Collecting Children’s Books Showcases Finest Volumes & Artwork from 1900s

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Krause publications announce the release of the new hardcover volume, Collecting Children’s Books: Art, Memories, Values, by husband and wife team, Noah Fleisher and Lauren Zittle.

It highlights some of the finest books and accompanying artwork from 1900 to the present in a warm, informative and exquisite fashion, reminding us all of the joy found in this transcendent genre.

From Winnie-the-Pooh to Curious George, Alice in Wonderland to Mary Poppins, and from The Poky Little Puppy to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the book is a treasure trove of remarkable—and highly collectible—children’s literature.

“The world of Children’s Books is such a rich and wonderful subject, we jumped at the chance to write it when we were asked,” said co-author Noah Fleisher, who also serves as the editor of Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide. He continued, “A survey of the form, like this one, is long overdue. What we’ve striven to create with this overview, while knowing there’s so much more to uncover, is a celebration of the books we all loved as kids and which we all love reading to our own children and grandchildren.”

The book also explores the significant value that some first edition books and original art can carry, likely sending readers running for their bookshelves or those boxes in the garage where they stored their old books. For instance: a First Edition of Where the Wild Thing Are sold for an impressive $8,400, while Garth Williams’ original Charlotte’s Web book cover illustration sold for a jaw-dropping $155,350 at auction. First Edition editions of classic like Curious George can net strong five figure prices realized, such as the copy that sold for $26,290 shown in the book.

This delightful hardcover book features more than 100 years of classic and collectible Children Books. It includes: values for signed and unsigned First Edition works; 500 color images; original art from such masters as Garth Williams (Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little), Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Dr. Seuss; collecting tips and what to look for when buying. There are also lists of suggested readings by era for those seeking to rediscover the pleasure—and value—found in children’s literature.

“These books have delighted generations of the young and the young at heart with amazing adventure, timeless storytelling and incredible illustrations that remain indelibly inked on the brains of readers, said co-author Lauren Zittle. “ We hope you find this to be a beautifully illustrated and informative salute to the form that we love so much.”

The book is 8” x 8”, 224 pages, in full-color, retails for $26.99 and will be available in bookstores and online at most book retailers.

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