“OH, IF I COULD ONLY BE MYSELF!”
CARLE, Eric. The Mixed-Up Chameleon. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1975. Quarto, original laminated pictorial boards. $500.
First edition of Carle’s colorful tale, signed by him on the title page.
In creating this book, Carle was inspired by the children at the many schools he visited. He often drew animals to show students the process of creation. Due to the enthusiasm of the children, Carle found himself often illustrating just the most characteristic features of each animal. Those experiences led him to the invention of this mixed-up chameleon who imitates the appearance of each zoo animal he encounters. Carle also chose to illustrate the book with child-like crayon drawings. In later editions, however, he changed the illustrations, replacing them with his more commonly used paper cut-outs.
Light foxing to text and boards, expert repairs to spine ends. A very good signed copy.