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 color mobile by children’s illustrator Reynold Ruffins (Misoso: One Upon a Time Tales from Africa, The Gift of the Crocodile: A Cinderella Story, A Friend for King Amadou) is in Fine condition in a Fine envelope. Ruffins was one of the four founders (along with Milton Glazer, Seymour Chwast, and Edward Sorel) of the acclaimed Push Pin Studios. Pictured is just one of three punch-out panels used to create the entire mobile; see the black and white illustration on the front of the envelope for the assembled project. “Books Alive!” was the theme of Children’s Book Week in 1980.