For the Fun of It - Books in Letters

a dying art form explored in prose

Hi! My name is Ashlyn Anstee, and I tell stories with words and pictures. Sometimes, that’s picture books (like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Select “Hedgehog”), or graphic novels (my series “Shelby and Watts”), and sometimes it’s animation (I’ve directed at places like Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network).

This column, “For the Fun of It”, will also have words and pictures. Sometimes it will be stories, or how-tos, or thoughts. A little bit of everything. Hope you enjoy!

Letters

There’s a whole subcategory of books told in letters. I looked for a bit to see if I could find the official term for it. Letter-books? Post-stories?

Like most people, I don’t send letters much anymore. Maybe that’s why I have so much nostalgia for books told in this format. I hope kids these days like them for that reason too.

Stamps are another favorite

I explored this in my own series, Shelby and Watts. I always wanted to start each of their adventures with a letter from someplace faraway, writing the letters on the stationary I imagined the characters using. A letter is like a little present.

Some of my Favorites

I’ve loved a lot of letter books over the years, so here are some of my favorites. Pardon the images I’ve snagged from online.

Jolly Postman

Okay okay okay, there is literally nothing more magical than the first time you open this book. It has MANY tiny letters. You turn to a page, and theres a real life little envelope you can open and read. Even as a grown up, it feels so so special. Somehow (probably due to my librarian mom teaching us to be careful), our copy of the Jolly Postman survived with all the letters intact. A truly one of a kind experience.

Griffin and Sabine

Nick Bantock’s “Griffin and Sabine” trilogy is full of some of the most beautiful art. I didn’t realise until recently that Nick Bantock lives an island away from where I spent a lot of my childhood (He lives on Saltspring Island). This series is fantastical and adult and full of longing. Really a picture book for grown ups.

Regarding the Fountain

I loved these books as a kid, and when I discovered there were more, I bought them all as a grown up and remain obsessed. This book (and its follow ups, as well as the camp series), are chockfull of art. I think they inspired me to draw a lot more- I grew up when middle grade graphic novels weren’t really a thing, so this book series was a launching pad for me. Just super whimsical and fun.

Dear Dragon

I just had to mention my friend Rodolfo’s book! This penpal story is told back and forth in letters. The twist that they don’t know the others’ identity (as both human and dragon) makes this story so funny.

The Day the Crayons Quit

The concept is so simple and so powerful- letters rom crayon colors! Thre’s a reason this book has been a bestseller for a billion years. You’ve probably got a copy somewhere in your house, but if you don’t, it’s a classic and you’ve gotta get one.

I’ve been a fan of

Brad Montague

‘s work for a while, but finding his substack has been a joy. His call to actions are inspiring and heartfelt! And his drawings are super charming to boot.

This week, we have a pile of house guests come for the Sonic Symphony. This is one of the reasons that I love LA- there’s often orchestra shows for video game and movie soundtracks. There’s the regular Nightmare Before Christmas live show with Danny Elfman, and the Final Fantasy orchestra show. Have you ever seen one of these shows in your part of the world?

ok love u bye