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 23 x 16-1/2” color poster by children’s illustrator Mercer Mayer (A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, There’s a Nightmare in My Closet, Just for You [Little Critter]) is folded in quarters (for mailing) as issued, and is in Fine condition with tiny pinholes in each corner. 1970’s “This Is the Age of the Book” is filled with creatures of the zodiac and clearly references and teases the then recent love-rock musical Hair’s “Age of Aquarius.”