Puff

New York: Pantheon Books, Inc, 1960. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Good. 0x0x0. Wondriska, William. First edition. Jacket price inked out, two 1/2 inch jacket tears, jacket edges a bit rubbed. 1960 Hard Cover. [32 pp.] The third book by the author and designer recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts for his first book, The Sound of Things, which was published in 1957. Wondriska pairs a simple story and minimal text with innovative typography and straightforward images, for a strong, effective result. He is also known for his work in promotional design and advertising. A "much-sought-after 1960s-era children’s book beloved by the graphic design world and children's book collectors, Puff's midcentury modern aesthetic will appeal to adults and children alike. A design darling, Puff by William Wondriska illustrates an imaginary world in which sometimes the small but brave gestures are important. Puff is a tale about an old-fashioned small steam engine who lives a very unexciting life in a train yard. Puff daydreams that he could swim or imagines traveling to such distant lands as Egypt, India, France, and even to outer space. Puff's chance to prove his mettle finally arrives when a newer modern engine pulling circus cars breaks down during a snowstorm. Puff bravely hooks to the cars and manages to bring the circus into warm sunshine. Playfully mixing type with bold graphics, Puff is a beautifully illustrated and charming underdog story that will appeal to design fans and people of all ages.