Most Valuable Little Golden Books: Value and Price Guide

For generations of children, the Little Golden Books series has been a treasured part of childhood. These small, brightly-colored books have introduced countless children to the joys of reading. Whether they are learning to read or simply enjoying a story, children always remember their experience with these classic books.

If you were a child of the 80s or 90s, there’s a good chance that you read Little Golden Books. These small, hardcover books were filled with timeless stories that children loved. They have been published since 1942 and many of them are still popular today. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most popular Little Golden Books and discuss their value. Keep reading!

The History of Little Golden Books

Little Golden Books have been a staple of childhood for over 75 years. First published in 1942, these small, affordable books were designed to be accessible to all families. Featuring iconic artwork and beloved stories, Little Golden Books quickly became best-sellers. Over the years, the series has continued to evolve, introducing new characters and stories while maintaining its core values of quality and affordability.

Little Golden Books were first introduced in 1942 at the price of just 25 cents each. The books were specially designed to be affordable for families affected by the Great Depression, and their arrival marked a major shift in the world of children’s literature. Prior to Little Golden Books, most children’s books were sold for $2 to $3 and were considered a luxury item. However, the low price point of Little Golden Books made them accessible to a much wider audience.

A new line of books launched in the 1960s for slightly older children aged five and up. They were called Big Little Golden Books and were larger in size, featuring more complex stories. In addition, Golden Melody Books were introduced in the 1980s. These special books played music when opened, making them a favorite among young children.

Today, Little Golden Books continue to be popular among families with young children. Thanks to their affordability and timeless stories, they are sure to remain a cherished part of childhood for generations to come.

Which Little Golden Book Was Published First

The first 12 little golden books were published in September 1942 and were released to stores the following month. The series was an instant success, and it included titles such as:

• Three Little Kittens, by Marie Simchow Stern
• Bedtime Stories, illus. Gustaf Tenggren
• Mother Goose, by Phyllis Fraser, illus. Gertrude E. Espenscheid
• Prayers for Children, by Rachel Taft Dixon
• The Little Red Hen, illus. Rudolf Freund
• Nursery Songs, by Leah Gale, illus. Corinne Malvern
• The Alphabet from A to Z, by Leah Gale, illus. Vivienne Blake and Richard Peck
• The Poky Little Puppy, by Janette Sebring Lowrey, illus. Gustaf Tenggren
• The Golden Book of Fairy Tales, by Winfield Scott Hoskins
• Baby’s Book of Objects
• The Animals of Farmer Jones, by Leah Gale, illus. Richard Scarry
• This Little Piggy and Other Counting Rhymes, by Phyllis Cerf Wagner, illus. Roberta Harris Pfafflin Petty

In the 75 years since their debut, these Little Golden Books have become a cherished part of childhood for generations of kids. Thanks to their enduring popularity, it’s likely that they will continue to bring joy to young readers for many years to come.

How to Find the Edition Year of My Little Golden Book

While most people are familiar with Little Golden Books, they may not know that the way to determine the edition of these popular children’s books has changed over the years. For books published from 1942 to 1946, the edition number can be found on the first or second page. For books published from 1947 to 1970, the edition number is located on the last page in the lower right-hand corner, with each letter of the alphabet corresponding to a specific edition. For example, ‘A’ was used for first editions while ‘Z’ was used for the 26th edition.

From 1971 to 1991, the edition letter was moved to the left bottom corner of the first or second page. And finally, for books published from 1991 to 2001, Roman numerals were used to indicate both the printing date and copyright date.

Another clue is to look at the illustrations. If they appear dated, that may be an indication that the book is from an earlier era.

Top 10 Most Valuable Vintage Little Golden Books

While any vintage Little Golden Book is sure to be a valuable addition to your collection, some are more sought-after than others. Here are the top 10 most valuable vintage Little Golden Books in 2022:

No.	Title	Author	Release year	Price
1	Walt Disney’s Once Upon a Wintertime	Tom Oreb	1950	$498,98
2	Pain D’Epice Pat A Cake	Contes de Nourrice	1948	$284,99
3	Just Imagine: A Book About Fairyland Rhymes	Guy Gilchrist	1990	$195,95
4	The New House In The Forest	Lucy Sprague Mitchell	1946	$156,75
5	Funny Book	Gertrude Crampton	1950	$154
6	Tom Thumb	Carl Memling	1958	$147,51
7	Robert and His New Friends	Nina Schneider	1951	$142,50
8	Wagon Train	Emily Broun	1958	$138,69
9	The Little Trapper	Kathryn and Byron Jackson	1950	$137,75
10	Walt Disney’s Darby O’Gill	Annie North Bedford	1959	$129,99

Walt Disney’s Once Upon a Wintertime by Tom Oreb

At US $498.98, Once Upon a Wintertime by Tom Oreb is currently the most expensive Little Golden Book on the market. While some may be surprised by the high price tag, the book’s rarity makes it a valuable collector’s item. First published in 1953, Once Upon a Wintertime was one of the first Little Golden Books to feature full-color illustrations throughout.

