Books published by publisher Laughing Elephant

Another in our popular series of shaped books tellling the still pertinent story of two ways of life. Good stories never lose their power. Aesop, an ancient Greek, first wrote this tale of a country mouse who samples the life of her city cousin, and finds the simple peace of the country far preferable. Ethel Hays, the illustrator, has changed the cousins from male to femaile so that she can indulge her talent for rendering beautifully dressed mouse ladies. Even the country mouse's Sunday best is outshone by the city mouse's complex and fashionable wardrobe.

With such enthusiastic response to our reproductions of die-cut antiquarian children's books, we have been in search of more titles that our discerning customers would enjoy. The Cats' Pajamas (1932) is another title from Frances Brundage, the illustrator of our popular The Three Bears. The Cats' Pajamas is a truly delightful tale of a fashion conscious cat and her two kittens. After receiving brand new stylish pajamas, the small kittens promptly ruin them with reckless play, but, as they discover, a mother's love surpasses even beautiful pajamas. This would make a wonderful gift for new parents building their classics collection or an avid young reader. It is die-cut around the cover image, the newest in our ""shape"" book series.

The Three Pigs is a lively and humorous retelling of the classic fairytale about three sibilings learnign about self- reliance and standing up to bullies and the wolf gets a good scare as well. Classic vintage illustrations have been paired with an updated text suitable for beginning readers. In a sturdy board book format suitable for little hands to handle without worry of tears.

The adventures of Pepper, Snowdrift, Cottonball, Mitzie and all the other adorable kittens and puppies is conveyed in this mid-century picture book, delightfully illustrated by Bertha Boyd. The young animals find themselves in various scrapes, such as exploits with mom’s sewing basket, unwanted baths and trying on some fashionable hats. Puppies and Kittens is suitable for young readers, and will delight anyone with an interest in vintage book illustration.

Our most popular title, this version of the elemental tale of a little girl, her grandmother and a scary wolf is illustrated by Gladys Hall and dates from around 1910. It is rendered in bright primary colors, and the little girl – Rosie – is utterly adorable in her gingham dress and red cloak. The wolf is vanquished, Rosie is saved, and all ends well in this most gentle of Red Riding Hoods.

“The Happiest Who’s Who Ever Written” -Original advertising slogan for book in 1954. Who’s Who in Oz is an illustrated index of nearly every character that ever appeared in the first 39 Oz books. Who’s Who in Oz is Wonderful in its scope and reach; author, Jack Snow, did a remarkable job gathering these characters together and his descriptions or as he calls them “ informal introductions to over six hundred and thirty Oz characters- people, animals, and creatures- with hints on the parts they play in the thirty-nine Oz books” show a foremost Oz scholar, and excellent writer himself, at work. Each character description also has a reference telling you the first page on which this character appeared, and in which Oz book. There are many black and white illustrations, by John R. Neill, Frank Kramer and “Dirk”, that give us a delightful glimpse into the truly amazing, imaginative world of OZ.

We have more than fifty versions of this wonderful poem in our library; this is one of our favorites. Margaret Evans Price has a gentle talent. The Santa Claus on the cover, and throughout, is one of the kindest Santas ever imagined. This is a Santa who is appealingly earth bound. This is a facsimile of the 1917 edition. We have die-cut it, as in the original, and the shaped / rounded top makes it especially appealing. This is an ideal first "Night Before Christmas" for a young child.

This shaped picture book uses vintage illustrations from Laughing Elephant’s treasure trove to explore Halloween from a child’s perspective. Essential Halloween activities such as selecting a costume, pumpkin carving, parties, trick-or-treating and apple bobbing are all depicted. A simple text links the images, and together they weave an evocative spell of nostalgic Halloween magic.

Ever since we published our happily received Santa’s ABC Coloring Book a few years back we have been watching for another fine old coloring book to add to our publications. Finally, in a Paris flea market, we found what we sought - Album à Colorier. It brings French style to the coloring book, and now we bring it to you. Originally published in 1942, Album à Colorier boasts excellent design, and is wonderfully evocative of a French child’s life in the mid-20th century. There are beautiful color pictures of children at home, at school and at play. We visit homes, parks and the seaside, and see the children cook, play storekeeper, ski and have a picnic. Black and white versions of most of these images allow the user to recreate the loveliness, while at the same time journeying to another place and time.

Laughing Elephant's board book version of Peter Rabbit is a playful mid-century adaptation of the classic children's tale. The popular tale of a disobedient rabbit and his misadventures in Mr. McGregor's garden is here offered in a bright and colorful adaptation. Peter and his rabbit family adventures are delightfully presented in an updated text suitable for beginning readers. Young children will enjoy having this attractively produced volume read to them or reading it for themselves. With a pleasing die-cut shape, foil embossed cover elements, cloth accented spine, and double thick pages, Peter Rabbit has all the hallmarks of a book that will become a family treasure for generations to come. This new version is based on a whimsical 1950's version, with charming full color illustrations on every page. Readers, old and young, will love the adventures that ensue after Mrs. Rabbit says, presciently, “You may go out to play but don’t go into Mr. McGregor’s garden!”

This addition to our popular series of shaped books for children is a happy story about the activities of one of Halloween’s most durable icons – the black cat. It shows how fully they enter into the spirit of the holiday. We see black cats with their fellow Halloween icons–jack-o-lanterns, witches of all varieties, and owls. They join children in their trick or treat rounds, and do their best to be scary. Some wear costumes, and in the spirit of the holiday, frolic and dance. Black kittens join the celebration with their feline elders. We have illustrated this charming book with a variety of vintage Halloween images, including rare vintage postcards.