The year 2007 marks the 65th anniversary of Little Golden Books first published during World War ll. According to Random House Publishers, during the inception of Little Golden Books, the U. S. literacy rate was low but at a price of twenty five cents, everyone could afford to buy a book to build their own personal library of childhood stories. Whether sitting at the knee of your mother at bedtime to hear your favorite story or cuddled in the arms of your grandfather seated in his favorite armchair, many of us have fond and vivid memories of being read to from the Little Golden Books collection.
In 1941, children’s books’ prices ranged from two to three dollars, which was considered an extravagance for many. George Duplaix, president of the Artists’ and Writers’ Guild had an innovative idea to develop a children’s book that would be appealing and affordable to more families. Out of his idea, Little Golden Books was born. Some of the popular books that were published in 1942 include The Poky Little Puppy , This Little Piggy, and the ever popular The Little Red Hen to name a few of the original twelve little Golden Books. According to Random House Publishers’ records, Little Golden Books entered its third printing with a total of 1.5 million copies. Many baby boomers and those who are older can probably dig up a worn, dog-eared copy of a Golden Book classic with its distinct decorative golden binding on the outside spine of the book. Many may have passed on the books to a younger family member for their reading pleasure. By the year 1945, most of the original twelve book titles entered their seventh printing, a phenomenal growth from its inception.
Random House further states that during the 1960’s and 1970’s, the average cost of the Little Golden Books ranged from twenty five cents in 1952 to fifty nine cents in 1977. The year 1952 marked the 10th anniversary commemoration with the new addition to its library entitled The Night Before Christmas which sold more than 4 million copies. By 1954, Little Golden Books were available throughout most of the world with the exception of the Soviet Union. An interesting note is the mid fifties saw children’s programs such as Roy Rogers, Captain Kangaroo, Howdy Doody and The Lone Ranger being reflected in the best selling copies of the Little Golden Books. The publishers adapted these popularly watched children’s programs to their stories, a smart marketing strategy!
Moving into the eighties and nineties, Little Golden Books turned 40 years distinguished by the publication of the one billionth Little Golden Book entitled The Poky Little Puppy being sold. During those years, the average cost of the children’s classics ranged from 89 cents to 99 cents. In 1992, Little Golden Books observed the 50th anniversary of Little Golden Books and Random House publishers gave a permanent Little Golden Books exhibit entitled Little Golden Booksand American Culture 1942-1992 to the Smithsonian Institution. The collection is still housed at the Smithsonian and is open for public viewing.
In the millennial, the average cost of the Little Golden Books hovers around $2.99. A specially designated edition of Little Golden Books classic celebrated the 60th anniversary in January 2002. That year, more than 2 billion Little Golden Books were printed—enough to reach the moon, according to Random House Publishing company officials. Though the books are more costly than when they first appeared on the literary landscape, they are still a bargain for the family that wants to provide wholesome character building stories for youngsters.
In reviewing Random House’s history of the Little Golden Books collections against today’s backdrop of CD’s, DVD’s, VCR’s, MP3’s and other such computerized technology, we find ourselves sometimes longing for a simpler day and time. Little Golden Books brings us back to the past and brings us forward to the present and future. Children today can still enjoy the moral and inspirational themes represented in The Golden Books Collection. The Little Golden Books are a durable reminder of the past stories told to us by our parents and grandparents and now many of us carry on that tradition by reading the same classic stories to our little ones. For a special occasion or as a memento of the past, Little Golden Books are perfect for gifts. When traveling, Little Golden Books can provide an enjoyable antidote to the ever posed question, “Are we there yet?” The classic edition of Little Golden Books can now be purchased and kept as a memento or to pass on to a future generation of beginning readers. Purchase a book for the “little one” in your life and share an enduring legacy of inspiration and moral teachings that will leave a lasting impression.
Happy 65th Anniversary Little Golden Books! May you continue to bring reading enjoyment for decades to come.
