I found this 1961 Dandelion Library book at a used book store in Philly. It’s actually two books is one. If you flip the book over it’s the other story. I didn’t read either of the stories but I did marvel at the illustrations. (I even went so far as to base a new pattern design off the style of the people in Veronica.) Roger Duvoisin’s illustrations in Veronica are amazing. When they are in black and white it’s mostly lines with a wavering stroke. The outlines on the people are really simple, one dot for an eye, some squiggles for the hair. There clothing sometimes get more complicated with loose patterns. When it’s painted in color it’s different. There’s hardly any outline but tons of texture. I’m not sure how it was made. It almost looks like it was painted and then scratched away to reveal color underneath. When you flip over the book, it’s The Three Little Horses. Again, I didn’t read the story, so I’m not sure why these illustrations are so weird. In one a man takes off a tree suit. In another the ponies dress like princesses. (Did the creator of My Little Pony get inspired by this book?) In another illustration the ponies are wearing human masks. It’s really bizarre. I don’t want to read this and have it all make sense. I found this book for sale here- I seemed to have gotten a bargin paying $3.95. You can always just get one or the other too here or here. The best place to look in used book stores is in the children’s section. It’s so much easier to find a treasure there then in the art section full of Picasso books.

© Julia Rothman 2007