Little Golden Books

In this episode - Little Golden Books . . .

Experience the magic of Christmas this season with our audio rendition of "Santa’s Toy Shop" (circa 1950). This delightful tale, inspired by the Little Golden Book and illustrated by Walt Disney Studios, takes you on a journey to the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his merry elves work tirelessly to prepare for the holiday season and create toys for children worldwide.

Readers get a glimpse of the magical toy-making process as the elves work diligently to craft gifts for children. Each toy is made with care and imagination, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Santa's workshop. Amidst the cheerful chaos of preparing for Christmas, the story highlights the joy of giving and the spirit of generosity that defines the holiday season. As Santa and his team work tirelessly to ensure every child receives that special gift, the book captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas.

A little background - George Duplaix created Little Golden Books, then the Artists and Writers Guild president and Simon & Schuster publishers in partnership with Western Printing and Lithographing Company. Golden books were launched in 1942 during World War II. The aim was to produce high-quality children's books at an affordable price (25 cents initially), making them accessible to a wider audience.

The first 12 titles were released on October 1, 1942, including iconic stories like "The Poky Little Puppy" and "Three Little Kittens." Golden books were distinct for their sturdy cardboard covers and colorful illustrations, making them quite different from other children's books of that era. The success of the Little Golden Books soared quickly, and by the end of the 1940s, they were a staple in many American homes. They covered many genres, from fairy tales to adaptations of popular children's characters from TV shows and movies. Over the years, many famous authors and illustrators have contributed to the series, ensuring a diverse collection of stories and characters.

Golden books’ popularity grew, becoming integral to childhood reading experiences for several generations. The Little Golden Books series remains an essential part of children's literature, with hundreds of titles published and cherished by readers worldwide.

"Santa's Toy Shop" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the magic of Christmas, the spirit of giving, and the joy of making dreams come true for children everywhere.

Enjoy this special audio production of Santas Toy Shop . . .

I’m Patrick Ball. Thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Everything I Need to Know About Christmas

In this episode, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas–I Learned From a Little Golden Book. We are thrilled to present this year's (2024) annual Christmas episode for kids! The story has it: back in 2020, when we first launched On the Fly , one of Santa's helpers whispered a fantastic idea into our ear on Thanksgiving Day. “Wouldn’t it be fun to share children's books by sending an audio file to your nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends so they can enjoy the story with their little ones?” So we did, and here’s the list of books and stories organized chronologically. Feel free to click the links and listen again, or maybe for the first time. Twas the Night Before Christmas Christmas Eve-Day How the Grinch Stole Christmas Frosty the Snowman The Story of Rudolph The 1939–Original Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Tracking Santa Santa’s Toy Shop My listening friends, choosing the right story has always been challenging, but the journey has been rewarding. It's our wish t...

Gobble, Gobble, Let’s All Trot

Oh, a Turkey Trot, a funny sight, A morning stroll, a pure delight. Six forty-five is the time to start, So let’s all run (walk) with all our hearts. While others Turkey hunt today a foolish plight, We’ll run and jog with pure delight. No need for guns, no need for gear, Just happy feet and holiday cheer. New York City is a bustling place, A different trot, a different pace. With Macy’s Parade, a colorful sight, The city’s bright a morning light. But here in Vista, we’ll run our own, A festive race, a joyful tone. So lace up shoes, and let’s all go, To run and walk, row by row. A Turkey Trot, a thankful sight, A perfect way to welcome daylight. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a fantastic day filled with joy and togetherness! I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening, see you in the next episode.

Unexpected Encounter

In this episode, Unexpected Encounter . . . Life presents peculiar twists that make us ponder the universe’s mysteries. Last week, I found an unexpected book : Another Lousy Day in Paradise , A 1996 fly fishing journal by the inspiring humorist and author John Gierach. It may seem strange for a random book selection to inspire such reflection but stay with me. I’ve always been a bookworm, often buying more than I can read—ask my wife. This book had been gathering dust on my shelf for over 28 years. As I delved into Gierach’s witty and insightful writing, I was captivated by his unique perspective on life, fly fishing, and the outdoors. In 1992, while living in Manhattan, I stumbled into a shop on 5th Avenue called The Urban Angler . I purchased my first fly rod, an Orvis eight-and-a-half foot, three-ounce, five-weight beauty! I remember thinking Dad would say, “Why the hell would you buy a fishing rod in New York City?” “Because I want to learn to Flyfish.” “In New Yo...

A Scent of Nostalgia

In this episode, A Scent of Nostalgia: Old Spice . . . Empty! Here’s an odd question: Is there a particular scent that instantly transports you back to childhood? For me, it's the unmistakable aroma of Old Spice Aftershave . It was my dad's go-to, or perhaps the only affordable option at Kroger when Mom did the grocery shopping. T his got me thinking; I wonder when Dad started using Old Spice? I distinctly recall the opaque white glass bottle from the 1960s on his shaving shelf. The front featured a sailing ship illustration; the " Old Spice " branding was in red script below it . The bottle's tapered shape narrowed toward the top, culminating in a small aperture secured with a gray stopper. Did you know that Old Spice has a fascinating history? It all started in 1937 when the Shulton Company, founded by William Lightfoot Schultz, introduced a unique fragrance. Interestingly, this original product was meant for women! Inspired by his mother's deligh...

On The Fly

Search This Blog