Tasha Tudor the well-known artist and writer of children's books died this June. I wonder if you know her work? My mother was very fond of it and in many ways identified with Tudor. I love the books too. I'm not really sure I remember them much form childhood, but I do remember reading some to nieces and nephews. Some picture books are quite moving and very engaging for children and adults. Tudor's books are fun and entertaining, and the illustrations are really quite brilliant for the many ways they engage children. For example if there is a statue in the town square, the pedestal has a readable inscription on it. There is always more to discover in the pictures once the story is read. Some one of her books I read part of Fra Giovanni's Take Joy

Take Joy!

I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not;

but there is much, that while I cannot give, you can take.

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.

Take Heaven.

No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.

Take Peace.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow,

behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy.

Take Joy.

And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you,

with the prayer that for you,

now and forever, the day breaks

and the shadows flee away.

The idea that joy is for taking is an idea I like.