THE BABES IN THE WOOD, IN VERSE
1836
Early edition of this classic rhyme, published by "one of the two printers who dominated the New York City children's book publishing scene in the early 19th century" (Modero).
Chapbooks
THE BAPTIST CATECHISM
1809
First edition of this series of Baptist questions and answers about the nature of Christian belief aimed at children, with a Wilmington, Delaware imprint.
BLACKBIRD'S NEST, A TALE FOR YOUTH
1812
First edition of this moralistic tale of how friendship is tested by dishonesty, with delicate wood-engraved illustrations.
THE CHILD'S OWN STORY BOOK, OR SIMPLE TALES
[circa 1861]
Later edition of this little collection of moral stories, presented to a child over 150 years ago.
THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD
[circa 1850]
First edition thus, from publisher Mahlon Day, of this traditional and tragic tale, with lovely hand-colored illustrations.
THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD
[circa 1859]
First edition thus, from Boston publisher Degen & Estes, of the tragic folktale, with woodcut illustrations after the circa 1850 Mahlon Day publication.
COUSIN GRACE'S PRETTY STORY BOOKS NO. 4: NURSERY RHYMES
[circa 1850]
First edition of this scarce little collection of illustrated nursery rhymes, including classics like Little Miss Muffet and Bah Bah Black Sheep.
HARE AND MANY FRIENDS
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this tragic tale of a hare who finds out her animal friends are of the fair weather sort when she is being chased by hunters.
THE HISTORY OF TOM THUMB
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this chapbook collection of stories about the diminutive Tom Thumb, including his time in King Arthur's court and being eaten by a fish (twice).
MEMOIR OF ELIZABETH MATTHEWS
1828
First edition of this gothic-tinged chapbook on the death of a moral young woman, told partially through correspondence.
OLD AGE
[circa 1820]
Early Republic era chapbook of this fascinatingly fatalistic little work about aging and death — a rare survival.
OLD MAN AND HIS ASS
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this moral story of what may be lost when you attempt to please people rather than completing your task correctly.
A PRESENT FOR SARAH
[circa 1850]
First edition of this small and charming chapbook featuring animal woodcuts and short passages about them.
THE PRIZE, OR, THE STORY OF GEORGE BENSON AND WM. SANDFORD
1824
First edition of this little moral tale of the theft of a melon and the resulting punishment for the thief, published by active abolitionist Charles Whipple.
SCENES FROM NATURE
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this collection of everyday scenes in rural Victorian England, including a vignette about a disabled veteran.
A SET OF FLOWERS
[1819]
First edition of this little book of facts about flowers, with charming vernacular repair.
THE STORY BOOK, IN VERSE
[circa 1850]
First edition of this little chapbook collection of bucolic and moral tales in rhyme, from the third series of the Redfield's Toy Books series.
VILLAGE ANNALS
1814
First edition of this moralistic chapbook, in eye-catching speckled gilt boards.
LONDON; A DESCRIPTIVE POEM
[circa 1820]
First US edition of this chapbook poem about the sights and sounds (and smells) of the UK's capitol city.
HYMNS FOR CHILDREN, IN PROSE
[circa 1843]
First edition thus, from New Haven published Babcock, of this illustrated collection of hymns by one of the most famous children's writers of the 19th century.
TWO LAMBS: AN ALLEGORICAL HISTORY
1834
Apparent second edition of this moral tale of two little lambs named Peace and Inexperience.
THE HAPPY FAMILY
1836
First edition of this moralizing chapbook about the merits to be earned with good behavior – a remarkably scarce title.
THE SAGACITY AND FIDELITY OF THE DOG; ILLUSTRATED BY INTERESTING ANECDOTES
[circa 1858]
Early edition of this collection of canine anecdotes, alongside charming illustrations of various dogs.
THE TROUBADOUR: AND OTHER STORIES
1856
Later issue of this illustrated chapbook collection of short stories, including a story of Andrew Jackson during his military years, published as the Civil War loomed.
HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
[circa 1850s]
Later edition of this miniature chapbook, number 9 in the first REDFIELD'S TOY BOOKS series.
