book shopping in tokyo: take that concept in. yes, it was very good and by day one of our trip i was well on my way to a potential excess baggage fee. the bookstore in the basement of the parco department store was heaven, and all of the books i want to show you today came from there. i could have come away with many, many more because the range, and the quality was amazing. but i’m not at all disappointed by what i brought home…
“cheerful in 3 1/2 months” is a really amusing book by Gerard Jansen full of great colorful illustrations by Sue Doeksen.
the book provides one tip per day for a 3 and a half month path to cheerfulness. and how could you not be cheerful at suggestions like inventing your own toilet choreography, jumping in a bouncy castle, and my #1 tip – “be your favorite piece of pie”.
was this for my son? no. no it wasn’t. i’ll just put it on the shelf next to my “worst mother ever” trophy.
…i mean, sure, he can look at it – while wearing cotton gloves. when he’s 19.
inside the back of the book is a collection of stickers to be used in the various activities through the book. and if you know of a kiddo who would definitely appreciate this book, then you should get it for them because its filled with fabulous alain grée illustrations. and probably a fun way to learn french!
“colorful room of the japan” is jam packed with some of the most “colorful room of the japan” you’ll ever see. but wait! there’s more..
not only rooms “of the japan” but also of the spain, and of the france! and there are some cute crafty decor projects too. i’d really love to tell you more but its all in “the japanese”.
so, i have NO idea what this is all about. but its PACKED with adorableness. anyone? leave a comment and enlighten me. it seems to be the inspiration files of a couple of designers – but i could be way off. its full of deers, and pandas so lets all look at some pandas!!
what do you think? should i go back and get some more books? go on. twist my arm!
Don’t worry – I bought French children’s books and I don’t even have kids! Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/vincentmathy/ for some more gorgeous illustrations
I think you are doing your own twisting!
Hi Pilgrim,
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Just found your blog through a Spanish design blog I check and it’s darling. Love your use of color and the clever items you share. Just wanted to say hi
I saw that you’re going to Alt. I’ll be teaching a class there so maybe I’ll bump into you!
- Dana
MADE (www.dana-made-it.com)
GET THEM!!!!!!! I am STILL, three years after my Japan holiday, kicking myself for not picking up more paumes, particularly one of Nathalie L’ete’s artwork and interiors. Learn from my mistakes. And get some Pochee and Mrs Style book magazines while you’re about it
)
I went to Japan last year. You are making me think I really need to go back and do more shopping. I feel like I did it all wrong. I purchased hardly anything!
Nice books, Pilgrim! I especially love the colorful Japanese book. Thanks for sharing….
when i was last in LA i went to little tokyo and found a ton of great japanese craft books. i bought one about sewing bags… it’s all in japanese, but i don’t care. it’s too cool to look at. and there are diagrams for all the projects… so i should be able to figure them out.
Love seeing all your pictures from your trip to Japan… the books, buildings, craft, patterns.. they have such a unique, beautiful design culture. Definitely can’t wait to visit Tokyo myself.
PS. Yes. You should definitely go back and buy more books!
Books of awesome! I’ll have one of each please! I’m a bit like you – I buy books in all kinds of crazy languages just ‘cos they look pretty, so very pretty!
ps. We are heading to Tokyo next weekend! You have reminded me to take an empty suitcase