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 children’s illustrator Wallace Tripp (A Great Big Ugly Man Came Up and Tied His Horse to Me, Marguerite, Go Wash Your Feet!, Wallace Tripp’s Wurst Seller) is folded in half (for mailing) as issued, and is in Fine condition. The 1974 season of Children’s Book Week featured the slogan, “Books for All Reasons.” Several of Tripp’s anthropomorphized animals stand at the base of a precarious pile of books reading one entitled “How to Fly.” Atop the pile is a huge tiger with fabricated wings. What could possibly go wrong?