Enjoy A ‘Golden’ Holiday Season

By Larissa Lytwyn

For many, the holiday season can provide a beacon of hope, heralding the approach of a new year filled with new possibilities, and fresh starts.

First published in 1942, the Little Golden Books stirred the imaginations of young readers across the nation — readers of all economic backgrounds. At just 25 cents apiece, they were available to virtually all children, not just a privileged few. They were sold not only in bookshops, but in chain and department stores.

With their trademark black and gold spines, they also introduced the sturdy “hardcover” concept to children’s literature.

Five months after their initial launch, 1.5 million copies had been printed to meet the public’s continuing demand.

Today, well over 15 million copies have been sold around the world. The Little Golden Books have become an icon, even included in the Smithsonian Institute’s Division of Cultural History in Washington, D.C.

This past August, Random House released two classic Little Golden Book collections, Animal Tales and Sleepytime Tales.

With its sharply drawn, yet simple illustrations, enlarged, bold text and gold-plated pages, one or both tomes could be a valued addition to any youngster’s collection of books.

Animal Tales includes 12 stories celebrating one of children’s favorite subjects, animals. Children will discover such classics as “The Saggy, Baggy Elephant,” “Tawny Scrawny Lion,” “Animal Orchestra,” and “Home for a Bunny.”

Included are authors such as Margaret Wise Brown of Goodnight, Moon fame, Jane Werner Watson and Kathryn Jackson. Legendary artists including Gustaf Tenggren, Garth Williams, and Tibor Gergely do many of the stories’ illustrations.

Sleepytime Tales aims to be the perfect “ready-for-bed” companion. It includes Richard Scarry’s “Good Night, Little Bear,” Margaret Wise Brown’s “The Sleepy Book,” and Eloise Wilkins’ “Baby Dear,” as well as classics like “The Poky Little Puppy.”

Both Animal Tales and Sleepytime Tales are available, for a suggested retail price of $14.95 apiece, at www.goldenbooks.com or in most major bookstores.

They are also available, for significantly discounted rates, at www.amazon.com.