1930 | The Sugar Plum Tree and Other Verses | Eugene Field | Fern Bisel Peat | Illustrated Children’s Poetry

A beautiful 1930 collection of Eugene Field’s whimsical children’s poetry, illustrated by Fern Bisel Peat. This oversized vintage book is especially charming for its mix of bold full page color artwork and detailed black and white illustrations throughout. The title poem, The Sugar Plum Tree, takes children to a fantastical world of candy, lollipops, marshmallows and the “garden of Shut Eye Town,” making this one of those old children’s books that still feels magical nearly a century later.

This is the 1930 Saalfield Publishing Company edition. Copies of this edition are identified by booksellers as first editions, and higher condition copies are collectible. Similar 1930 copies are currently listed around $15 to $46, with nicer examples from antiquarian dealers around $30 to $45. A substantially nicer copy retaining its scarce original dust jacket is listed much higher at $100. 

Condition: Vintage condition with visible age related wear to the pictorial covers and edges, including rubbing, corner wear and some surface wear. Interior pages show normal age toning and occasional spotting. The illustrated pages remain wonderfully vibrant, and the book retains tons of visual charm for its age.

Age range: Originally created as a children’s poetry and illustrated story collection. Best suited today for approximately ages 5–10 as a read aloud, poetry collection or vintage literature supplement. Also highly appealing to adult collectors of illustrated children’s books.