Ani's Ode to Books - My Childhood summed up with 6 Books - Day 3 -Gilbert Delahaye's Debbie series

Gilbert Delahaye's Debbie series is so hard to come by that I could barely find a link to share here. Gilbert Delahaye was a Belgian writer and I don't think he was best known for his Debbie books. He had other series much more popular (at least in Belgian). I haven't heard of them but perhaps they were bigger in Europe.

I have no idea where my dad found these books. He did not travel to Europe so perhaps Debbie experienced some North American popularity in the eighties. It was definitely a miracle or gift from God that I found a few sandwiched in with the thousands of children's books at the charity book sale.

I liked Debbie's books because they were straight forward, peaceful, happy stories that a little imaginative kid like me could disappear into when life didn't feel so bright. Debbie was sweet and curious and each story had a soft adventure. There were no big serious problems, just little trials to learn from now and then. She mostly explored beautiful places with friends and animals. I wanted to be Debbie.

Marcel Marlier's illustrations are bright and whimsical. Every illustration was sweet with a soft glow like the stories.

Debbie may not be for everyone, but you are getting all of who I am and I am part Debbie. :)