Pain D’Epice Pat A Cake by Contes de Nourrice

A little-known fact about the Little Golden Books is that some of the early editions were published in France. These French versions are quite rare, and the 1948 edition of Pat a Cake is no exception. This particular book is in excellent condition, with no marks or tears, and is currently being offered for sale at $284.99. While this may seem like a steep price, it is actually quite reasonable for a book of this rarity.

Just Imagine: A Book Of Fairyland Rhymes by Guy Gilchrist

Just Imagine: A Book Of Fairyland Rhymes by Guy Gilchrist is a delightful collection of 11 short stories that are perfect for bedtime reading. The book is filled with charming illustrations, and each story has a moral lesson to teach. The most expensive copy of this book is in very good condition, with only minor wear around the edges and corners.

The New House in the Forest by Lucy Sprague Mitchell

The New House in the Forest was published in 1946, making it one of the oldest Little Golden Books still in circulation. The book follows the story of a family who build a new house in the forest and have to deal with all the challenges that come with it. Despite being over 70 years old, The New House in the Forest is still in excellent condition and is currently listed on eBay for $156.75. While this may seem like a lot of money for a children’s book, it is actually a bargain compared to other collectible items.

Funny Book by Gertrude Crampton

A Little Golden Book Funny Book first 1950 edition with minor wear on corners and spine by Gertrude Crampton goes for $154.00 at the moment. This particular book is in good condition for its age, with only minor wear on the corners and spine. The book is a collection of humorous stories and poems that are perfect for young readers. The illustrations are simple but engaging, and the humor will appeal to both kids and adults.

Tom Thumb by Carl Memling

Originally published in 1958, the Little Golden Book Tom Thumb Edition B is a highly coveted collector’s item. The book tells the classic fairy tale of “Tom Thumb,” in which a young boy embarks on a series of fantastic adventures. The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, making the book a delight to read. Today, the Little Golden Book Tom Thumb Edition B is considered to be a rare find, with only a handful of copies known to exist. As such, it is considered to be a valuable collectors item, with some copies selling for as much as $147.51.

Robert and His New Friends by Nina Schneider

 “Robert and His New Friends” is one of the early titles in the series and is now a rare collector’s item. In good condition, a first edition can sell for over $100. However, an especially well-preserved copy recently sold for $142.50 at auction. Given its condition and provenance, the book represents a sound investment for any collector of children’s literature.

Wagon Train by Emily Broun

The Little Golden Book Wagon Train, a first edition book authored by Emily Broun, is selling at $138.69 in good condition. This particular copy has no writing, other than a name in pencil on the nameplate. The pages are lightly tanned without tears or folds. It is written in a simple and engaging style that makes it perfect for young readers. The illustrations are colorful and detailed, making the book a visual feast.

The Little Trapper by Kathryn and Byron Jackson

A Little Golden Book titled The Little Trapper, first edition from 1950 by Kathryn and Byron Jackson can go for $137. This particular copy of The Little Trapper is a first edition and it’s in good condition, with only minor wear. What makes this book valuable is that it hasn’t been re-issued, because it shows a little boy with a gun, which isn’t socially acceptable these days.

Walt Disney’s Darby O’Gill by Annie North Bedford

The 1959 first edition of Darby O’Gill is a charming children’s book that has become a collector’s item in recent years. The book tells the story of an Irishman who discovers a leprechaun’s pot of gold. The original first edition is becoming increasingly difficult to find, and it typically sells for around $130.00. This particular copy is in good condition, with only some wear on the corners of the front and back covers. Additionally, there is a small amount of crayon on the title pages.

Little Golden Book Average Values

These inexpensive hardcover books were published by Simon & Schuster and originally sold for only $0.25 each. Today, Little Golden Books are highly collectible, and their value can range from $1 to $25, depending on the condition and edition. While some collectors focus on a specific theme or genre, others simply enjoy the nostalgia of owning a book that was once a beloved part of their childhood.

What Makes Little Golden Books Valuable?

First published in 1942, these small, affordable books quickly became a mainstay in homes and libraries across America. Today, Little Golden Books are highly collectible. But what makes these books so valuable?

Edition and Publishing Date

Over the years many books have been lost or destroyed, making them increasingly rare. As a result, collectors are willing to pay high prices for vintage editions from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. First and second editions of Little Golden Books are especially valuable. While modern reprints are still widely available, they lack the same nostalgic appeal as the originals. For many people, owning a piece of history is worth more than any amount of money.

Condition

Over the years many vintage Little Golden Books have become worn, damaged, or even lost their covers. As a result, collectors are willing to pay a premium for books that are in good condition.

