H is for ...Heraldry

 I've been researching my family history for over thirty years. Along this genealogy journey I have been supported by hundreds of books, many of which I have listed on my Librarything page. 

During the 2021 #AtoZChallenge I will be writing about two of my passions, books and family history. I'll be taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of those books that have enriched my genealogy experience.

When my husband wanted to learn about raising chickens he went to the children's section of the local library and borrowed books on raising chickens . The benefits of books written for youngsters are that they are written in simple, clear language with plenty of diagrams and understandable explanations of related terminology. Once he had a basic understanding of the subject my husband moved on to more specialised works written for adults.

When I wanted to learn about heraldry, a subject that is closely allied with genealogy,  I didn't consult one of the fat tomes from the reference section of  the library I grabbed a Ladybird book, Learnabout Heraldry, from our family's bookshelf. 

As I didn't want to embark on the study of heraldry this book gave me all the information I needed on the subject. 

Once upon a time I was the Children's Librarian in a public library, there I learnt the value of the children's non-fiction section for adults to embark on learning about unfamiliar subjects. I learnt that valuable lesson fifty years ago!

International Children's Book Day

This annual event sponsored by (IBBY), has been celebrated on or near Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2nd since 1967.

Many years and a few careers ago, as a Children's Librarian I remember attending in The Rocks the Annual IBBY Dinner organised by Ena Noel for whom the The Ena Noel Award - the Australian IBBY Encouragement Award for Children's Literature was named. Although I have changed careers I have maintained an interest in children's literature.

After reading a wonderful post on a library blog , Readers in the Mist, about International Children's Book Day today I started wondering about my ancestors and what they might have read as children. Indeed some of my early 19th century ancestors are listed as illiterate on immigration records . I cannot imagine a life that is not enriched by the vicarious experiences one gains through reading.

Genealogists may be interested in this chronological list or works "which have been sources of materials considered suitable for youthful readers" published by Roger Blackwell Bailey, Ph.D. Browsing through the list gives us an idea of the reading materials available to young people during various historical periods.

As an ancestor I enjoy sharing my childhood favourites with my grandchildren and have recorded for future generations a record of my reading on LibraryThing. I commend all genealogists to leave a similar record for their descendants.