Benjamin Budge and Barnaby Ball
Florence Parry Heide; illustrated by Sally Mathews
📚 Genre
Children's Literature, Picture Book, Fiction
🏢 Publisher
Scholastic Book Services
📅 Publication Year
1968
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-ISBN Scholastic era, identified by TJ 1148)
About This Book
A charming children's story about two men who live in houses that do not suit their sizes: Benjamin Budge is a large man in a tiny house, and Barnaby Ball is a small man in a massive castle. The book explores themes of size, suitability, and friendship. The cover features a whimsical, sketchy watercolor illustration of a large castle with a figure standing at the tall gates.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
32 pages
Edition
First Scholastic Paperback Printing
Series
Standalone title
Target Audience
Children (Ages 4-8)
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible corner wear, yellowing/toning of the paper consistent with age, and a previous owner's name ('Cindy') written in ink on the front cover. There is also minor staining/foxing on the right edge.
Estimated Value
$10-$20
Rarity
Uncommon. While not 'rare' in the high-end sense, vintage Scholastic paperbacks from the 1960s are increasingly difficult to find in good condition because they were produced cheaply for school children and often suffered high wear.
Historical Significance
Florence Parry Heide is a celebrated children's author best known for 'The Shrinking of Treehorn'. This book is an early example of her surreal and whimsical storytelling style that became a staple of 1960s/70s Scholastic book fairs.
Collector Notes
Collectibility is primarily nostalgic. The presence of 'Cindy' written in ink on the cover significantly reduces the value for high-end collectors. To preserve, keep in an acid-free sleeve away from direct sunlight, as these high-acid paperbacks brown and become brittle very easily.
Similar Books
The Shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide, The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater, The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
Notable Features
Features the 'TJ 1148' Scholastic catalog number on the front cover. Original 1960s aesthetic with illustrations by Sally Mathews.