The April Baby's Book of Tunes with the story of how they came to be written

"The April Baby's Book of Tunes" by Elizabeth Von Arnim is a charming children's book written in the early 20th century. It combines delightful storytelling with illustrations, specifically those by Kate Greenaway. The narrative revolves around the adventures of three little girls named April, May, and June, focusing on their playful experiences and whimsical interactions in their German home, emphasizing themes of family, creativity, and the joys of childhood. The story begins in a winter setting as the sisters find themselves snowed in before Easter, engaging in various playful activities while their mother tries to keep them entertained. In a moment of inspiration, the mother decides to create tunes for popular nursery rhymes, which become a source of excitement and joy for the children. Each rhyme unfolds through delightful storytelling, showcasing the children's innocent banter and imaginations around characters and scenarios like Polly Flinders, Curly Locks, and Mary Quite Contrary. As the narrative progresses, the family’s bonds are strengthened, and the children's playful nature is beautifully captured as they explore their environment and engage in creative play, ultimately celebrating the special relationships within their family. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth von Arnim, born Mary Annette Beauchamp, was an English novelist. Born in Australia, she married a German aristocrat, and her earliest works are set in Germany. Her first marriage made her Countess von Arnim-Schlagenthin and her second Elizabeth Russell, Countess Russell. After her first husband's death, she had a three-year affair with the writer H. G. Wells, then later married Frank Russell, elder brother of the Nobel prize-winner and philosopher Bertrand Russell. She was a cousin of the New Zealand-born writer Katherine Mansfield. Though known in early life as May, her first book introduced her to readers as Elizabeth, which she eventually became to friends and finally to family. Her writings are ascribed to Elizabeth von Arnim. She used the pseudonym Alice Cholmondeley for only one novel, Christine, published in 1917.