Known as Aurora’s ‘first lady of the arts,’ Ford was a considerable presence in the arts at a time when male artists were most prominent. Born in 1897, and raised in the Fox River Valley, she graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1918 and later became president and director of the school.  She had many famous students including the wartime and editorial cartoonist Bill Mauldin.  The late Sylvia Simon, former owner of The Little Traveler, had the honor to learn from this great icon.

Van Sickle Ford was the first woman from Illinois to be invited into the prestigious American Watercolor Society in 1954 and the first woman artist member of Chicago’s Palette & Chisel Academy in 1960.  Her art has been exhibited with some of the most notable and popular painters of the 20th century, including Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, and Rockwell Kent.

The Little Traveler is excited to host a free Special Presentation by the Author, Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 2:30pm in The Atrium Cafe.  Meet author Nancy Smith Hopp, of Aurora, Illinois, as she tells us about this amazing icon of the Fox Valley. We’ll have copies of her book available for purchase and signing.  No registration is necessary.

Nancy Hopp was a former student, neighbor, and ardent fan of Ruth Van Sickle Ford. Writing Warm Light, Cool Shadows was a seven year journey into the life and works of one of the most interesting artists of the 20th century.  The book shares unique insights into Ford’s personality and talents along with candid photographs and stunning reproductions of Ford’s watercolor and oil paintings.

As a child, Hopp watched the construction of Ruth Ford’s Round House a few blocks from her own home.  In 1965 she enrolled in Ford’s watercolor class at Aurora University, and the two women were reunited in 1985 when Hopp’s father was a resident in the same nursing home as Ford.

The Little Traveler carries several of these down-to-earth, family friendly cookbooks, and on Saturday, December 4 from 1-3 pm Jo Ann and Vickie will be in our store for a book signing!

Wouldn’t a signed copy of their brand new cookbook, Homemade Christmas, be the perfect hostess gift for all of your upcoming holiday parties? You might want to pick up a few.

Busy moms love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks because they feature hundreds of budget friendly recipes, using ingredients most households already have on hand. Their comb-binding makes them easy to use since they lay flat on the countertop while you’re whipping up dinner! Each book is filled with hand-drawn artwork and plenty of personality…we’re sure you’ll find a few (at least!) that are perfect for your family!

Saturday, March 27 at 10am: St. Charles children’s book author Nancy Knights will read “Gracie’s Hill,” her story about a golden retriever and how she spends her day.  Nancy will be available to sign purchased copies of her book.

Saturday, April 24, at 10am: Storytime and book signing with St. Charles author Rachel Gies  “A Foxy Tale” is a fantastic tale of ecology and a sprinkling of magic. While the characters are fictional, the parks and preserves actually exist in St. Charles, Illinois.

The Berghoff Café Cookbook by Carlyn Berghoff and Nancy Ross Ryan brings the simple and satisfying fare from  Chicago’s Berhoff  Café right to your home.  The book’s eighty plus recipes and variations include classic recipes originated by Herman Berghoff more than a century ago, updated to require less time and fewer calories for today’s tastes. Insider’s recipes include selections from today’s café menu and customers’ very favorite soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts.  $24.99

The Berghoff Family Cookbook: From Our Table to Yours, Celebrating a Century of Entertaining is a must-have for any fan of The Berghoff.   Part cookbook, part history, part entertaining guide, this cookbook features Chicago’s renowned and beloved restaurant, including traditional Berghoff insider’s recipes (such asCreamed Spinach, German Potato Salad, Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Apple Strudel, Black Forest Cake) and new interpretations, family history, color photos, entertaining tips, and much, much more. $29.95

Local Author Rick Moser debuts his newest book with us on Saturday, November 21, at 10:30am.  The story is a fable about three geese that look very different from each other but discover on their journey that their hearts are very much alike.  This story is a great way for parents and teachers to teach children about diversity.

Rick will be available after the reading to sign your purchase.  $5 from each book will be donated to Lazarus House.

Back to the Manger… a treasure hunt for the nativity is a heart-warming, beautifully illustrated storybook that takes you through our own home town of Geneva, IL to relive a very old Little Traveler tradition.  The authors will be in our Antiques Room for a book signing on Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 11am to 3pm.

Copies of Back to the Manger can be purchased all season long in our shop or at our on-line store.  $19.95

In the late 1920’s Kate Raftery, our founder, purchased a Neapolitan creche to use as a showpiece for the store’s holiday decor.  For years customers made a visit to The Little Traveler to see the nativity as part of their holiday tradition. The mother-daughter team of Margaret Ann Philbrick and Sarah Ellen McGreevy now brings to life the story of one family’s search for the creche.  Back to the Manger is a unique and entertaining way for children and adults alike to experience a bit of history.