12 Forgotten Picture Books Worth Collecting

Picture books often serve as a gateway into the world of reading for young minds, but some titles, though once popular, have been forgotten over time. These hidden treasures are filled with vibrant illustrations, captivating tales, and a touch of magic that makes them worth rediscovering. For collectors, these forgotten books offer a chance to experience the charm of past decades and, in some cases, even make a valuable addition to a collection. Some may have been overshadowed by more famous titles, but that does not make them any less significant.

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Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág (1928)

“Millions of Cats” is one of the oldest and most beloved American picture books still in print. The story of an old man and his wife who end up with millions of cats, all illustrated in Gág’s distinctive, folk-inspired style, is both whimsical and amusing. The illustrations use a simple but charming technique, with wide, sweeping illustrations that visually tell the story’s heartwarming tale. The hand-lettered text adds a personal and intimate touch that makes it feel like a story passed down through generations.

First editions of this book, especially with the original brown publisher’s binding and in good condition, are highly sought after by collectors of vintage children’s literature. The scarcity of the book in such well-preserved form makes it a valuable piece. A well-maintained copy of this first edition could be worth $300‑$500, depending on condition and whether the dust jacket is intact.

A Very Special House by Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak (1953)

“A Very Special House” represents an early collaboration between Ruth Krauss, the author, and Maurice Sendak, the illustrator, who would later become famous for his own works. The book features Krauss’s playful text, telling the story of a child’s imaginative journey into a “very special house,” filled with surprises and whimsy. Sendak’s illustrations, full of movement and expression, are a standout feature of the book, offering readers a glimpse into his later works. His use of intricate, dynamic artwork, paired with the simple charm of Krauss’s words, makes this a hidden gem in children’s literature.

The combination of Krauss’s whimsical writing and Sendak’s art creates a timeless quality that has allowed this book to remain relevant to collectors. Early first editions, especially those with an intact dust jacket, are highly collectible. The value of a first edition in good condition is typically $600‑$900, depending on its overall condition and whether the jacket is present and undamaged.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (1902)

Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” is perhaps the most famous of her charming animal stories. This beloved tale of a mischievous rabbit who sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden has delighted generations of children. The book’s original illustrations, with their delicate watercolors and fine details, have become iconic in children’s literature. The first edition, with its brown cloth cover, features these illustrations and is a classic example of early 20th-century British children’s books.

The scarcity of early editions, particularly those with intact dust jackets or in exceptional condition, drives the book’s collector appeal. A first edition, especially one with well-preserved illustrations and binding, can fetch around $1,000‑$2,000 in today’s market, with even higher prices for copies in near-mint condition or with signatures.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams (1922)

“The Velveteen Rabbit” is a timeless tale of a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real through the love of a child. The book’s beautiful illustrations by William Nicholson complement the moving story, and the poignant themes of love, loss, and transformation resonate deeply with readers of all ages. First editions, with their soft, rich illustrations and the book’s first printings, are highly valued by collectors.

This particular edition’s historical significance as one of the earliest American children’s books that dealt with themes of childhood innocence and fantasy elevates its value. Collectors prize the first edition, particularly those with a dust jacket. A first edition is typically valued at $800‑$1,200, with prices climbing even higher for signed copies or those in impeccable condition.

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne (1926)

A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh” remains one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. The charming and whimsical adventures of Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood have been adored by readers for generations. The original illustrations by E. H. Shepard are central to the book’s appeal, and they bring Milne’s characters to life in a way that feels both tender and humorous.

The first edition of this book, especially one with the original dust jacket, is a true collector’s treasure. The condition of the dust jacket plays a significant role in determining the value. A first edition of “Winnie-the-Pooh” in good condition with its dust jacket intact can easily be worth $2,000‑$3,000 or more, with signed copies reaching higher price points.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963)

Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” revolutionized children’s literature, blending fantasy, emotion, and imagination in a way that had never been done before. The story of Max and his adventures with the Wild Things captured the hearts of both children and adults, and Sendak’s groundbreaking illustrations are now considered iconic.

First editions of this book, especially those with the original dust jacket, are highly collectible. The value increases significantly if the book is signed by Sendak, making it one of the most sought-after picture books for collectors. A clean first edition without a signature might range around $700‑$1,000, but signed copies can be valued at much more, depending on condition.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952)

E. B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” is a classic in American children’s literature, filled with themes of friendship, loss, and the circle of life. The first edition of the book, featuring illustrations by Garth Williams, has become an essential collector’s item. White’s heartwarming tale of a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte continues to be treasured by readers of all ages.

The first edition of “Charlotte’s Web,” with its distinctive cover and illustrations, remains a highly sought-after item. A copy in good condition with the original dust jacket can be worth $500‑$800, with rare signed copies or books in exceptional condition reaching higher prices.

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling (1902)

Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So Stories” is a collection of tales about the origins of various animals. The first edition of this book is a significant part of Kipling’s legacy as an author and is highly prized for its intricate illustrations. The stories have been beloved by children for generations, and the early illustrated editions remain highly collectible.

The first edition, featuring the original illustrations, is a rare and desirable find. Depending on condition, a first edition might fetch $600‑$1,000, with higher values for copies with their original bindings intact.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865)

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel, is one of the most well-known children’s books in the world. Its blend of whimsical characters and surreal adventures has captivated readers for over a century. The first edition of this book, with Tenniel’s iconic illustrations, remains a treasure in the world of collectible books.

First editions in exceptional condition are very rare, and books with the original binding, cover, and illustrations intact are highly sought after. A first edition in good condition might fetch $1,500‑$2,500, with pristine copies or signed editions reaching much higher prices.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (1900)

L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is one of the most enduringly popular children’s stories, beloved for its imaginative world and colorful illustrations. The book’s first edition, with its vibrant illustrations by W. W. Denslow, is highly prized by collectors. The value of early editions, especially those with the original color plates intact, has only increased over time.

A first edition of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” can be worth $1,000‑$1,500, depending on the condition and whether the color plates are intact. Copies in pristine condition or those with original dust jackets may see even higher values.

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens by J. M. Barrie (1906)

“Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens” is a beautifully illustrated edition of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of the boy who never grows up. Unlike the more well-known “Peter Pan” play, this book focuses on the character’s early adventures in the magical gardens of London. The delicate and intricate illustrations by Arthur Rackham add a sense of wonder and depth to the story, bringing Barrie’s world to life in a very special way.

First editions of this title are highly collectible, particularly those with intact color plates. Because of the beautiful illustrations and its significance in the Peter Pan lore, this book commands attention from collectors. A first edition in good condition can be worth $800‑$1,200, with higher values for copies with pristine bindings and illustrations intact.

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter (1903)

In this delightful story, Beatrix Potter introduces a tailor who must rely on the help of his animal friends to finish an important task. The charming tale, combined with Potter’s signature illustrations, has made “The Tailor of Gloucester” one of the more sought-after books in her collection. This particular edition is unique for its rich watercolor illustrations, which capture the warmth and whimsy of the story.

First editions of this book, particularly those with the original brown cloth cover and gold lettering, are highly prized. Their value can be anywhere between $600‑$900 depending on the condition of the book and the presence of any special features such as a dust jacket.

.This article originally appeared on Avocadu.