When I was little I spent a lot of time with my nose buried in books, mostly borrowed from the library. I don't know quite how I did it as I was quite an independent soul and I didn't have much of a plan, but I somehow managed to read a huge number of British and American classics. This may partly have been because of the way I moved crabwise with my head to one side looking along the shelves until I came across likely looking titles. But it was also because I listened to my Mum when she talked about the books she'd loved as a child, which is how I came to read some very un-60s and -70s books such as Little Lord Fauntleroy, What Katy Did and Milly-Molly-Mandy. I loved anything with a good story, strong characters, plenty of pace and plot, but nothing remotely fantasy or sci-fi.
All this reading provided the starting point for my two books based on children's classics: Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer (2008) and Ripping Things to Do (2009). Although I covered titles by British and American authors (and a few from Australia), both of my books included references to a number of British books that aren't particularly well known in the US. But Meg at Perigee Books wasn't worried about this, and had the wonderful idea of putting together a US edition with a collection of pieces from Cherry Cake and Ripping Things that concentrate on the books that are well known in America and are as well loved and popular as ever.
So this is what she did, and Turkish Delight and Treasure Hunts is the result (also my first Kindle book). It contains a selection of delicious food moments and recipes based on the lovely things that children in books eat, and lots of practical stuff about the wonderful things they do. It has reproductions of orginal illustrations and a new introduction, but apart from that nothing has changed. It's still a celebration of great stories that continue to transport, entertain, educate and delight children all over the world.
There's a video of me talking about the book here, filmed when I went to New York, finding it hard to believe I was in the offices of Penguin, publisher of so many of my favourite childhood authors, with my editor.
How exciting! You have now gone 'Stateside' - it will be world domination next!
Posted by: Bloomsburybell | October 20, 2010 at 15:28
Congratulations Jane! My children and I love Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer and Ripping Things To Do. Is there some overlap in your new book or is it completely different? How very exciting for you, it looks wonderful.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 20, 2010 at 15:52
Well done on the video! I sent Ripping Things to do to my niece in Texas as she has an English mother and it was the perfect way to give her a taste of what English culture that she just can't get living in the States.
Posted by: Marian Camilleri | October 20, 2010 at 16:41
I missed buying Cherry Cake when it was new, and I see it is now fetching $84 on amazon! Wow! Time for a reprint, perhaps? Meanwhile I'll be sure to buy this one while new. Congratulations!
Posted by: Kate | October 20, 2010 at 16:52
Hooray! I'm in the US and haven't been able to get Ripping Things to Do even through interlibrary loan. So glad this is here!
Posted by: Mrs. Mordecai | October 20, 2010 at 17:54
Great new title,I shall try and seek it out. Maybe my American chums at Much Ado bookshop will have some copies.
Posted by: Jean | October 20, 2010 at 17:57
Yes - I, too have been wanting to see those two books but haven't been able to. Hoorah, as you English say!
Posted by: Lisa G. | October 20, 2010 at 18:16
Jane it was just wonderful to hear and see you in the interview about the new book! It made me return to my childhood and relish how wonderful it was. I enjoyed my reading tremendously. Thank you
Posted by: Cindy | October 20, 2010 at 18:19
Jane, it looks wonderful. If I didn't already have my well thumbed copy of Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer, I'd be buying it right now! Congratulations on taking over the US! It was lovely to 'see' you again on the video - such a nice shirt you were wearing too!
Posted by: Rachel | October 20, 2010 at 18:24
I can't tell you how glad I was to stumble across this a few weeks ago. I immedaiately ordered a copy for the library where I work. I have a personal copy of Cherry Cake which the mother of a friend bought in London and brought with her on her last trip because I couldn't find a copy here. Now all I have to do is track down glace cherries and candied peel and do a little "recipe tranlslation" for things like oven temp and terms like caster sugar.
Posted by: Julie | October 20, 2010 at 18:35
I too am excited about this...I never knew what Turkish Delight was as a child, reading The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. I decided it must be roast turkey, and always imagined them snacking on roast turkey.
Posted by: Katy | October 20, 2010 at 18:39
Congratulations Jane!
Posted by: méri | October 20, 2010 at 18:55
Oh! Can't WAIT to get my hands on a copy!! Yippee!!
Posted by: Martha | October 20, 2010 at 19:51
Eek! You're on telly...! How exciting Jane. Of course I know what you look like, I've seen pics - but I've never heard you speak before! Now that was strange, because I think I know you through your blog, but now I have a new image of you altogether. In my imagination you've been a different person all this time. Now I have to change your voice and mannerisms in my head. I thought you were lovely by the way, even nicer than how I thought you were. Wishing you lots of luck with this venture. Mx
Posted by: Martina Tierney | October 20, 2010 at 22:08
I've had Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer on my wish list for ages. The prices in the states for it are a little nutso ($80+), no offense. I just ordered this right away though, should have it on Tuesday. I was wanting Cherry Cake because many of the authors you mentioned like Enid Blyton aren't typically American, but I grew up with them just the same. I hope this book does well here!
Posted by: Barbara Olson | October 20, 2010 at 23:19
I bought Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer and Ripping Things to Do when they first came out, and our family has loved them. Just placed my order for Turkish Delight & Treasure Hunts. How exciting! Congratulations on your latest!
