PAT THE BUNNY by KUNHARDT, DOROTHY

KUNHARDT, DOROTHY. KUNHARDT,DOROTHY. PAT THE BUNNY. NY: Simon & Schuster 1940. 12mo, (4 1/8" wide x 5 3/8), pictorial boards, small mend to paper on edge else Fine in publisher's box (box soiled and repaired). A now classic book, illustrated in color. Every other page offers a different activity for the youngest child to enjoy (7 in all): 1. pat the white fur of the bunny, 2. cloth covering a face can be lifted to play peek-a-boo, 3. smell the flowers, 4. shake mommy's button box, 5. sandpaper on Daddy's face simulates his scratchy beard, 6. read Judy's book, 7. a hole in a page lets the child pretend to try on mommy's ring. The first issue of this title had a ball that squeaked when the child pressed it. Because it malfunctioned most of the time, it was replaced with a box of real buttons. The mirror in the first issue was replaced with scented flowers that gave off their aroma when scratched. This is one of the rarest of all modern picture books, especially in the original box. See Bader p.238-9.