Books

London New York Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1938. First printing. Near fine in near fine jacket.. Association first edition of Tudor's first book, inscribed to her niece Sylvie Ann, the model and namesake of Sylvie Ann in the book, and accompanied by two letters describing the gift and receipt of the book by Tudor and Sylvie Ann's mother respectively. On the dedication page the printed text reads: "A wee story for a very sweet wee person." This is continued in Tudor's hand: "called Sylvie Ann, with just no end of love from her Aunt Tasha. This book was supposed to be your Christmas present for last year, but I couldn't send it 'till now as it had to be printed. 1938." In the printed "This Book Belongs To" box on the front pastedown, Sylvie Ann has written her name in childish script. The book is accompanied by two amazing letters: the first is a 2-page letter by Tudor to Sylvie Ann, that refers to PUMPKIN MOONSHINE as a gift for her. Dated Dec. 6, 1942, it reads:…

Pumpkin Moonshine is a delightful children’s book that tells the story of Sylvie Ann and her adventure in finding and carving a pumpkin (a pumpkin moonshine) for Halloween. Despite the simplicity of the tale, the book captures the essence of the holiday and childhood excitement, all beautifully illustrated by the author.

First editions of Pumpkin Moonshine are often identified by their publication details from Oxford University Press in 1938 with specific cover illustrations by Tasha Tudor, lacking subsequent edition or print run numbers.