Rare Book Moment 6: 19th century childrens' books – what you ought to know about them

One of Mike Slicker's favorite genres for collecting is children's books from the 19th century, and he shares some details of books from that period in this installment of Rare Book Moment. Lately, we been revisiting videos we made several years ago on a wide variety of topics of interest to collections. This is episode 6 in the series, and it was produced in 2012. We hope you enjoy this video and you find it useful. Please leave a comment to let us know what you think or if you have any questions.

Save 40% on art, antiques, architecture, children's books, and illustrated books

It's May, and it's time for another in our continuing celebration sales marking our 40th year in business.

This month, it's books on art, antiques, architecture, children's books, and illustrated books. You save 40% on book under $100 and 20% on books $100 or more.

We know you're enjoying these sales because we keep seeing you each month. Let us know how we're doing. And if you're feeling generous, SHARE with your friends.

Come in and browse. See you soon. If you want to receive an email notice about our sales, enter your email in the column on the left where it says GET SALES ALERTS or send an email to lighthousebooksabaa@gmail.com. 

Music by Kevin MacLeod: Barroom Ballet. Released into the public domain (CC Zero)

Watch for more videos during the year to hear about all of our sales.

Happy birthday, Randolph Caldecott

It is the birthday of British illustrator Randolph Caldecott (1846), whose illustrations for children’s books in the 19th century and his juxtaposition of words and images changed forever how children’s books were done. Illustrator Maurice Sendak recognized a subtle darkness to Caldecott’s work. "You can't say it's a tragedy, but something hurts. Like a shadow passing quickly over. It is this which gives a Caldecott book—however frothy the verses and pictures—its unexpected depth." The Caldecott Medal recognizing excellence in American picture books is named for him.

Happy birthday, illustrator John Steptoe

It is the birthday of children's book writer and illustrator John Steptoe (1950), who is best remembered for his The Jumping Mouse (1985) and Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (1988), both of which were named Caldecott Honor Books. He also illustrated Mother Crocodile (1988), which received the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration as did Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. Steptoe wrote and illustrated 11 books and illustrated five others. He died in 1989 at the age of 38.

Happy birthday, cartoonist Syd Hoff

It is the birthday of cartoonist and children's book author Syd Hoff (1912), who is best remembered for his Danny and the Dinosaur (1958) and more than 60 books in the HarperCollins beginning reader "I Can Read" series. Hoff sold his first cartoon to The New Yorker at age 18. His work also appeared in Esquire, Look magazine and other publications. Under the pseudonym A. Redfield, Hoff produced a cartoon series The Ruling Clawss for the Communist newspaper The Daily Worker in the 1930s and 1940s. He also illustrated advertising for Eveready Batteries, Jell-O, Rambler and other brands. But it was the children's books that brought him the greatest recognition.

Rare Book Moment: Early children's books

Michael Slicker discusses children's books in the 19th century. Michael Slicker's Rare Book Moment is recorded at Lighthouse Books, ABAA in St. Petersburg, Florida. Music by Jack Payne: Back to Those Happy Days