Hardcover. First edition. Edited by Clarence L. Holte. Illustrated by Robert S. Pious. Designed by Louise E. Jefferson.
64pages. White pictorial cloth. Illustrated throughout, in color by African-American artist Robert S. Pious.
A fine, unused copy in publisher's unprinted clear plastic wrap-around dust jacket as issued, the dust jacket is lightly soiled, near fine.
Holte was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1909. He was a pioneering specialist in ethnic markets, a bibliophile, publisher, and the founder of the Nubian Press. Designed by Louise E. Jefferson, African-American artist, photographer and designer who was a founding member of the Harlem Artists Guild, and was considered a pioneer among African-American women in the publishing industry. The first book published by the Nubian Press.
Devoted to African-American children, the text includes a preface by Clarence Holte and an introduction by Dr. Frederick C. Green, who emphasizes the importance of parents as good role models, to promote pride in race, in order to instill self-esteem, and to "Counteract the destructive impact of a hostile and racist environment...".
Text provides places for entries and details about the baby's development during the first seven years, including doctor's visits, anecdotes, photographs, etc.
Each page also prints an African proverb, quotation, or excerpts from the writings of noted African-American authors, including Georgia Douglas Johnson, Phillis Wheatley, Jessie Fauset, Paul Laurence Dunbar et al. Last leaf of text prints a "Suggested Reading List," including books by Jacob Lawrence, Langston Hughes et al.
Excellent condition