Description
For sale: a Rare and Exceptional first edition, first printing hardcover copy of Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow and Maurice Sendak in a new archival wrap.
The book is in Near Fine condition with clean, bright boards, strong title ink on a straight spine and the front cover design, foxed page blocks, tight binding, no spine tilt, rubbed spine ends, heavy edge wear, and two rubbed corners. The interior of the book is also in Near Fine condition with the previous owner’s birthday inscription on the reverse of the first free end paper. No other marks, inscriptions, or other signs of ownership. The end papers and the interior pages are clean and bright, making it an excellent addition to any collection. All of the Sendak illustrations are clean and unmarked.
The dust jacket is in Near Fine condition with mild surface wear and heavy edge wear. Second state jacket has a clipped front flap, with the $3.95 price still intact and 40-80 code on the front flap, and one review on the rear flap. Looks great in a new Brodart archival wrap.
Any collaborative effort by the esteemed Charlotte Zolotow and the illustrious Maurice Sendak is bound to be a success. These beloved creators of countless children’s favorites outdo themselves with this 1963 Caldecott Honor-winning classic about a little girl in need of assistance. Finding a birthday present for her mother is no easy task for our heroine. Luckily, she happens upon the avuncular Mr. Rabbit, whose heart is in the right place, even if he doesn’t always have the best ideas. Ultimately, his suggestions do come in handy, and between the two of them they determine the ideal birthday tribute: the gift of color. Children will join the protagonists in contemplating how to make the abstract tangible, and all readers will be delighted to see yellow translate to bananas, as green is given in pears, and blue takes the shape of grapes.
The soft, muted colors of Sendak’s illustrations are reminiscent of a Monet landscape–utterly appealing and dreamy. And the reflective, sing-song dialogue between Mr. Rabbit and the girl is as deliciously lulling as a shady swing in a hammock. This quiet, peaceful book is a treasure for any shelf.
Ships promptly in manila envelope with book wrapped in both craft paper and multiple layers of bubble wrap.
