The Little Brute Family
Story by Russell Hoban, Pictures by Lillian Hoban
📚 Genre
Children's Picture Book, Fantasy, Moral Tale
🏢 Publisher
Piccolo Books (an imprint of Pan Books)
📅 Publication Year
1972
🔢 ISBN
0330234053 (ISBN-10 for Piccolo edition)
About This Book
The story follows the 'Little Brutes,' a family of grumpy, ill-mannered creatures who are miserable until one day a small member of the family finds a 'Good Feeling.' This discovery transforms the family into the 'nice' Little Nice Family. The cover features an illustration of the family of five with reddish-brown fur, set against an autumnal background with a small cottage.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
32 pages
Edition
Piccolo Picture Books Paperback Edition
Series
The Brute family series (Book 1 of 2); followed by 'Harvey's Hideout' or 'The Stone Doll of Sister Brute'
Target Audience
Children (Ages 3-7)
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Poor. Significant creasing across the spine and cover, edge wear, and notable ink/marker scribbles on the top right corner ('Innes'). The cover shows yellowing/soiling consistent with age and heavy use.
Estimated Value
$2-$8 USD
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While the book itself is a classic, Piccolo vintage paperbacks are frequently found in the UK/Commonwealth market, but this specific copy's condition and markings significantly reduce its market value.
Historical Significance
A staple of 1960s-70s children's literature, the Hoban duo were prolific creators who emphasized emotional intelligence and behavioral changes in domestic settings.
Collector Notes
Collectors typically look for the 1966 Macmillan hardcover first edition. This Piccolo paperback is a reading copy rather than a collector's piece due to the ink damage and heavy creasing. To preserve, keep in a dry, acid-free sleeve to prevent further yellowing of the pulp paper.
Similar Books
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban, Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Notable Features
Features the classic Piccolo Books cat logo at the top; iconic illustrations by Lillian Hoban, known for the Frances the Badger series.