It’s another version of “Authors,” this time an undated deck from Whitman.  This one not only has dignified portraits of the selected writers, but a thumbnail sketch illustrating the book in question.  A charming extra touch, I think. (Posted by Doug Skinner.)

[Read more →]

We have here another Japanese deck: a regular deck of 52, with two jokers, all illustrated with cartoony animals.  The copy on the box is in Japanese, so I can’t tell you much about it.  Mixed in there, though, are the indications “Poplar” and “2008,” which I assume are the publisher and date.  You seem […]

[Read more →]

I’ve avoided the many children’s card games that tie into toys and other franchises — simply because the graphics must, by definition, follow the pattern established by the franchise, offering little elbow room for the designer.  The “Jellibee Card Game,” however, is such an odd creation, both graphically and conceptually, that it has earned a […]

[Read more →]

We have another look at the fine old game of “Authors,” here in an undated deck from Russell.  I particularly like that ribbon.  Has anyone out there read this one? (Posted by Doug Skinner)

[Read more →]

“The Cheerful Game of Porky the Pig” was one of three games in the set “Children’s Hour,” a 1946 offering from Parker Brothers.  The others were “Peanut the Elephant” and “ABC Fishing.” Porky had no connection with the familiar character from Warner Brothers; I suspect there were numerous pigs called Porky over the years.  The […]

[Read more →]

Salt and pepper packets occupy a strange position in our strange society.  In a country that monetizes everything, they’re free.  Everybody knows and uses them; and they pass unnoticed.  Other condiment packets contain commercial products familiar to the condiment-eater: the ketchup and mustard look like the bottles in the store.  Salt and pepper are also […]

[Read more →]

These “Tree Spotter Cards” were published by Ed-U-Cards (no date).  The precise illustrations and warm colors give them a cozy look, I think.  And as the box copy enthuses, “It’s fun, too, playing the ’64 Point Game,’ learning many interesting facts about the different kinds of trees, and becoming an expert!” (Posted by Doug Skinner)

[Read more →]

“Card Magic” was a 1959 deck from Ed-u-Cards; it provided pictorial cards that allowed the young magician to perform various tricks.  This card was used in the “Spelling Trick.”  As a bonus, an “applause” card was also included, so the audience would know when that was expected. (Posted by Doug Skinner)

[Read more →]

I’m afraid I can tell you nothing about this charming Japanese deck, since all the copy on it is in Japanese.  Jack doesn’t look too welcome here, does he? (Posted by Doug Skinner)

[Read more →]

“Animal Bird Fish” (Ed-U-Cards, 1959) offered a lovely deck of dignified depictions of various creatures.  I limit myself to one; I pick the parrot. (Posted by Doug Skinner)

[Read more →]