Posted by: Laura | October 20, 2010 at 23:57
This book sounds so lovely, Jane. Enjoyed your video very much. Now when I read your blog I can hear your very pleasant voice. Ordered this book and pre-ordered your knitting book, as well. I'm so very excited to share 'Turkish Delights and Treasure Hunts' with my little granddaughters. Sounds like there will be some delightful cooking going on in Mema's kitchen. Have I told you lately how much joy your blog and your charming books have given me these last few years? Thank you.
Posted by: cathleen | October 21, 2010 at 01:52
Oooh another book, I will have to go and seek it out.
Julie xxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Julie | October 21, 2010 at 08:21
Jane, you are such a nice person!! It's wonderful to watch you speak with such enthusiasm and joy about books, children and food.
Congratulations on this new edition and lots of luck for the future! :)
Best wishes,
Constança
Posted by: Concha | October 21, 2010 at 10:50
Jane,
YOU HAVE AN ENGLISH ACCENT! I am just kidding. But, it doesn't really sink in until we hear you. You have a delightful way of speaking. Do make more videos. And congrats on another book!
Posted by: Susan M. | October 21, 2010 at 14:55
Once again, my heartfelt congratulations on a new book. The video was great--you should do more, I agree with Susan M. above me. Take care (and thanks for planting more bulbs--I'm looking forward to Spring already).
Posted by: Jennifer | October 21, 2010 at 15:58
What a great idea to "translate" your books into American! This book is the perfect present for my sister-in-law, who sees her seven grandchildren (now all under 4) frequently. Can't wait!
Posted by: Luise | October 21, 2010 at 16:35
Congrats on the new book! I've got your first book "The Gentle Art of Domesticy" and love every page of it.
Posted by: Kutri | October 21, 2010 at 19:23
Is it me or is there a problem with linking to this video as I can't get it on screen at all and I've tried a couple of ways and quite a few times. I'd really like to view.
Posted by: greedy nan | October 21, 2010 at 22:49
That's a great idea, an American edition--although American kids could use some exposure to books that are new to them, goodness knows.
We've got the New York Review Children's Collection here, and I think some of them are in print in the UK, too. They're bringing back into print some amazing classic children's books that have been unavailable for decades. Good-looking, sturdy editions, too.
Posted by: Laughingrat | October 22, 2010 at 01:45
Congratulations! It was wonderful to see and hear you and feel your genuine enthusiasm on the subject of your book(s). And what stroke me even more was your gentle, respectful and even humble attitude towards your own children and childhood in general. I think we share that, although to put it in practice isn't always easy in everyday life. Thank you!
Posted by: Tuija | October 22, 2010 at 08:02
I loved Ripping Things to Do because, like you, I spent the 70s reading What Katy Did, Enid Blyton and basically anything I could lay my hands on. Good luck with the new book.
Dawn x
Posted by: D A Nelson | October 22, 2010 at 09:13
I borrowed Cherry Cake from the library and loved all the reminders of the things I loved to read when I was small. And, of all the recipes your instructions for porridge have transformed my mornings. It works. Every time. Love that. Hope the new book does well...
Posted by: knitlass | October 22, 2010 at 10:39
Well done you! How fantastic. It'll sell like hot cakes!
Posted by: Charlotte | October 22, 2010 at 14:50
Jane, I follow your blog with great interest, and find your career path inspirational. I adored 'CC+GB', which got me into your blog, and remains one of my favourite books esp to recommend to others. Will be putting your new title on my Christmas Wish List. Well done, and keep flying the flag for women who stay at home, work, and bring up their children- it's harder than most people realise, isn't it???
penny
Posted by: Penny | October 22, 2010 at 16:36
How wonderful to see and hear you! Best of luck with the new book :-)
Posted by: mathea | October 22, 2010 at 18:22
Congratulations Jane!!!
Posted by: Barbara van Asch | October 24, 2010 at 23:14
Congratulations on your new book and I hope it is a great success. I truly enjoyed watching the video; your description of the book is delightful.
Posted by: Isabelle | October 25, 2010 at 10:00
Well done Jane!
I think this now means officially that you are a famous person! (and an inspiration to us all!)
Posted by: Helen in Switzerland | October 25, 2010 at 16:34
congrats to your first kindle!
Posted by: Eliane | October 25, 2010 at 21:36
love it! and love that it's on my kindle so I can dip in at any time and any place.
Posted by: susan | October 26, 2010 at 00:12
So very nice to see and hear you! Great book too! Thank you!
Posted by: Marlies | October 26, 2010 at 15:27
Looks like a wonderful book Jane, congratulations! I loved watching the little video of you. It helps to really connect a person behind this beautiful blog and a now growing collection of lovely books. Turkish Delight and Treasure Hunts will make a wonderful gift to my niece and nephews this holiday season. I might have to get one for myself as well!
Posted by: Annette | October 27, 2010 at 02:50
So excited about your book, Jane!
Also - I have just completed four 16-patch squares of your Charming Chintz quilt (using Philip Jacobs large scale floral prints).
The four squares are so beautiful that I can't take my eyes off them and I can't wait to make the rest of the quilt! I love your quilt book so much.
Posted by: Sherry | October 27, 2010 at 06:19
Finally got this book in from the library, and I have to say it is absolutely the kind of thing I would like to have had as a kid--though I did own many, many American Girl and even a few Little House craft and cookbooks and never did anything in them--they mostly required lots of shopping trips. :/ Anyways, I'm inspired to read (mostly re-read) the books mentioned, read them to kids I know (and my own kids someday)--though now I'm quite curious to find your original books, especially for the finding-childrens'-books potential.
Posted by: Eleanor (undeadgoat) | November 07, 2010 at 21:00