Toni, Roi du Cirque.
Paris: Marcus, 15 Rue Faraday, 1944, 1st; l'imprimerie moderne de Nantes, Beuchet et Vanden Brugge; red paper boards with Toni and his crown encircled with stars, endpapers with large stars on white (constructed so title page is fep); 9.5 x 10"; np. Tiny Au Nain Bleu Rue St.Honoré toystore sticker. French language hardback. medium.
As the circus crowd disperses, Toni comes to the aid of Monique, a little girl who has become separated from her parents. To cheer her up, the circus holds a special performance just for her. In a series of beautiful deco watercolours, the circus unfolds . At the end Monique is the Queen of the Circus. At the very end news comes that her parents have arrived, but she asks them to wait a bit. It's not every day that well-behaved children are profoundly happy. Jean-Adrien Mercier (1899–1995) was a French illustrator, poster artist, and advertising designer who turned to children's books in the late 30's.
CONDITION: Good; birthday gift inscription May 1945, splayed 1/2", edges rubbed with corners rubbed to card, spine and lower corner crease showing white paper, white and pages a bit toned but coloured illustrations bright. Item #22233
Price: $35.00