Children of God

The children’s book of hymns. Illustrated by Cicely Mary Barker. London: Blackie & Son, [1929]

Cicely Mary Barker was an English illustrator best known for a series of fantasy illustrations depicting fairies and flowers. A devout Anglican, Barker also illustrated two Christian-themed children’s books, The children’s book of hymns (1929) and The little picture hymn book (1933).

Barker was commissioned to illustrate these works by Blackie & Son who saw a gap in the market for a sympathetically illustrated collection of hymns aimed at children, and different editions were published in Britain and America. Barker’s hymnbooks are still enjoyed by children today.

The children’s book of hymns. Illustrated by Cicely Mary Barker. London: Blackie & Son, [1929]
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The little picture hymn book. Illustrated by Cicely Mary Barker. London: Blackie & Son, [1933]

The second of two Christian-themed children’s books illustrated by Cicely Mary Barker.

The little picture hymn book. Illustrated by Cicely Mary Barker. London: Blackie & Son, [1933]
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Elsa Jane Werner (editor). The little golden book of hymns. Illustrated by Corinne Malvern. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1947.

The popular Little golden books series was launched by Simon and Schuster in 1942 bringing many memorable and well-illustrated children’s stories into myriads of homes at an affordable price. The first edition of The little golden book of hymns, illustrated by Corinne Malvern, was published in 1947.

Elsa Jane Werner (editor). The little golden book of hymns. Illustrated by Corinne Malvern. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1947.
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