KENNEDY, Mary. Music by Deems Taylor

A Surprise to the Children

First edition. Seven color illustrations, and thirteen monochrome and many small drawings in the text by J.H. Dowd. Four songs, with music by Deems Taylor. An extra copy of each dustwrapper flap tipped to the rear endpaper, corners a bit rubbed, and several of the black and white drawings have been colored in (more about this later), else a very good or better copy in a good dustwrapper with a large chip at the bottom of the front panel. The Dedication Copy. Inscribed by Mary Kennedy (who was married to Deems Taylor) to their daughter: "For Joan with love from Mary. November 3, 1933." Additionally, on the dedication page, beneath the printed dedication which reads "For Joan" Kennedy has written: "written by her Mother and given to her with a heart full of devoted love." We can only assume that Joan, who would have been six at the time of publication, is responsible for the extra coloring in the text. The jacket text reveals that "their six-year-old daughter, Joan Taylor, suggested the title." [Accompanied by]: the original water color painting for the frontispiece illustration by J.H. Dowd, of two children floating far above land in a bubble. Matted to approximately 10" x 121/2", framed and glazed. Unexamined out of the frame. While the frame and matte exhibit wear, the painting appears fine. Also with an 8" x 10" photograph of Kennedy laid in.

[BTC #98924]