Tula, de kleine houtsnijder (Tula, the Little Woodcarver) is a children’s book written by S. Franke and illustrated by G. van Straaten. It was published by Kluitman in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, in 1956. The book tells the story of Tula, a young Aboriginal boy who lives in the Australian bush. Tula is a talented woodcarver, and he uses his skills to create beautiful and intricate carvings. One day, Tula’s sister Lela becomes ill, and he must travel to the city to find a doctor. Along the way, Tula encounters many challenges, but he never gives up hope. He eventually finds a doctor who can help Lela, and she is able to return home. Tula’s story is one of hope, courage, and the power of art.
The book is beautifully illustrated by G. van Straaten, who captures the beauty of the Australian bush and the spirit of Tula and his people. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the story, and they help bring the characters and scenes to life.
“Tula, de kleine houtsnijder” is a heartwarming story that will appeal to children of all ages. It is a story about the importance of family, friendship, and the power of art to heal.
About the Author
Simon Franke (1915-1996) was a Dutch author who wrote over 100 children’s books. He e was born in Amsterdam,. He studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, and he began his career as an illustrator. In 1946He left as a soldier at the age of 17 for the Dutch East Indies and stayed there for several years. Later he started working for the Council of Labor in Amsterdam. He is best known for his Indian novels and children’s books. In this he gives a very sympathetic picture of the Javanese people and culture in particular. Franke was socially involved, especially with the little man on the sawa who was often exploited.
He is best known for his books about animals and nature, his first children’s book was “De kleine uil” (The Little Owl). Others include: “Tula, de kleine houtsnijder”, “Het lieveheersbeestje” (The Ladybug), and “De vogels van de wereld” (The Birds of the World). Franke’s books have been translated into several languages, and they have been praised for their beautiful illustrations and their heartwarming stories.
About the Illustrator
Gerard van Straaten (1924-2011) was a Dutch illustrator who worked on over 200 children’s books. He is best known for his illustrations of animals and nature. Van Straaten was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1924. He studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, and he began his career as an illustrator in the 1950s. Van Straaten worked on over 200 children’s books, including “Tula, de kleine houtsnijder”, “Het lieveheersbeestje” (The Ladybug), and “De vogels van de wereld” (The Birds of the World). Van Straaten’s illustrations are known for their detail and their ability to capture the beauty of the natural world.
Gerard is the brother of an even more famous Dutch illustrator and cartoonist Peter Van Straaten.
The Book Today
“Tula, de kleine houtsnijder” is a classic children’s book that continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The book has been translated into several languages, and it has been praised for its beautiful illustrations and its heartwarming story. It is a story about the importance of family, friendship, and the power of art to heal.
The book is still in print today, and it is available in many different editions. It is a popular choice for children’s libraries, and it is often used in schools to teach children about Aboriginal culture.
