Shabby Sunday is a meme created by Mischenko at ReadRantRock&Roll with the aim of sharing some vintage or older books in our collections. Please check out this wonderful blog when you have a chance!
I think this is a fabulous idea so I decided to join in this Sunday and may do so some other times as well since I do have a few older books I’d love to share.
Today I’m sharing a children’s book that I’ve had in my collection since the early 90’s, Cupid and Psyche A Love Story by Edna Barth with illustrations by Ati Forberg. I bought this used from the library so I don’t think it’s a first edition (how would it have survived so long in circulation?) but it is definitely older and it was originally published in 1976.
This book recounts one of my favorite myths, that of Cupid and Psyche. It is very Beauty and the Beast-like and so of course I just it. Since this is a children’s book it’s short and pretty simple but it’s still told in a beautiful way that can be enjoyed by anyone. The best thing about this book, however, are the wonderful illustrations by Ati Forberg. I really love the style!
I love the way some of the illustrations span both pages and work really well with the layout of the text as well. And that they’re black and white! I’m all for colorful illustrations but there’s something about the black and white that really lends strength to the style here.
I really love this book and have probably read it thirty or forty times at least. It’s such a short little story, but a great one and a classic. My copy is all but falling apart. I don’t think this is in print anymore, but I have seen used copies around. I wouldn’t mind picking up a better copy at some point because mine is definitely well-loved.
Way Too Fantasy 
I love those illustrations too! I wish more books these days were illustrated.
Me too!
I love this! I don’t think I’ve ever read it though. The illustrations are amazing. It does look like a 1976 edition, doesn’t it? Sometimes I think they came out with other editions in the same year, but I’m not sure. I’ve noticed most times if it’s a genuine first edition it’ll have print stating ‘first edition’ on it. I’m far from an expert though. 😂 Great choice and happy to see some of your old books. 😍
I really can’t tell, sometimes it’s hard to tell with older books. Now days they have that print run numbers down at the bottom and they make it so easy. It may be a first edition and if that’s the case then it was in great condition considering it had been in circulation for nearly 20 years when I picked it up. 🙂
True! Well, it’s definitely a keeper no matter what! 😊
Thanks!
I like it. Never read it before but love the illustrations 🙂
Thanks! Yeah, the illustrations are lovely. 🙂
I love illustrated books 💕
Me too!
There’s nothing better than a well-loved book. And this is beautiful.
Lynn 😀
Thanks, Lynn!
Awww I love this post idea so much! There is nothing better than a well-loved book; my copy of Door to December by Dean Koontz broke the spine and I had to tape it back together and the pb cover is hanging on by a thread. LOL
I think I have a couple of books like that too haha. This one is definitely on the verge of falling apart.
ooh this looks lovely!!
It’s a favorite ❤