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 20 x 16-3/4” color poster by children’s illustrator Marguerite de Angeli (The Door in the Wall, Yonie Wondernose, Bright April) is in About Fine condition with minor wear and a small closed tear. One of the things I really love about these posters is that each so clearly reflects the time and culture in which it was created. The security and optimism of post-War America is clearly depicted in this 1948 vision of a young girl reading to her brother.