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 22-1/2 x 6” color flier by the famous children’s illustrator Don Freeman (Corduroy, The Guard Mouse, Pet of the Met) is folded in half (for mailing) as issued, and is in VG+ condition with a bit of color loss at the fold. The 1955 season of Children’s Book Week featured the slogan, “Let’s Read More!” A stack of books supports a young reader dressed as a cowboy while an owl perches on his hat.