Around the World in Children's Books

by Julie Oreskovich

There's no denying the appeal of gorgeous children's books. The books featured on this page are prime examples of beautifully illustrated books from different countries around the world.

Sweden - well known for its design aesthetic - has produced numerous authors and illustrators of children's books. One such illustrator who stands out for his beautiful work is Einar Nerman (1888 - 1983). Most famously known for his artwork on the Solstickan matchbox, he also drew famous sketches of Greta Garbo, one of which was used on a postage stamp in 2005. Nerman also illustrated a gorgeous children's book titled, Fairy Tales from the North, published in 1946. French author and illustrator Alain Grée published over 300 books, mostly in the 1960s and 1970s. His work has been translated into 20 different languages.

A common theme of many illustrated children's books is anthropomorphised animals, flowers and vegetables. Author/illustrator T. Benjamin Faucett created a series of three books about fruits, vegetables and flowers (including characters with names such as Walter Watermelon, Ted Tomato and Olga Onion). Beatrice Appia, born in Switzerland in 1899, illustrated a charming folk-story about a humanized daisy called, Conte de la Marguerite.

From France to Germany, Australia to the Arctic - join us on a virtual literary trip around the world through the pages of beautiful children's books.

Children's Books from Around the World

More to Discover