New books

We didn't need any more books. We honestly didn't. But then we went into town, and entered the bookshop. Fran and I, just the two of us - and she never even used to like books.

She somehow managed to convince me I needed to buy her these books:

Het menselijk lichaam - a Dutch translation of The Human Body, by Steve Parker, because "Look, Mum! A pop-up model of the brain!" and "Just look at this! Eyes!"

And it was only €10, so how could I possibly resist?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 1, Poster Annual 2011, or actually the Dutch version, with those ridiculous Dutch names, but even so... I mean, Harry Potter.

Page upon page of movie pictures. How could I possibly say no?

Gebouwd in Verbeelding: Het Nederlands Stripmuseum. With works from not only Dutch comic artists, but also international artists like Lorenzo Mattotti - one of Lizzy's favourites.

How could I refuse?

Then there was this book on How to be a Viking, by Ari Berk, with beautiful illustrations, pop-ups and lots of little extras.

How could I deny her this little treasure?

And then...

Then there was this:

An antique copy of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities.

"Printed from the edition that was carefully corrected by the Author in 1867 and 1868."

With the original illustrations. The book smells of old books. When I turn the pages – not all of them of equal size – I'm not in my own living room anymore, but in the library of some ancient castle, sitting in front of a blazing hearth fire, while torrents of rain are whipping against the windows.

At only €10, I was sold.