Background
How did it all start? The history of the company that ultimately published Golden Books goes back to West Side Printing Company in Racine County, Wisconsin. The first Golden Books were published in 1942. Initially, twelve different, 24-page, books were published. While the cover art varied, all the books were the same small size, hardbound, with like binding, and a price tag of 25¢. A timeline of Golden Books history stretches over 60 years and more than two billion Little Golden Books printed!

The success of these books ensured the publication of others. According to Steve Santi's book "Collecting Little Golden Books" (compare prices) there are hundreds of different Little Golden Books that have captured the hearts of young children (and adults). The list of authors and illustrators who have been involved in Golden Books reads like a "Who's Who" of children's literature. It includes Margaret Wise Brown, Jeanette Sebring Lowrey, Mercer Mayer, Gustaf Tenggren, Eloise Wilken, Richard Scary, Garth Williams, Tibor Gergely, and a myriad of Disney artists.

"Publishers Weekly's" list of children's hardcover bestsellers from the date of publication through 1995 illustrates the popularity of the books. Little Golden Books occupy five of the top six places, with "The Poky Little Puppy" by Janette Sebring Lowrey in first place. It was published in 1942 and by 1995, 14,000,000 copies had been sold in domestic sales. In third, fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively were "Tootle" by Gertrude Crampton (8,055,500); "The Saggy Baggy Elephant" by Kathryn and Byron Jackson (7,098,000); "Scuffy the Tugboat" by Gertrude Crampton (7,065,000); and "Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt (6,146,543). While "pat the bunny" is for babies on up, the other books are popular with children from about two to seven years old. I am delighted to report that these and other classics are still available from Golden Books.

Collecting Golden Books
Many of us have become collectors of Golden Books to ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to enjoy them as we did. Others collect them out of a sense of nostalgia and/or as an investment. There are numerous resources for collectors online, including information on accurately dating Golden Books.

Golden Books Today
In 2001, Golden Books launced its Little Golden Books Classic line, reprinting old favorites on the basis of popular demand. Some of my favorite classic Little Golden Books now available are "The Good Humor Man," "The Poky Little Puppy," "Seven Little Postmen," and "The Shy Little Kitten."

Golden Books is now part of Random House Children's Books. Some of Random House Children's Books imprints include Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, Bantam Books for Young Readers, Random House Books for Young Readers, and Yearling Books.

Share Your Favorite Golden Books
What are the favorite Little Golden Books in your family? Do you remember listening to or reading Little Golden Books when you were a child? Share your memories by posting to the About Children's Books Forum.

What other information would you like me to look for as I research children's books? Contact me at childrensbooks.guide@about.com and let me know.