When we were in New York City over Thanksgiving, we visited Rockefeller Center and went up to the “Top of the Rock” for a glimpse of the illuminated city. What really caught my eye, however, was a classic children’s book in the gift shop. This is New York, the iconic children’s illustrated travel guide, first published in 1960, has been reissued in book and calendar form!
When I was seven, I travelled to Edinburgh, in my mind. Friends of my parents gave me a copy of This is Edinburgh by Miroslav Sasek as a souvenir from their trip overseas.
The beautifully illustrated book told me everything I needed to know to get to Edinburgh, and what to see when I got there. Even though I never have been to Scotland, the images of Edinburgh from that book are still etched in my mind.
Along the way, I also acquired This is London. But I never realized that this was a whole series of children’s books covering over two dozen great cities of the world.
When we got home, I looked for the New York book on Amazon.com, and was pleased to discover that dozens of Miroslav Sasek’s whimsical books have been reissued in the last couple of years. 
These books make great gifts for kids pre- or post trip.
What’s more, several of the books have been published in wall calendar form. The wall calendars are only $9.99.
I immediately ordered a 2014 wall calendar for myself and one for a friend!
This is New York received both a New York Times Choice of Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year award and the Boys’ Club of America Junior Book Award. The calendar includes stylized images of New York City’s iconic landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, the United Nations, Trinity Church, Central Park, City Hall, and more.
2014 Wall Calendars with imaginative drawings by Miroslav Sasek are also available for these cities:
The calendars will appeal to people who like classic, whimsical illustrations, and I dare say that the if you framed the images from the calendar at the end of the year you could make a nice tableau.
The books that have been reissued include:
- This is New York
- This is Venice
- This is Israel
- This is Munich
- This is Texas
- This is Britain
- This is London
- This is Edinburgh
- This is Ireland
- This is Hong Kong
- This is Australia
- This is Greece
- This is Paris
- This is Washington, DC
- This is the Way to the Moon
- This is Rome
- This is San Francisco
Sadly, a couple of Sasek’s other children’s books are out of print, but they may be available in the used book market.
Do you remember any of these books from your childhood?
Loved loved loved those books!!!!
I still have my two books, though they are well worn.
You youngsters may have enjoyed them but I was already in high school! I love children’s books and I don’t recall ever seeing these back in the day when I studied children’t lit and worked in pre-schools and day care centers. I love your blog and the way the worm drops down. : )
I’m glad you like the worm!