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Page 18 The Antique Shoppe March, 2019
Picture Perfect Books for her paintings of dogs. She illustrated many
Diana Thorne was a noted artist, well known

Carol J. Perry books about dogs including several by author
Helen Hoke. A 1944 copy of Shep and the

The annual Florida Antiquarian Book Fair has long been recognized as a Baby by Hoke with Thorne’s illustrations was
literary feast for book lovers, bibliophiles and blue stockings from around the $45. A 1949 copy of Doctor, The Puppy who
world! The 38 edition of the oldest and largest fair of is kind in the Southeastern Learned by Hoke with Thorne pictures was
th
United States will happen in St. Petersburg’s historic Coliseum Ballroom April also $45.
26-28. Pelagie Doane from the 1930s to the
The show features books of every 1960s illustrated many children’s books
imaginable age and subject matter, including the popular Judy Bolton series
but one category in particular draws The 38th Florida Antiquarian Book Fair by Margaret Sutton.A942 Sutton book,
collectors, browsers and nostalgia seekers returns to St. Petersburg April 26-28 Tommy True, is the only book Sutton
every year—children’s picture books. The largest and longest running book fair in the Southeastern US returns to St. wrote for very young children (ages 4 to
Nearly every aisle at the giant event offers Petersburg s Historic Coliseum April 26-28. The fair will feature more than 100 6) The book, illustrated by Doane, was
show-goers a bit of time-travel back to specialized booksellers from all over the country, who bringing books, maps, prints, $175.
postcards, ephemera, and other paper collectibles.
childhood via the illustrations—often by Show hours are: Fri., Apr. 26th- 5-9, Sat., Apr. 27th- 10-5, & Sun., Apr. 28th- 11-4. Johnny Gruelle was an American
famous artists—which brought words to Friday’s $10 admission, includes live music performance. Daily admission for artist, political cartoonist and children’s
life for kids. Saturday & Sunday is $6.00, weekend admission is $10.00. book author and illustrator. He was the
(A Moravian teacher named John Amos Sunday is appraisal day. Paid admission includes a free appraisal by members of creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, A 1919
Comenius, way back in 1658 created the Florida Bibliophile Society. Discount coupons are available online at edition of Gruelle’s Friendly Fairies was
http://www.FloridaBookFair.blogspot.com or on Facebook.
what is widely recognized as the very first The Historic Coliseum is located at 535 Fourth Ave. N., St, Petersburg, FL. $45.
picture book for children. He called it Orbis Visit www.FloridaAntiquarianBookFair.com for additional information.
Pictus which means “Painted World,” and Thomas Nast, German born American
he illustrated his simple sentences about illustrator and political cartoonist who
nature with accompanying woodcuts.) gave us the first modern version of Santa
Visitors to the most recent Antiquarian Book Fair found an outstanding Claus, illustrated many books. His 1869 version
array of favorite stories, old and new, made more exciting to youngsters by the of The Wonderful Adventures of Humpty
elements of line, color and shape interpreted by noted artists. Dumpty was valued at $600.
Tasha Tudor, surely one of America’s W. W. Denslow was the Philadelphia-
most beloved author-illustrators of children’s born illustrator, famed as the artist for L.
literature is always represented at the Frank Baum’s Oz books. Denslow and Baum
Coliseum shows. The expressive nature of produced one more children’s book—the
her delicate watercolors is well displayed in 1901 fairy tale Dot and Tot of Merryland.
a 1950 edition of The Doll’s Christmas priced It was $100.
at $18, and a 1998 printing of First Poems for
Children at $15,

Maurice Sendak, American illustrator and
author of books for children is perhaps best
known for his 1963 book Where the Wild
Things Are. A 1981 first edition of Sendak’s
Outside Over There, an exciting tale of rescue
from goblins, was tagged $35.
Robert McCloskey, Caldecott
medal winner, wrote and illustrated
Lentil, a tale about a boy who can’t
sing but learns to make music anyway.
A rare first edition of the 1940 book Kate Greenaway was a Victorian ere artist
was $1500. and writer, noted for her children’s book illustrations. Her depictions

Harrison Cady was an American of children in 18 century costume sparked an international interest in “Kate
th
illustrator known for his long- Greenaway style.” A1986 edition of The Illuminated History of Flowers featuring
running Peter Rabbit comic strip. Greenaway illustrations was $12,50.
Cady enjoyed a long association with This is a tiny sampling of the titles the shopper might find at a Florida
author Thornton Burgess. A 1924 Antiquarian Book Fair. Look also for more artists from what’s become known as
copy of Buster Bears Twins was $55. “The Golden Age of American Illustration.” Such luminaries as Maxfield Parish,
Andrew Wyeth, Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox Smith and so many more await
rediscovery.
Framing Illustrations from Children’s Books

Sometimes it’s possible to find what’s known in the trade as a “reading
Margaret and H.A. Rey copy” of a nicely illustrated children’s book. Perhaps the cover is tattered, or
were a husband and wife team some pages are missing. Look for the bargain books, often displayed on the
best known for their brilliant end caps at the Coliseum show, usually marked $5.00 or even less. Oversized
creation Curious George. A books with good quality illustrations, along with frames from garage sales or
charming 1946 edition of their thrift stores can produce some charming wall décor for a child’s room. Use a
Pretzil and the Puppies was sharp razor and a steady hand to separate the page neatly along the binding.
$95. Simple mats are available inexpensively at most craft stores.