Little Golden Book Monday #181

While at the thrift store the other day I found two copies of the Little Golden Book, Donald Duck's Toy Sailboat. Once I had both in hand, I realized the covers were actually slightly different. I prefer the Donald on the newer edition, but think the chipmunks on the older one are much better. What do you think?

Here are scans of the covers as well as the inside page from both versions.
The first one is the Fourteenth Printing from 1975. The second one is from 1990.

Little Golden Book Monday #130

Today's Little Golden Book is Walt Disney's, Donald Duck's Toy Sailboat. Donald Duck has always been my favorite Disney character (followed closely by Pluto) and I find myself picking this book up every time I find it in a thrift shop, hoping to find a mint copy. This is definitely one of the books I seem to see most often, but almost always they are in pretty dog eared shape. This copy from 1990 is in decent shape and even with a bit of scuffing on the cover around the edges its still probably the best copy I have. Without looking, I would guess that I have 4 or 5 of this book in my collection from various years and differing conditions. Although I have not spent the time to catalogue my complete collection of Little Golden Books yet, I do regularly use my iPhone to visit this blog to check out what books I have already posted, which has actually saved me from buying multiple copies of a number of books!
This book, originally from 1954, has great artwork produced under the supervision of the Walt Disney Studio. The story  is adapted by Samuel Armstrong from the motion picture Chips Ahoy. I particularly like this illustration of a mischievous Donald pouring water onto the small toy boat as Chip & Dale try desperately to pump out the water before they sink!

Little Golden Book Monday #84

Today's Little Golden Book is Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and his Space Ship from 1952.
Text from the inside front page says; This is a brand-new story, written and illustrated especially for Golden Books. The Little Golden Books are prepared under the supervision of Mary Reed, Ph.D. formerly of Teachers College, Columbia University.
The Little Golden Books here bring you, in gay color, delightful stories and illustrations adapted from the world-famous Walt Disney Motion Pictures. In them you will find Pinocchio, The Three Little Pigs, Bambi, Dumbo, Uncle Remus, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and many other well-loved Disney characters.
Copyright 1952 by Wald Disney Productions. All rights reserved throughout the world by Walt Disney Productions. Designed and produced by The Sandpiper Press and Artists and Writers Guild, Inc. Printed in the United States of America by Western Printing and Lithographing Company. Published by Simon and Schuster, Inc., Rockefeller Center, New York 20, NY.
The artwork inside is great. I really wanted to scan a ton of pages, but as I tried to open the book enough to put it on the scanner I could see that the spine was pretty frail. I managed to scan two pages, but as you can see, I only managed to get 3/4 of the page, but this will give you an idea of how wonderful the drawings are throughout the book.

