Established in 1919 by visionary forces from the world of publishing, libraries and (really!) the Boy Scouts, Children’s Book Week is the oldest established celebration of literacy in the country. Administered since 1944 by the Children’s Book Council, the celebration features activities in libraries and bookstores and has been promoted over the years by a wide variety of posters and fliers created by some of the most talented graphic artists and children’s illustrators in the country. Because of the limited duration of each year’s events, most of these materials are regarded as ephemeral and are disposed of following the week’s proceedings.

This original 6 x 22-1/2” color flier by children’s illustrator Marc Simont (Tree is Nice, The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, The Stray Dog) is folded in half (for mailing) as issued, and is in Fine condition. Both the 1957 and 1958 seasons of Children’s Book Week featured the same slogan, “Explore With Books,” and I’ve been unable to determine which of those years this flier dates from. A strong, simple design, as a bear burrows into a tented book while a dove soars at the other end.