Inspiration: Harper Lee's Letter

50th Anniversary Edition, To Kill a Mockingbird
illustrated by Sarah Coleman of Inkymole
I love the silhouette look of this cover art- it is gorgeous. 

The internet is full of depressing stories and horrible happenings from all over the world, but every once in awhile, things of note are shared that are inspiring and heartwarming.  I love stumbling across the latter.  The other day, a piece was done on letters that authors have written to their child fans.
The following letter is from Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, to a young fan who wrote and asked for a signed picture of the author.

image via Letters of Notes
06/07/06
Dear Jeremy
I don’t have a picture of myself, so please accept these few lines:
As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don’t think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, “I’m probably no better than you, but I’m certainly your equal.”
(Signed, ‘Harper Lee’)

After reading that, it is easy to see how the infamous character of Atticus Finch came from the imagination of Harper Lee.  

Mockingbird Brooch, made from pages of the book.
Available from House of Ismay

To Kill a Mockingbird, first edition
Available at The Sage Scottie

Vintage style tee - buy it here

Atticus and Scout
(Can I just say- Gregory Peck.  Yum.)

Here is the artwork from a copy of the book, framed.  Beautiful work from Sarah Coleman.

If you have never read To Kill a Mockingbird, or seen the movie, please do- it's summer!  You have no excuse!  Curl up in this nationwide heat wave, turn on some air, sit back, and enjoy a true classic.  (The great thing is, when I say "classic," I can be referring to the book or the film.  They are both fantastic.)

~Lori