Little Golden Book Monday #65

Today's Little Golden Book is Walt Disney's Donald Duck in Disneyland, from 1955, the year Disneyland opened its doors for the first time.
Being that this book came out at the same time as the park was first opened, its fun to see the things that they feature in the book, along with the names they give things such as The World of Tomorrow, aka Tomorrowland.
From the inside of the book: "This is a brand-new book, illustrated especially for Golden books. The Little Golden Books are produced under the supervision of Mary Reed, PH.D. Formerly of Teachers College, Columbia University."
"In this Little Golden Book adventure from the Walt Disney studio, Donald and his nephews started out on what was planned to be a quiet visit to Disneyland. But Dewey, Louie and Huey had their own ideas of fun. we think the story will be for you, too."
Here is the complete text from the story, along with the drawing from the inside front cover."
Here is the complete text from the story, along with the drawing from the inside front cover.
Hurry up, boys. Keep together. And stay right with me," said Donald Duck anxiously as he and his nephews moved along with the crowd toward the gates of Disneyland.
Soon they found themselves in the rialroad station entrance to Disneyland. Beyond the open doorway stretched Main Street, U.S.A. And beyond that, as the boys well knew, spread a magic wonder world.
"Come on!" cried Huey, tugging at Donald. "Let's go to Fantasyland!" cried Dewey. "No, the World of Tomorrow!" said Louie. "Rocket to the Moon!" Huey broke in.
"Wait!" said Donald, holding up his hand. "First we must take the train ride around Disneyland for the splendid over-all view." So he bought four tickets. But when he turned around, not a single nephew was in sight.
"Huey! Louie! Dewey!" Donald called. "This is no time for a joke. Come on now, the train won't wait." Down the track the locomotive chuffed impatiently. But not a boy appeared.
"Now where could those boys have gone?" Donald fretted. "Train rides a fine way to spot lost boys," the conductor suggested. "From up here you can see the whole of Disneyland. Hop aboard and keep your eyes open. You'll soon spot your boys."
So Donald hopped aboard and found himself a seat. The train started up and soon was streaming past the tropical jungles of True-Life Adventure Land.
As Donald watched, dazzled by the bright flowers and brilliant birds in the trees, a river boat chugged into view. And there at the rail lounged Huey Duck.
But Huey could not see an alligator which was waiting just around the bend, with wide and grinning jaws.
"Watch out, Huey!" Donald cried, but the train chugged out of sight before the boat reached the bend. "Stop the train!" cried Donald. "I have to get out!" But the train went chugging on.
Ahead a whistle hooted. Donald looked around. The scenery had changed. Here a paddle-wheel excursion boat was steaming down A River of America, and on the far bank sprawled a quaint old river town.
Donald scanned the steamer's decks. Just then the steam whistle screeched toot-a-toot toot! And there, hanging on the whistle cord, was grinning Dewey Duck!
Z-z-z! Crack! A rifle shot echoed in the air. Uncle Donald jumped. Around a curve in a desert road, a stage coach came lurching at full speed.
Just behind it raced wild Indians, crouched low in their saddles, waving their bows and tomahawks, and shrieking war cries that curdled the blood.
At the window of the stagecoach two faces appeared-surely Huey and Louie Duck!
"Down, boys!" shrieked Donald, as the train raced past. "Get out of their range!" Drop down!"
Poor Donald! He was trembling as the Disneyland train left the Painted Desert far behind. Had his warning come in time? He could only hope it had.Toot toot! Down below ran another train, the Casey, Jr., on a dizzy ride. And in the cab of the engineer, whom should Donald spy but Dewey Duck, waving to Unca Donald.
"Keep your eyes on the track!" shouted Uncle Donald. "Watch where you're taking the train!"
As Donald sank trembling into his seat, down the aisle the jolly conductor came.
"No sing of your nephews yet?" he smiled. "Well, don't you worry. They'll turn up safe and sound." With a pat on Donald's shoulder, he went on his way.
"Turn u!' Donald gasped. "Safe and sound!" he shuddered. For a few moments then the train chugged past a green and shady grove. Donald stretched and took a deep, happy breath./ Everything looked to peaceful here.
"Whee! Look at me, Unca Donald!" cried a familiar voice. Donald spun around. A pirate ship was sailing toward the clouds on its way to Peter Pan's Neverland.
From the deck Louie Duck waved both hands at uncle Don. But far ahead Donald could see Captain Hook with a drawn sword, waiting for the shop to come near.
"Get you head down and hang on tight!" called Donald. But Louie had not heard. As he disappeared, he was waving still.
"Some fun, Unca Donald. Look at me!" Down a streamlined highway small cars were running - an intent young driver at each wheel. In one car was Huey Duck, steering with both hands.
"Huey! You don't know how to drive!" called Donald, not knowing that Huey had just passed his Disneyland Driving Test. Then the train took Donald out of sight; and to his relief he saw the station ahead.
Donald was the first one off the train. But his shaking knees would not take him far. He had to stop and lean against a post, one hand over his eyes. Where, he wondered, was the hospital? He supposed he should look there first.
"Unca Doanld!" "Hurry up!" "The train's about to leave!" Huey, Dewey, and Louie were dancing around him.
"We've had a wonderful time!" they said."Now we're ready to go with you for a quiet trip on the train."
"Quiet!" squeaked Donald. "You boys go ahead. I can't stand that excitement again."
So while the boys hopped onto the train, Donald tottered off to take a peaceful rocket trip to the moon.

A Disneyland Records Christmas

Here are four great Disneyland Records Christmas records I picked up recently in my thrift shop travels.
The first is Disney Christmas Favorites - The Mouse Concert plus other Yuletide Favorites. Check out this great album cover. I just love the artwork of the mice on the front and back covers of this album. I didn't photograph it, but the back cover has drawings of the various mice playing their different instruments. This copy is made in Canada, 1973, and distributed in Canada by Walt Disney Music of Canada Limited. Songs on the album are your typical Christmas fare. There are two tracks by Cliff Edwards, and one by Ludwig Mousensky and the All Mouse Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.
Second is Walt Disney's Christmas Favorites. This one is from 1958, and is a product of Pickwick International Inc (GB) Ltd, and distributed under licence from Walt Disney Productions Ltd.
The back of the album jacket has some info on Ludwig Mousensky: "This is a record that embodies all the spirits of St. Nicholas, Santa Claus and Father Christmas. In song and story, some old, some new, Mickey Mouse Record artists bring you many delightful moments on this long playing record.
Discovered under a stairway at the Disneyland Studio, the unique all-mouse symphony orchestra under the able baton of Ludwig Mousensky is undoubtedly the first and finest rodent ensemble in the world. And, we here at Disneyland records are proud to present their first recording, The Christmas Concert. Here are Christmas hymns, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Come All Ye Faithful, Jingle Bells, and the popular Winter Wonderland. The Mousensky group's rendition of these songs is truly a delightful experience for all. Under the maestro, the orchestra, consisting of Skueeky, Zeke, Horace, Henrietta, Tubby, Tootie, Clarence, Pinky, Stuffy, Zooty, Hans, Fritz, Otto (these three were formerly with the Vienna's famed eutschMICEster Band), Pee Wee and Frenchy give a new dimension to these Christmas favourites. All proving that Christmas is a time for both mice and men.
Next up is Rankin/Bass presents Frosty's Winter Wonderland, Complete Story and Original Soundtrack from 1976. The complete story from the second (and not nearly as good) Frosty Christmas animated special, told and sung by Andy Griffith. Other guest voices are Shelley Winters as Mrs. Frosty, Dennis Day as the Parson, Jackie Vernon as Frosty, and Paul Frees as jack Frost. This one is also made and distributed in Canada by Walt Disney Music of Canada Limited.
Finally, we have Disney's Merry Christmas Carols, starting Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy & Chop 'n' Dale, with Larry Groce and the Disneyland Children's Sing-Along Chorus. This one also has the usual Christmas songs, including The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't be Late), I Wish it Could be Christmas All Year Yong, Here We Come A-Caroling, Sleigh Ride etc. The nice thing about the album is that the back cover has the lyrics for all eleven songs on the album so that everyone can sing along. The date on this one is 1980.

