Let’s Cut to the Chase

Found this gem in Bell’s Books a while ago. A treasure-trove for vintage finds, this one — Rig-Ma-Role Picture Land — was a delight to stumble upon.

Published in 1925, it’s filled with stories and rhymes, ABCs and 123s, the days and months — along with those everyday lessons that gently shape childhood.

Yes, it’s comprehensive, to say the least. And while it’s certainly of its era, what’s remarkable is how familiar it still feels. The type and style of content haven’t changed all that much when it comes to children’s books.

All but the length, that is. Picture books today have definitely taken a different — more concise — trajectory over the past 100 years.

And here, the title tells us everything we need to know: once upon a time, they were nothing short of a rigmarole.

Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Especially as the cover always makes me smile.

It reminds me how lucky I am to work with an incredible editor who understands the economy of words — how to get to the heart of a story sooner rather than later. I’m in awe of the process: taking a playful jumble of ideas and shaping it into something with soul.

Who knows what the creative journey of Rig-Ma-Role looked like back then — but I’m genuinely glad it has some meat on its bones. It’s a marvel: a rare glimpse into the world of childhood a century ago, and an even rarer instance where quality and quantity actually align.