Collecting Little Golden Books

If you buy Little Golden Books either for collecting or reselling, then you need to know as much about your subject matter as possible. And this is not a simple task since a true First Edition must be distinguished from a later printing of the same book. However, this task is made easier with explanations of how to tell them apart from recognized expert, Mr. Santi.

One of the foremost experts in the collecting and valuation of these charming little books is Mr. Steve Santi. Mr. Santi has been issuing Collector's Guides since 1985 that are recognized in the LGB community as THE definitive source.

The 1989 issue was a trade paperback sized soft cover book of only some 266 pages. It was filled with black and white photos, values, authors, and illustrators, as well as the history of THE LITTLE GOLDEN BOOKS' phenomenal success.

The years since 1989 have seen more guides published as the popularity of collecting these little books has grown. A more recent issue was dated 2001 and may still be available through (B&M) Brick and Mortar bookstores as well as on-line books stores such as Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com.  A quick search for "Collecting Little Golden Books" will give you the currently availability of the guides.

If you can't get your hands on a copy of this book, at least drop by Mr. Santi's web set.  You can find it by searching for "Collecting LGBs Steve Santi."

Visiting this site will be well worth your time. This site has great background information as well as color images of the LGB books and his collecting guides. Pictures and biographies of the illustrators are very entertaining and enlightening. There is also a fine FAQ page to help you determine printings and editions.

It is even possible that at any given time, a search on eBay will uncover a copy of this collecting guide book.  Search ebay's current listings for "Collecting Little Golden Books."

Likewise, be sure to check out HDC (Half.com) to see if there are any of these guide for sale at a fixed price!

There was also a great article a year or two ago about the phenomenal success of these LGBs. This article was written by Karen MacPherson and appeared in the online Post-Gazette.  A quick search engine inquiry will find it.  The title was "Little Golden Books Make Big Comeback."

But if you're looking for the ultimate site for collectors - it has to be this one. The Golden Book Collector site is dedicated to information on collecting Little Golden Books. It also has its very own chat room forum solely for these delightful pieces of childhoom memorabilia.  It can be found through a search for the Golden Book Collector's Web Site.

Happy hunting for that priceless piece of your childhood.