#Booky100Keepers Countdown Day 2: The Katie books by James Mayhew (Hachette Children's Books)

As with many of the books in our #Booky100Keepers Countdown, James Mayhew's "Katie" books stretch across our bookshelves, with multiple titles still lovingly kept and read, re-read and enjoyed even to this day.

From "Katie and the Starry Night" to "Katie in London" and "Katie's London Chrismas" there are many titles to choose from but it was "Starry Night" that inspired C to enjoy amazing art to such an extent that she still has a copy of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" as a framed print on her wall thanks to James.

The Katie books are brilliantly realised, comfortably 'disposing' with Katie's sleepy Grandma fairly early on in each story so that Katie (and quite often her cousin) can go on adventures through the world of art, or through the amazing landmarks of London and Scotland and many other places, in gorgeously dreamy and exciting tales.

We've always loved books that have 'leaked' into our real-world everyday lives, and I loved the fact that when we took C to Trafalgar Square as a tiny, tiny tot the first thing she looked for was Katie's scarf tucked around one of the stone lions (sadly the Lion seems to have lost it as we couldn't see it!)

When authors / illustrators can inspire kids to this extent, it's no wonder we want to keep their books around. James' storytelling and illustration skills are sought after for good reason, and he's done an excellent job (with a little help / encouragement from us too of course) to turn C into a real fan of amazing art. Thank you James!

Original Review Links:

Katie's London Christmas

Katie and the Starry Night

Katie and the British Artists

Katie's Picture Show

Katie in London