For me at least.
It’s called The Father Christmas Letters. J.R.R. Tolkien created letters for his children between the years1920 and 1942 . What fortunate children his were! Not only did he write them letters, posing as the one and only Mr. Claus, but he created a new handwriting style suited especially for an ancient Santa. Observe:
Don’t you just love these?! I downloaded the book onto my iPad immediately upon finding it. Not only was Mr. Tolkien a gifted storyteller and writer, but was a talented artist also.
Check it out at wherever you usually go for this kind of stuff! This is definitely a book I want in my library! The book consists of reproductions of each letter, followed by a transcription for easier reading.
Not sure if Peter Jackson knows about this one, but if he does, we might get another movie???!!! If only….
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Country Life 
Awesome. My mother wrote very creative letters to me while I was at summer camp. I received illustrated letters from our dog, Sandy, and others from my imaginary friend, Elfie Green. Elfie was a very small elf that lived in the woods behind our house. The sad part is I do not know what happened to those letters! I have to treasure them in my memory. P.S.–Just finished reading The Hobbit in preparation for the movie.
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Too bad you can’t find the letters!! How is your mom BTW? This book is such a treasure! I’ll be posting more Hobbit news later….
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Mom is doing well though she has some problems with her eyes. Still it doesn’t slow her down much. She recently had 4 pieces in an art show which is pretty cool for 85. Thanks for asking.
After I finished the Hobbit, I was curious how Peter Jackson could make it into 3 movies, so I did a bit of reading. Apparently he is bring a lot of the LOTR into it–expanding on the overall story. For that reason I have decided to watch the trilogy again in preparation, too, heartfelt4. That will take a few hours since I have the all three extended versions on DVD. 🙂
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Chris, I love to watch a good film/dvd/series when I’m exercising on the elliptical cross-trainer, so I think the LOTR trilogy should keep me happy until The Hobbit airs in December since I’m only watching in 20-30 minute increments 3-4 times per week. It sure does make the time fly!
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Now that’s a good idea…watching it while I exercise! You’re amazing!
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Good for your mom!!! Glad to hear she’s doing so well! Rewatching the Trilogy is on my list of things to do…actually buy. There is speculation that there will be some back story to set the story up, especially concerning Thorin, the leader of the dwarves. And also some think that parts of The Simarillion will be used. Can’t wait to find out!!!!!!
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What a find! What a father! He seemed to enter easily into the imaginary world
where children are natives! Thanks, Queenie! How do you like reading works like this from the ipad as opposed to a paper book? You will also obtain it for your bookshelf, is that right?
I read ‘The Hobbit’ recently, too, and plan on watching TLOTR trilogy in preparation! :))
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I love having it on Kindle on my iPad…that’s how I got the pics for this blog…you just snap the pics from the screen! But I want one for my library too!
Good girl!! I’m in the middle of my second reading of the Hobbit. Much to BB’s dismay, I watch LotR every time it’s on TV!!
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I’ve had the Father Christmas Letters for years. Since before i was married. The one I have has a British racing green cover. It’s lovely. I think it may have been re-printed every now and then over the years, but lost in the shadow of his great novels.
Have a look at http://www.tolkien.co.uk/fiction/Pages/Home.aspx?page=2&sdt=1&sort=pno&objsct=The+Hobbit%2cThe+Lord+of+the+Rings%2cTales+of+Middle-earth%2cBeyond+Middle-earth%2cLiterature+and+Verse%2cYounger+Readers%2cAudio+CDs for everything he’s published.
One of my favourites is a tiny book called Tree and Leaf which has the ‘feel’ of Middle Earth but relates two quirky short stories from within Middle Earth
And two years ago I bought Mr. Bliss a very expensive edition in the most luscious slip cover. Yum!
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I have to have the real thing on my shelves! Amazon has the ’04 edition but it’s paperback. Will have to check ebay? Hang on to that book girl! Lucky you!!!
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I did an independent study in college using a quote from Tree and Leaf. I illustrated the quote in picture book form. Forgot all about that so thanks for reminding me. I DO still have THAT project.
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Ah HA! Will you share? I’d love to see it! 😀
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I’d have to take photos of the book, I guess. But here is the quote from Tree and Leaf:
The realm of the fairy-story is wide and deep and high and filled with many things:
all manner of beasts and birds are found there;
shoreless seas and stars uncounted;
beauty that is an enchantment, and an ever-present peril;
both joy and sorrow as sharp as swords.
In that realm a man may, perhaps, count himself fortunate to have wandered,
but its very richness and strangeness tie the tongue of a traveller who would report them.
And while he is there it is dangerous for him to ask too many questions,
lest the gates should be shut and the keys be lost.
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ahh, excellent, CA! Yes, pictures please! I always love pretty pictures!!
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