This vintage storybook page features an illustrated poem, by Kate Greenaway, about little girl named Phillis. Little Phillis is walking along a garden path, hand in hand with an older sister or her young mother.
LITTLE PHILLIS
I AM a very little girl,
I think that I’ve turned two;
And if you’d like to know my name
I’d like to tell it you.
They always call me baby,
But Phillis is my name.
No-no one ever gave it me,
I think it only came.
I’ve got a pretty tulip
In my little flower-bed;
If you would like I’ll give it you –
It’s yellow, striped with red.
I’ve got a little kitten, but
I can’t give that away,
She likes to play with me so much;
She’s gone to sleep to-day.
And I’ve got a nice new dolly,
Shall I fetch her out to you?
She’s got such pretty shoes on,
And her bonnet’s trimmed with blue.
You’d like to take her home with you?
Oh no, she mustn’t go;
Good-by – I want to run now,
You walk along so slow.
Here is a cleaner version of the storybook illustration from the page. My original scan is from Marigold Garden by Kate Greenaway, circa 1892.
Click on images to enlarge.
4 thoughts on “LITTLE PHILLIS by Kate Greenaway”
Kate Greenaway is just AWESOME – haven’t seen an image of her’s that I didn’t love
I agree with you Elaine – I love Kate Greenaway’s illustrations. It’s been years ago now but when I first discovered that Kate Greenaway’s books (the original antiques) were in the public domain, I was over-the-top excited and couldn’t wait to own one. I own three of the books now and plan to add to my collection one day. It’s nice to be able to share the images with others who also appreciate her work. 🙂
How lovely! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome Alisha. I’m glad you like it!