The Wise Book (1906) – by Githa Sowerby and Millicent Sowerby

This charming Edwardian children’s book, published by J.M. Dent in 1906, showcases the collaborative talents of sisters Githa and Millicent Sowerby. Blending gentle moral tales with exquisite illustrations, The Wise Book presents a collection of stories and poems designed to delight and instruct young readers. Millicent’s delicate watercolor illustrations – featuring rosy-cheeked children, anthropomorphic animals, and idyllic countryside scenes – perfectly complement Githa’s simple yet thoughtful narratives. The book’s pastel-hued Art Nouveau aesthetic captures the innocent whimsy of early 20th-century children’s literature.

About the Illustrators
Millicent Sowerby (1878-1967) was a prolific English illustrator and painter, particularly renowned for her children’s book artwork and floral studies. Her younger sister Githa Sowerby (1876-1970) would later achieve fame as a playwright (Rutherford & Son), but here contributes as a storyteller. The Sowerby sisters belonged to an artistic family from Gateshead, with Millicent developing a distinctive style influenced by Kate Greenaway yet distinctly her own – characterized by soft colors, flowing lines, and an atmosphere of quiet charm.

Recommended for Collectors

• The Child’s Garden of Verses (1908) illustrated by Millicent Sowerby
• The Wind in the Willows (1908) by Kenneth Grahame for comparable Edwardian charm
• Flower Fairies series by Cicely Mary Barker for similar delicate botanical illustrations

Art Gallery: Millicent Sowerby – The Wise Book 1906