“I THINK I CAN. I THINK I CAN. I THINK I CAN.”

PIPER, Watty. The Little Engine That Could. Pictures by Lois L. Lenski. New York: Platt & Munk, (1930). Slim octavo, original red cloth, mounted cover illustration, pictorial endpapers, original dust jacket. $150.

Later edition in book form of one of the most beloved titles of children’s literature, with illustrations by Newbery Medalist Lois Lenski.

Based on a short story appearing in the Kindergarten Review (1910) entitled "The Pony Engine" by Mary C. Jacobs (retold later by Mabel C. Bragg), this mainstay of children's literature first appeared to the general public as part of Olive B. Miller's anthology series My Book House (1920). With its focus on the values of optimism and hard work, The Little Engine That Could is considered by some critics as a metaphor for the American dream. This 1930 version by "Watty Piper" (a nom de plume created by Platt & Munk) is the first separate edition in book form. Later issue, with the words "Trade Mark" on the title page and dust jacket. Carpenter & Pritchard, 315. See Plotnick 5. Gift inscription.

Book fine, dust jacket with long closed tear to front panel, shorter closed tear to rear flap fold, clean and very good.