Flower Fairy Alphabet (Blackie & Son)（1934）
Author: Cicely Mary Barker（1895-1973）
Illustrator: Cicely Mary Barker
When I was in elementary school, there was a time when Morinaga＆Co., Ltd.’s “High Crown Chocolate” included a “Flower Fairy” card.
The cards drew Western-style children’s fairies playing with flowers. They were sparkling treasures. For me at the time, Western stories were a world of dreams and longing..
What I had were fairy cards A, B, F, and G. The only time I was allowed to buy sweets was on school field trips, so my neighbor friend and I were showing each other our cards.
Also, if you sent 1000yen was sent to Morinaga, “Flower Fairy” poem book was delivered. Then I got the book with a blue cover.
It had 26 flower fairies according to the alphabet. I had repeatedly looked at the illustrations in fascination.
They were illustrations drawn by the author nearly 100 years ago, which were very tasteful and high-quality complimentary gifts of sweets for children.
I think my childhood was, in a way, a good quality period.