Little Golden Book Monday #34

Today we have another Christmas themed Little Golden Book. This one is Donald Duck's Christmas Tree. The book is originally from 1954 - this copy is from 1993.
I love Donald Duck and Pluto, so this one is a winner. The artwork throughout the book is great, something you don't always get from some of the older Disney Little Golden Book titles. Here is one of my favorite pages from the book, which shows Pluto growling disapprovingly at Chip who is hiding out in Donald's Christmas tree.
Once again, poor old Pluto gets blamed for the shenanigans of Chip 'n' Dale, but luckily everything works out in the end.
"Well well" he said, chuckling, as he lifted them down. "So you're the mischief-makers. And to think I blamed poor Pluto. I'm sorry, Pluto," said Donald.
Pluto marched over to the door and held it open. He though Chip 'n' Dale should go out in the snow.
"Oh, Pluto!" cried Donald. "It's Christmas Eve. We must be kind to everyone, even pesky chipmunks. The spirit of Christmas is love, you know."

Donald Duck the Milkman 45 RPM

The other day while out thrift shop shopping, I came upon a large collection of picture sleeve 45's... all priced at 49 cents each! One of my absolute favorite things to collect is Disneyland Records, and any time I find a new addition to my Disneyland Records collection, I am very excited! Among the great picture sleeve 45's I found that day, I picked up this great Walt Disney "Little Gem" Record with 2 Fun Stories, "Donald Duck The Milkman" and Donald Duck The Peanut Vendor". The record is copyright 1961 Walt Disney Productions. There is a large white sticker on the front of the record with the price of 39 cents, which I am sure was put on the record back when it was originally on the store shelve back in the 60's. I absolutely love the artwork on the front!
On the back of the record sleeve is a listing of other Little Gem records. If you and your children enjoy this Walt Disney Little Gem record we know that you'll be happy to learn that the Disney Studio has prepared a wonderful library of 12-inch LPs for children.
This Little Gem record, while complete in itself, is only a small portion of the high quality and good musicianship found on the Disney 12-inch LP line. We invite your attention to the following LP titles which are available at your favorite record store:
DQ-1201 SNOW WHITE - Sound Track
DQ-1202 PINOCCHIO - Sound Track
DQ-1203M BAMBI - Sound Track
DQ-1204 DUMBO - Sound Track
DQ-1205 UNCLE REMUS - Sound Track
DQ-1206M PETER PAN - Sound Track
DQ-1207 CINDERELLA - Sound Track
DQ-1208 ALICE IN WONDERLAND
DQ-1209 Walt Disney's FUN WITH MUSIC
DQ-1210 GOOFY'S DANCE PARTY
DQ-1211 MOTHER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES
DQ-1212 DONALD DUCK AND HIS FRIENDS
DQ-1213M BEST LOVED DISNEY SONGS
DQ-1214M HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HOLIDAY SONGS
DQ-1215M MUSICAL MONKEY SHINES
DQ-1216 ZOO SONGS
DQ-1217 SONGS OF OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE
DQ-1218 STORIES OF AESOP
DQ-1219 BABES IN TOYLAND
DQ-1220 Walt Disney's DOG SONGS
DQ-1221 ANIMAL SONGS FROM AESOP
DQ-1222 PROFESSOR LUDWIG VON DRAKE
ST-1901 STORY OF DARBY O'GILL
ST-1902 STORY OF GOLIATH
ST-1903 STORY OF THE COUNTRY COUSIN
ST-1904 STORY TO TOBY TYLER
ST-1905 STORY OF GRASSHOPPER AND THE ANTS
ST-1906 STORY OF POLLYANNA
ST-1907 STORY OF SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON
ST-1908 STORY OF 101 DALMATIANS
ST-1909 STORY OF PERRI
ST-1910 STORY OF THREE LITTLE PIGS
ST-1911 STORY OF THE ABSENT MINDED PROFESSOR
ST-1912 STORY OF THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER
ST-1913 STORY OF NIKKI
WDL-1008M A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSES
WDL-1016 PETER AND THE WOLF
WDL-1030 LITTLE GEMS FROM BIG SHOWS
WDL-1039 SALUDOS AMIGOS
WDL-4101A RITE OF SPRING / TOCCATA AND FUGUE
WDL-4101B NUTCRACKER SUITE / DANCE OF THE HOURS
WDL-4101C PASTORAL SYMPHONY / NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN