Bertie on the Beach
Jane Johnson
📚 Genre
Children's Picture Book / Historical Fiction
🏢 Publisher
Victor Gollancz Ltd (UK) / Gareth Stevens Pub (US)
📅 Publication Year
1990
🔢 ISBN
0575047802 (ISBN-10) / 978-0575047808 (ISBN-13)
About This Book
A beautifully illustrated children's story set in the Edwardian era, following a young boy named Bertie and his family on a trip to the seaside. The cover art depicts a family in period costume inside a vintage railway carriage, capturing the nostalgic and detailed watercolor style of the author. Themes include family outings, historical transport, and Victorian/Edwardian lifestyles.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
32 pages
Edition
First Edition (likely British Hardcover)
Series
Part of the Bertie series by Jane Johnson, which also includes 'Bertie and the Bear' and 'Bertie and the Big Red Ball'.
Target Audience
Children (Ages 4-8), Picture Book readers
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible purple marker ink ('Innes') on the top right corner of the front cover. There is minor edge wear and surface scuffing visible on the glossy board cover.
Estimated Value
$10-$25 USD
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a high-value rare book, it is out of print and can be difficult to find in 'Like New' condition. Most copies are found in library-used or well-read condition.
Historical Significance
Illustrates the traditional 'British Seaside Holiday' cultural phenomenon; noted for its high-quality historical detail which is often used in educational settings to teach children about the Edwardian period.
Collector Notes
The marker writing on the front significantly reduces the value for serious collectors. For preservation, keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the watercolor-style print from fading. Collectibility is highest for British first editions in dust jackets (if applicable) or clean pictorial boards.
Similar Books
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr, The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, Brambly Hedge: Sea Story by Jill Barklem.
Notable Features
Rich, detailed period-accurate illustrations by the author that provide a historical glimpse into the early 20th century.