This is New York & San Francisco

Images from This is M. Sasek

Miroslav Sasek was born in Prague in 1916 and worked as a painter and illustrator for most of his life. His wonderful This is books paint a delightful and evocative picture of some of the world's most well-loved cities and countries. Having delighted both adults and children for decades these fabulous books are now being reissued for further generations to revel in.

This is New York was first published in 1960 and was the New York Times choice for Best Illustrated Book of The Year that same year. Reissued in 2003 it is reviewed by Amazon, "the charm and uniqueness of New York City was never more beautifully and whimsically created for children than in Miroslav Sasek's This is New York...his vision of New York nearly 40 years ago still remains fresh: the hustle and bustle of Times Square, the ethnic neighbourhoods, the awe-inspiring architecture. Sasek capture the essence of New York that delight children and parents, many of whom will remember the book from their childhood".

This is New York

This is San Francisco was first published in 1962 and Sasek's jaunty and colourful illustrations of San Francisco will still dazzle kids and adults alike. Another instalment from his series of children's travel guides, This is San Francisco is marvellous. From the most crooked street in the world to the Peking ducks in Chinatown, San Francisco is easily one of the world's most enchanting cities. Sasek captures both the breaktaking landscape and the cosmopolitan flavour of the City by the Bay with his wonderful illustrations.

As reviewed by David Horiuchi for Amazon, "with his usual distinctive and charming style, Sasek tours the sights around the City by the Bay...there's a good chance that anyone who grew up in or near San Francisco will remember the book fondly. Everyone else has a joyous discovery ahead".

This is San Francisco

We are very excited the reissue of This is Australia in September this year. In the sleeve notes, "Sasek swings Down Under, arriving not in chains, as the first British colonists did, but in a Qantas big bird which - unlike the Australian penguin and emu - flies very well indeed". You can be sure The Princess & The Pea will have This is Australia on our shelves the moment it is available!

This is Australia