The fact that many old titles remain in print shows the strong nostalgia appeal of Little Golden Books. Many have dealt with nature and science, Bible stories, nursery rhyme, and fairy tales. Over the years Hopalong Cassidy, Cheyenne, Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Captain Kangaroo, and even Donny and Marie have appeared in Little Golden Books. Television and movie tie-ins have been particularly popular. Sesame Street, the Muppets, Disney, Barbie, Power Rangers, etc. Some Little Golden Books and related products have featured popular children's icons from other media, eg. At the time of the golden anniversary, Golden Books claimed that a billion and a half Little Golden Books had been sold. Both are readily recognizable as Little Golden Books. A copy of The Poky Little Puppy bought today is essentially the same as one printed in 1942.

Many popular authors and illustrators have worked on Little Golden Books and related products including:Īlthough the details have changed over the years, the Little Golden Books have maintained a distinctive appearance. Some titles have appeared in several different formats (including but not limited to 'A Golden Book'). In 2001, Random House acquired Golden Books for about $85 million.Īlthough the Little Golden Books have remained the backbone of the product line, the enterprise that produced the Little Golden Books has created a variety of children's books in various formats including records, tapes, videos, and even toys and games (the fourth and fifth as 'Golden & Design'). Ownership and control of the series has changed several times since. In 1958, Simon and Schuster sold its interest in Little Golden Books to Western. Western Printing and Lithographing Company in Racine, Wisconsin, was Simon and Schuster's partner in the Little Golden Books venture. Mary Reed a professor at the Teachers College of Columbia University served as initial editor of the series.

Duplaix had initially thought up the idea for the Little Golden Book series and fleshed it out in conversations with officials at Simon and Schuster.

The Little Golden Books, which initially sold for 25¢, were published by Simon and Schuster in cooperation with the Artist and Writers Guild, Inc.

This Little Piggy and Other Counting RhymesĪs of 2005, 15 million copies of The Poky Little Puppy have been sold, including copies in various languages.

The first 12 titles were published October 1, 1942: Little Golden Books is a popular series of children's books.

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