1962 Rare Signed Book - Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Maurice Sendak

Author: Charlotte Zolotow. Illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
Title: Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present.
Publisher: New York and Evanston, Harper & Row Publishers, 1962. First Edition, early printing. Jacket shows the $3.50 price (all other first edition points present; price deviates from the $2.95 of earliest state (HanrahanA52)). Signed by Maurice Sendak.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8 x 7 inches.
Pages: Unpaginated.
Binding: Attractive and near fine original illustrated boards with matching near fine dust jacket (inner front flap lower corner clip) under a protective removable mylar cover. Jacket shows the $3.50 price and 40-80 (all other first edition points present; price deviates from the $2.95 of earliest state).
Content: Near fine content (bright, tight and clean, Ex Libris bookplate featuring a Where the Wild Things Are motif ("LVEB") is affixed to the front pastedown - as shown, the dedication page is signed by Maurice Sendak beneath the printed "for Buena Dapolonia" dedication.
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout in full color by Maurice Sendak with his signature expressive charm and woodland palette. All illustrations are present and in excellent condition.

The book: A beloved collaboration between author Charlotte Zolotow and artist Maurice Sendak, Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present is a tender tale of a young girl seeking the perfect birthday gift for her mother. As she wanders through a gentle, dreamlike forest with Mr. Rabbit, they explore colors and fruits, culminating in a poetic meditation on thoughtfulness and love. This edition includes all the key first edition points except the original $2.95 price—this copy bearing a $3.50 price, suggesting a slightly later state of the first printing. The presence of Sendak's signature adds notable value and desirability.

The author: Charlotte Zolotow (1915–2013) was an influential American author, editor, and publisher of children’s books. With a gentle, lyrical prose style, she often addressed emotionally nuanced topics for young readers. Her work has become a staple in mid-century American children's literature.

The illustrator: Maurice Sendak (1928–2012), one of the most celebrated illustrators of the 20th century, is best known for Where the Wild Things Are. His collaboration with Zolotow showcases his ability to blend whimsy with emotional depth, rendering Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present a poignant visual and literary experience. His signature in this copy significantly enhances its collector appeal.