The Little Golden Book Collectors’ site rates books on a scale of 1 to 5: Mint, Fine, Good, Poor, Junk. By understanding the different conditions, collectors can get a better idea of how much their books are worth.

• Mint condition books are like new and have the highest value.
• Fine condition books have been read but still look like new.
• Good condition books may show some signs of wear, but they are still in good condition overall.
• Poor condition books are missing some pages and have writing on them.
• Junk condition books can be missing pages and have significant cover damage, so they have the lowest value.

Rarity

Rare books have always been prized by collectors, and Little Golden Books are no exception. While most Little Golden Books are easy to find and relatively inexpensive, rare editions can be quite valuable. First edition books by well-known authors and illustrators can be especially valuable. Some authors to look out for include:

• Margaret Wise Brown
• Eloise Wilkin
• Tom Oreb
• Emily Broun
• Carl Memling

How Much Are Your Little Golden Books Worth?

So, how much are your little golden books worth? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. To get a more accurate estimate of your book’s value, you’ll need to take it to a local pawn shop or collectibles dealer. With their expertise, they should be able to give you a better idea of how much your book is worth. However, there are some other things that you can do.

Compare to Recently-Sold Pieces

Interestingly, the value of little golden books can vary greatly from one copy to the next. However, we can get a general idea of their worth by comparing them to recently-sold pieces on websites like AbeBooks or eBay. For example:

• This Little Piggy and Other Counting Rhymessells for $1,600 on AbeBooks.
• A fan-favorite Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Pluto Pupcan fetch well over $5,000.
• Doctor Dan: The Bandage Manis also a rare Little Book worth around $3,000.
• The Poky Little Puppysells for $2,500.

However, these are some of the more expensive examples. Most little golden books are not worth thousands of dollars.

• A first edition of Seven Little Postmensells for only $13 on eBay.
• Nursery Songs from 1950 are worth around $50.
• Animal Quiz Booksells for around $30.

What Little Golden Books Are Collectible

While any Little Golden Book can be a treasured part of a collection, there are some that are especially collectible. The most valuable Golden Books are those from the first few years of production, known as first editions. These books can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity.

The most sought-after books are from the original twelve that were published in 1942. Other factors that can affect a book’s value include its condition, illustrations, authorship, and subject matter. If it’s written by a famous author such as Margaret Wise Brown, it’s more collectible.

One of the most collectible Little Golden Books are the wartime editions, produced during the paper shortages of World War II. These books are easily distinguished by their smaller page size and reduced page count. The paper quality was also changed, to a thinner and less sturdy paper that was easier to produce during the war years.

Where to Sell Little Golden Books

Little Golden Books are some of the most cherished children’s books around, and if you have a few tucked away in your attic or closet, you may be wondering where to sell them.

Online

Interestingly, both eBay and Etsy have become popular platforms for selling vintage and antique children’s books. On eBay, you’ll find a wide variety of buyers who are interested in everything from first editions to rare titles. Etsy, on the other hand, tends to attract buyers who are looking for something more personal – perhaps a book that was passed down through their family, or one that holds special meaning for them. Either way, both eBay and Etsy can be great places to sell Little Golden Books.

Other great options are Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Facebook Marketplace is a convenient way to reach local buyers who are interested in collecting or nostalgia. Simply take some pictures of your books and create a listing. Similarly, Craigslist is also a good option for finding local buyers.

Locally

While you could try to sell them online, you may have more luck finding buyers at local antique shops or bookstores. Many of these businesses deal in used books and are always on the lookout for new additions to their inventory. In addition, selling locally can help you avoid the hassle of shipping the books yourself.

Little Golden Book Selling Tips

If you’re considering selling your Little Golden Books, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• The condition of the book is key. A pristine copy will be worth more than one that is well-loved but battered.
• It’s important to do your research before setting a price. Check online auction sites and comparable sales to get an idea of what your book might be worth. Once you have an idea of what your books are worth, you need to decide how to list them for sale.
• When listing your books for sale, be sure to provide clear and accurate descriptions. Include information about the condition of the book, as well as any special features or editions that make it unique.
• Be sure to set a fair price, and don’t be afraid to negotiate if necessary.

With a little effort, you can ensure that your Little Golden Book sells for the best possible price.

Final Thoughts

First published in 1942, Little Golden Books have remained a beloved part of childhood for generations. Thanks to their affordable price and durability, these books have been passed down from one generation to the next, becoming cherished heirlooms in the process. While most Little Golden Books are relatively common and can be found for a few dollars, some are quite rare and highly sought-after by collectors.

The most valuable Little Golden Books are those featuring iconic characters or classic stories. Of course, the value of a book is also determined by its condition, so well-preserved copies are often worth more than those that show signs of wear and tear. With that in mind, even a relatively common book can be quite valuable if it is in good condition. With a little bit of research, it is possible to find a treasure among the pages of a Little Golden Book!