1957 Rare Signed First English Edition- The Rainbow Children by Josephine Baker

Author: Joséphine Baker, with the assistance of Jo Bouillon. Illustrated by Piët Worm.
Title: The Rainbow Children.
Publisher: Amsterdam, Mulder & Zoon N.V., [circa 1957]. First English Edition signed by Josephine Baker.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 11.5" x 8.5".
Pages: Unpaginated.
Binding: Attractive and very good original pictorial hardcover binding with brightly illustrated boards with whimsical cover design by Piët Worm (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. 
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean - as shown, Signed on the verso of the front free endpaper by Joséphine Baker in blue ink: “Love, Joséphine Baker.”). 
Illustrations: Wonderfully illustrated throughout in vibrant color by Piët Worm, with full-page and double-page spreads filled with imagination and charm.

Estimate: (USD 800–1200).

The book: A scarce and deeply touching children’s book, The Rainbow Children is the creative fruit of Joséphine Baker’s real-life vision of unity and racial harmony. In it, she introduces the world to her “Rainbow Tribe,” a family of children adopted from various countries and ethnic backgrounds, lovingly raised at her estate in Les Milandes, France. The central tale—narrated through the story of a lonely black chicken named Kott-Kott—serves as a sensitive allegory about racial difference, rejection, and ultimately joyful belonging.

This copy is made particularly significant by the presence of Baker’s authentic signature, making it both a literary artifact and a historic testimony to her passionate advocacy for peace and human dignity. Richly illustrated by celebrated Dutch artist Piët Worm, this book remains one of the rarest and most meaningful children's books ever authored by a global cultural icon.

The author: Joséphine Baker (1906–1975) was a world-renowned entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist. Born in the U.S. but adored in France, she used her fame to challenge racial injustice and promote humanitarian ideals. Her Château des Milandes became home to the "Rainbow Tribe," her adopted multi-ethnic family that embodied her belief that people of all races could live together in harmony. The Rainbow Children is the literary embodiment of that dream.

The illustrator: Piët Worm (1909–1996) was a Dutch illustrator beloved for his animated, folkloric drawing style. His whimsical, colorful illustrations bring warmth, joy, and narrative charm to Baker's visionary fable.