Title and publication statement from cover.

Date based on form of publisher's name and inscription in Massey Library copy . Cf. Topp, Chester W. Victorian yellowbacks & paperbacks, Vol. IV, 1999.

Wood-engraved plates are unsigned and without imprint. Plates include areas printed in colour with metal. All are with title captions.

At head of cover title: "Aunt Louisa's London Toy Books".

"One Shilling."--Cover.

"Aunt Louisa" was a pseudonym of Laura Valentine, general editor of Warne's publishing house, who possibly wrote most of the verses of text for this series of toy books. Cf. St. John, Judith. Osborne collection of early children's books, vol. I.

MASS copy: In original glazed yellow printed paper wrappers. Upper wrapper printed in black, red, blue and yellow with titling within wood-engraved decorative border. Lower wrapper printed with publisher's advertisements with a list of four titles in the series "Aunt Louisa's London Toy Books", the list ending with "Childhood's Happy Hours". With presentation inscription dated "Christmas 1865".