[Juvenile] Noodle [Signed and with doodle]

New York: Fredrick A. Stokes, 1938. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine-/Near Fine+. Inscribed Fourth Printing (so stated) of this important collaboration of two beloved children's book artists, Ludwig Bemelmans and Munro Leaf. Oblong royal 8vo (198 x 253mm): [52], including numerous full- and partial page color illustrations. Publisher's mid-brown cloth lettered and decorated in yellow and black; illustrated dust jacket priced $1.50. Inscribed by Leaf (and with doodle) on fly-leaf: "To / Charles / with all the best wishes / Noodle and / Munro Leaf." Slight slant to spine, else tightly bound and clean and bright throughout, about Fine; Near Fine or better jacket (very light edge wear, closed tear skillfully repaired to back panel). Scarce in any edition, particularly signed, with First Search identifying only six copies of this fourth printing. Originally published in 1937. When Noodle, a dachshund, is granted a wish from the good dog fairy to be any size and shape, he decides to remain Noodle. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).