Flip Wilson Coloring Book.
Chicago, Illinois: Let's Save the Children, Inc., 1972. 9” x 12.” Photographically illustrated thin card wrappers. pp. [3], 21. Very good: ex-library with several stamps covered in black marker and a pocket to rear wrapper; moderate wear to wrappers.
This is a children's book created by an African American publishing firm founded by a woman, Helen King. Information about the firm is not readily available, but we cobbled together a history from the Congressional Record of April 10, 1973. King founded the firm in 1972 because of:
“the failure of other publishing houses to distribute children's books relating to the Black experience . . . I always felt that there was a need for children's books about Black lifestyle and culture but I couldn't convince other publishers that they were profitable.”
As of 1973, King's firm had 13 staff members and had issued eight titles, marketing to 15 different school systems throughout the country. She said the purpose of the books were to teach goals, values and life realistically. She also said that most of the company's profits would go toward establishing mobile health units, research centers and summer camps for disadvantaged children. King said another reason she founded the firm was because:
“for so long educators and book publishers have force-fed a value system to children that doesn't exist, therefore we try to supply material that children of today who are more sophisticated can relate to. Most children are aware of the serious social problems in the U.S. But book publishers have not accommodated this awareness.”
According to the Congressional Record, the books were written for both Black and white children, with King saying, “Black children have had to learn about Hansel and Gretel, and White children need to know about people like Marvin Gaye so that they can grow to understand the Black lifestyle.”
The book itself contains 14 colorable drawings related to Wilson along with discussion questions, and other classroom activities. OCLC locates no copies. Very good. Item #8456
Price: $400.00