TLS signed “Ted,” one page, 8.25 x 12.75, July 2, no year. Letter to his former editor. In part [spelling and grammar retained]: “Re Hand Book, Al's new version is very encouraging. Much simpler and more illustratable than before. I am now analyzing it from the point of view of action and forward motion. Also, to see if we can get more of a 'story feeling' into it. Also to see if it can be made more exciting, step by step. (From page 22 on, it goes forard and backwards simultaneously.) They're pulling a goat toward a boat, as if this action had some meaning. Then in the next picture, goat is dropped and boy is helping mother put on coat which will be a very dull picture, Then we have active scene of music making, and dull scene of walking hand in hand. Then we go to three very dull concepts…drawing, writing and praying. (If drawing and writing are used, it should happen way back in book. Praying, in my opinion, should be not used at all.) The final scene of hand stands is also very static. Maybe after we have the boy and the monk standing on their hands, they should start walking on their hands. This might enable us to start some forward motion into new scenery. The above is just rumination that I haven't thought through yet." In very good condition, with intersecting folds and scattered stains.
The Hand Book was being developed for the 'Bright and Early' series of children's stories published by Beginner Books, a children's publisher co-founded by Seuss and acquired by Random House shortly thereafter. The first two books in the series were written by Seuss and entitled The Foot Book and The Eye Book; the fifth, which he discusses in this letter, was written by Al Perkins and released in 1969 under the title Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb, which has become one of the best-selling early children's books ever written. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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