By Beatrice Schenk De Regniers A Little House of Your Own [Library Binding]

by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

Describes, in text and illustrations, such special places as a cardboard box, a blanket cave, and other "houses" where one can retire for peace and privacy.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Classics

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Beatrice Schenk de Regniers earned a M.Ed from the University of Chicago in 1941. Her first book, The Giant Story, was published in 1953.

Beatrice Schenk de Regniers also wrote under the pseudonym Tamara Kitt.

Reviews

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, this is just a book about hiding places, but when you get further in the ideas motivating this common game of children begins to come to light. This is the only book about defining personal space that I've ever really seen for children. Creating boundaries and making space for yourself is such an important component of self-care and this offers an introduction to those ideas. It also touches on the why you should give others space of their own... like if dad is reading the newspaper or mom is taking a nap on the couch, be polite and just leave them be for awhile. It also states, "Of course you don't always want to be in your own little house all by yourself... Most of the time it is fun to be with other children" which is of course true but varies depending on the temperment of the child. Definitely one I plan to share with my own little one.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is the first time I've ever seen this great little picture book and it's a darn shame I have never heard of it before. A hymn to the little house, the treehouses, the closets, the spaces under bushes, the blanket forts, the spaces underneath and inside somewhere when we want to be alone. Secret houses and shared, everyone needs space to be alone sometimes. And respect for a person's need for that time away is an important lesson for many people in our overly-connected world.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books ever, because it so wonderfully defines needing time to recharge alone without casting it in a negative light. Other comments on reviews mention reading it to children who are on the spectrum and this was fantastic for my son when he was younger. Not only did it help him feel better about needing time alone when he was feeling overwhelmed but it helped explain in a simple way my need to do things for myself. This book has such a special place in my heart, I’m so happy to see others know about it.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book in a Little Free Library today and selected it thinking I loved how tall the book was, and how thin, and I liked the title. The illustrations on the front also struck me as being creations from someone I know, like I have read other books that were illustrated by her as well. I'll have to look into that, because I just know I know that art. I read the book to my 14-year-old son, who is always a lovely audience, and he said it would make a great 500-page book as well as a nice, short, little kids' book. He thought it was an odd book. I thought...it wasn't what I thought it would be, but it was still nice. I am a person who always needs a little house of my own, still to this day, at age 40. And it was funny to read about the little house for your face, because here we are in the middles of the coronavirus when it feels like the whole world out there is either trying to "recommend" or "require" that you wear a mask. It feels more like a little jail for my face and a little suffocation for my nose and mouth, but it was great! I will share this book at a little party we are having this weekend. Don't worry, it's just family, but masks are neither recommended nor required. But if our people want to, they can put their face in a little house. I love the old-tyme style of this book, and I didn't look, but it probably IS pretty old. I mean, they had a milkman! Ah, those must've been the days! It was a fun, comfortable little happy story, and it ended...a bit oddly.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite childhood book - still on my shelves and a bit worse for wear. Complete with the colouring in of the b/w illustrations! Would love to get a new copy to give to my grandchildren. Reading it again I think it was a bit ahead of its time (my copy 1957).

[Tevin Hsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, kid-friendly book about certain places in homes that make you feel the most comfortable. It teaches children that everyone has their own little spot in life that lets you be alone and not disturbed.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little vintage drawings—Sienna wasn’t quite so sure of the concept.

[Suanne Laqueur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, along with Mud Pies and Other Recipes, were the two books I owed the most library fines on. I took them out constantly. A Little House is the most darling book about forts, hideaways, secret places, privacy, personal space and being left the fuck alone. With illustrations.

It's out of print, there are some used/new on Amazon for ridiculous amounts. I highly recommend scouting your local library for a copy so you can have the full charming experience. Including the fine.

[jw468 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard of this little book before I found it at the thrift shop.

Reading it was like a trip in a time machine. It reminds me of how I enjoyed creating my own little houses, many of them like the ones presented here. It reminds me of how wonderful these experiences were for me as a child. Because of this power, this book should especially be read by those who shape our built environment; it gets at the root of why some spaces are so special, whether they're for children, or adults.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit less quirky than I'll Be You and You Be Me and A Hole is to Dig, but kind of in the same vein.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

reminds me of Ruth Kraus's books with early Sendak illustrations... charming black and white drawings and a lovely message about everyone needing their own house/personal space... add this to the list of books to try to track down at used book sales...

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book. Stresses the importance that even children need their "space." A place to retreat and be silly, or quiet. One that can be shared with a friend, one a bit away from your family, or right under their noses! Great illustrations. A must read!

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and wise; what a special little book. It teaches the need for privacy and to respect that of others.
Where was/is your little house?