Air Babies

Akron. The Saalfield Publishing Company. 1938. Bound in pictorial wrappers. Folio. (10" x 12.5") Later Printing - the First being issued in 1936.With a foreword by Amelia Earhart. This copy boldly signed in ink by Elvy Kalep aside of Earhart's portrait on Foreword Page. Illustrated with full page colour plates by Elvy Kalep. Elvy Kalep was the first woman pilot from Estonia and a friend of Amelia Earhart. Born in Estonia, a former Soviet republic on the Baltic Sea, she spent a short time in her youth flying. That period became part of aviation history. Ms. Kalep was involved in the promotion of aviation during the 1930s and joined 98 other women to form a group called the ``Ninety-Nines,`` which is now an international organization.She was determined to share her love of flying with others and in 1936, Ms. Kalep wrote and illustrated this book,Air Babies.The story follows two "young" planes, Happy Wings and Speedy, as they learn about everything from formation flying to first aid. The book included a foreword by Earhart, who disappeared during a flight over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.During an interview in June, 1987, Ms. Kalep spoke of Earhart miss her very much. When I heard that Amelia had disappeared, well, I fell apart,`` she said. ``I often wish I were with her now, but if I were healthy, I would still be flying ... for the love of it." Covers somewhat toned with usual mild scuff or two. Some very mild chipping to edges.Previous owner's small ink signature to upper corner of front cover Very Good copy.