The Stepladder / The Little Ladder [Лесенка / Lesenka]: 1st Printing of a Classic Soviet Children’s Book -1930

1st ed. 16 pp.; stapled wrappers. 15x13 cm.

A short story prompts children to count and imitate sounds of animals as they climb up and down a ladder.Although the initial print run was reasonably high [75,000] this counting book was an immediate success and sold out instantly. "Ladder" was promptly reprinted with an almost unprecedented circulation of 200,000 copies. The book has since been republished numerous times with different artists and remains in print. While simple in concept and design, because of its continuing popularity this first printing is a particularly desirable title.

Despite the high press run, only one copy in WorldCat; several copies of the 2d and later printings. This is the only book for children by Elizabeth Shabad. Illustrations by Nina Vasilevna Kashina, [Н. Кашиной (1903-1985), a Soviet graphic artist and illustrator best known for portraits, still lifes, and landscapes. She was also a member of the 1930s avant-garde "Group of 13".