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Illustrated Books for All Ages

We believe that children's illustration is an art and we take it seriously. A good children's book can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime and we aim to create beautiful memories for young people and their families.

Discover stories by renowned authors illustrated by master artists at Planta Genista Classics.

Rated 5 stars by readers

★★★★★

The Selfish Giant

By Oscar Wilde

Illustrated By George Almond

Rendered by hand in oils on masonite by illustrator George Almond, each full-color image teems with details to surprise and delight the reader.

Available at Amazon.com

Paperback $12.99

"My own garden is my own garden. Anyone can understand that, and I will allow nobody to play in it but myself.”

After seven years away, the Selfish Giant returns to to his castle to find his beautiful garden overrun with bands of young trespassers! Set in his ways and not wanting to share, the Giant builds a wall to keep them out. But when he shuts out the children, he shuts out much more than he realized.

Customer Reviews

For The Selfish Giant

"Beautiful illustrations…A delight. Almond's artwork reminds me of fairytale illustrations from yesteryear—you know the kind with more detail and care—certainly not AI created! The work is colorful and full of intricacies that you find as you study the full page pieces. And, as it's a nice little story with a good message. I can recommend this edition of The Selfish Giant to any discerning parent with kids who'll enjoy it."

--Raymond Benson ( Best selling author of "The Black Stiletto. )
A collection of classic books on a wooden shelf, featuring titles by the author Maurice Leblanc. Prominently displayed are editions of 'Arsène Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes' with distinctive yellow and olive covers, published by J.S. Ogilvie Publishing Company. Other featured titles include 'The Hollow Needle' and 'The Blonde Phantom.' Some book spines have decorative elements and labels are attached within the books.
A collection of classic books on a wooden shelf, featuring titles by the author Maurice Leblanc. Prominently displayed are editions of 'Arsène Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes' with distinctive yellow and olive covers, published by J.S. Ogilvie Publishing Company. Other featured titles include 'The Hollow Needle' and 'The Blonde Phantom.' Some book spines have decorative elements and labels are attached within the books.

"Reminiscent of Arthur Rackham's 19th century illustrations of fairytales, Almond's pictures are stunning in their complexity and beauty."

An open antique book featuring pages with text in an old font style on the left and an illustration on the right. The illustration depicts a biblical scene with several figures in a historical setting. The paper appears aged, with yellowed edges and some wear.
An open antique book featuring pages with text in an old font style on the left and an illustration on the right. The illustration depicts a biblical scene with several figures in a historical setting. The paper appears aged, with yellowed edges and some wear.
Jonathan Holloway, UK Playwright and Director
★★★★★

"What a charming, heartfelt story by the great Oscar Wilde. George Almond's illustrations will take your breath away! They are simply stunning and add so much impact to this touching story of the power of love. This is so much more than a children's book. Everyone - young and old - should have this on their bookshelf. Each illustration is a work of art to be savored. I have always been an Oscar Wilde fan, but I was reminded of the simple beauty and poetry of his writing. This book is a "must have" for all of the children in your life - whether they are 8 or 80!"

--Luke Yankee ( Playwright, author, writer of "The Last Lifeboat, Marilyn, Mom and Me and The Art of Writing for the Theatre)
A collection of classic books with various titles lined up vertically, showcasing their colorful and patterned spines. Each spine features unique typography and designs, indicating a mix of genres and authors.
A collection of classic books with various titles lined up vertically, showcasing their colorful and patterned spines. Each spine features unique typography and designs, indicating a mix of genres and authors.
A bookshelf showcasing a collection of classic literature with ornate book covers. Featured titles include works by Fitzgerald, Lovecraft, Doyle, Shakespeare, Carroll, and Stoker. The covers are elaborately designed, with some featuring illustrations like a keyhole and an image of Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
A bookshelf showcasing a collection of classic literature with ornate book covers. Featured titles include works by Fitzgerald, Lovecraft, Doyle, Shakespeare, Carroll, and Stoker. The covers are elaborately designed, with some featuring illustrations like a keyhole and an image of Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Our Vision

A collection of books and magazines is displayed, each with unique cover art and typography. Some covers feature historical illustrations, while others show text in various languages. The image is in black and white, enhancing the vintage and classic appearance of the publications.
A collection of books and magazines is displayed, each with unique cover art and typography. Some covers feature historical illustrations, while others show text in various languages. The image is in black and white, enhancing the vintage and classic appearance of the publications.
An open book displaying both text and a black and white illustration. The pages are slightly yellowed, indicating age, and one page is in the process of being turned. A thin bookmark is visible near the illustration.
An open book displaying both text and a black and white illustration. The pages are slightly yellowed, indicating age, and one page is in the process of being turned. A thin bookmark is visible near the illustration.
Upcoming Titles

A labor of love, Planta Genista Publishing is excited about our upcoming titles; Rikki Tikki Tavi for spring 2025 and a fully illustrated edition of A Christmas Carol, scheduled for a 2025 Christmas release.