work with UNICEF. This is Audrey Hepburn as a little girl, an actress, an icon, an inspiration; this is Audrey just being Audrey.

The other one that caught my eye was Different Like Coco.  Say no more.

The rags-to-riches story of Coco Chanel plays out in a wonderful picture-book biography as full of style and spirit as its heroine.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was always different. And she vowed to prove that being different was an advantage! Poor, skinny, and orphaned, Coco stubbornly believed that she was as good as the wealthier girls of Paris. Tapping into her creativity and her sewing skills, she began making clothes that suited her (and her pocketbook) — and soon a new generation of independent working women craved her sleek, comfortable, and practical designs. Now an icon of fashion and culture, Coco Chanel continues to inspire young readers, showing just how far a person can come with spunk, determination, and flair.

The final inspiration is This is Venice by M. Sasek.

On the heels of the runaway bestsellers This is New York and This is Paris, Universe is pleased to reissue another title from M. Sasek’s beloved and nostalgic children’s travel series.

Like the other Sasek classics, This is Venice is a facsimile edition of his original book from the 1960s and is still timely and current in every way. The brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved, remaining true to his vision more than 40 years later and, where applicable, facts have been updated for the twenty-first century, appearing on a “This is…Today” page at the back of the book. The stylish, charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek’s witty, playful narrative, makes for a perfect souvenir that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember this book from their childhood.

This is Venice, first published in 1961, presents indelible impressions of romantic, watery Venice, where under a brilliant blue sky Sasek the gondolier navigates the winding canals to visit such famous and glorious landmarks as the Palazzo Grassi, Piazza San Marco, Doges Palace, and the Accademia di Belle Arti.

Even though these classic books would be valuable reads, I would appreciate them purely for their covers!