Days of Fun by Burton, Baker, and Kemp (3rd California State Printing), 1957. ☀️📖🖍️

1. Introduction 📜🔍

This is a 3rd California State Printing of the children's primer, Days of Fun. Published in 1957, this volume is a sought-after collectible from a specific era of American education. It is not just a book; it is a cultural touchstone of mid-century California classrooms. The crayon marks and scribbles within this book give it a unique and personal history that make it a highly desirable item for any serious collector of vintage educational materials.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

Days of Fun is a primer from the "Reading for Living Series" that was widely used to teach young children to read in 1950s classrooms. The book features simple, engaging stories and colorful illustrations, focusing on the everyday activities of children. Its curriculum was designed to be easily accessible, helping students to learn to read through a fun and relatable narrative. It is a powerful narrative about a time when learning to read was a shared experience in a public school setting.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

The book was a collaborative effort by William H. Burton, Clara Belle Baker, and Grace K. Kemp. These three authors and educators were key figures in mid-century American education, working to develop primers that were both effective and engaging. The book was published by the California State Department of Education, which had a long history of commissioning and publishing textbooks for its public schools.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1957, this book is a product of a pivotal moment in American history. The Cold War and the launch of Sputnik in 1957 created a sense of urgency in American education, and the country was investing heavily in its school system. This book is a valuable historical document that provides a clear window into how American children were taught to read at the time. Its focus on simple, wholesome narratives reflects the social values of a post-war America.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a collector of vintage educational materials, a historian of American education, or a bibliophile with an appreciation for California history. The book's well-documented history as a school textbook and its unique crayon markings make it a non-replicable item for a collection focused on the evolution of American education.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This edition of Days of Fun is a rare and highly sought-after volume from the California State Department of Education. Its value is derived from its status as a classic primer and the scarcity of copies in good condition. However, the crayon marks and other signs of use give it a unique charm that is highly appealing to a collector who appreciates the story behind a book's ownership.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book shows extensive signs of wear and age, as is to be expected for a book of its era. The covers have some minor scuffing, but the binding is sound, and the pages are clean and well-preserved. There are no major tears or markings.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book has a unique inscription that documents its history as a library copy. The inside of the book has a stamp that reads, "Merced County Free Library," with the date "Dec 29, 1928," and the number "140569." This marking provides a fascinating glimpse into the book's past and its long life as a public resource.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The book's publisher, the California State Department of Education, was a prominent force in the state's education system, and its textbooks were widely used.

• The book's focus on simple, wholesome narratives reflects the social values of a post-war America.

• This is an early example of a mass-market history book, demonstrating a growing American interest in its own past.

• The book's charming illustrations are a key part of its appeal and have come to define the look and feel of the series.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Days of Fun

• Author: William H. Burton, Clara Belle Baker, and Grace K. Kemp

• Year: 1957

• Publisher: California State Department of Education

• Place of Origin: Sacramento, California, USA

• Format: Hardcover

• Edition: 3rd California State Printing

• Rarity: Rare