First edition of Alexander, illustrated by Tom Vroman and written by Harold Littledale for Parents' Magazine Press.
Written by Harold Littledale. Illustrated by Tom Vroman. First edition, 1964. Parents' Magazine Press.
The 1960s illustrations by Tom Vroman make Alexander among the most-appreciated children's books from Parents' Magazine Press
"It was bedtime. Chris and his father sat side by side on Chris's bed.
"Alexander was a pretty bad horse today," Chris said.
"His father lit his pipe. "Alexander, the red horse with green stripes?"
"Chris nodded.
"What happened?" Chris's father asked.
Well, lots of things! Alexander wouldn't eat his cereal, tie his shoelaces, or take a nap and he broke a jar of peaches at the grocery story and broke the wheel off his toy fire engine but even then he wouldn't brush his teeth or pick up his toys. What should they do about this misbehaving horse? Tie him up in bed? Build a jail under the dining table? Send him away forever? "I'd miss him," says Chris's Dad.
After giving it some thought, Chris's Dad tells him that it sounds to him like Alexander simply had a bad day, and anybody can have a bad day.
"You wait," he said. "Alexander will be a wonderful little horse tomorrow." ...
"And you'll be a wonderful little boy, too."
It's at this point that we learn that Alexander is Chris's imaginary friend. I wish I could tell you more about the author, Harold Littledale, but he seems to have only written this one charming little story.
Tom Vroman was an influential 20th century illustrator, in publishing and advertising as well as children's books, which include East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Jonathan and The Dragon, An Elephant Is Not A Cat, and A Very, Very Special Day.
Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more first edition children's books.
Condition*: Good. Lacks dust jacket, as issued. Cover boards are slightly bumped at the corners and show minor shelf wear. Pages are complete and undamaged but some are lightly soiled by small fingerprints, and there's a bit of dampstain on the top right corner of the text block.
*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 1 - 3 business days
- United States : 1 - 3 business days
- North America : 1 - 3 business days
- Europe : 1 - 3 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Privacy policy
* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.
Care instructions
1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.
I also recommend the following care instructions.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA
2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.
3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Order processing time
I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.