Kids’ book exhibit has a Golden touch

Golden Books were the books that children could buy with their allowance, read until the pages were ready to fall out and then toss in the trash as they graduated to weightier material.

But a funny thing happened to the books with the bright covers and metallic bindings that cost a quarter when they were first published during World War II: They became collectors’ items, and many of the stories remain popular today.

“The Poky Little Puppy,” by Janette Sebring Lowrey and illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren, has sold more than 15 million copies since 1942, making it one of the most popular children’s books of all time. In fact, “Poky” and his pals, “The Shy Little Kitten” and “Tawny Scrawny Lion,” have never been out of print.

Golden Books celebrates its rich archive with an exhibit at the New York Public Library’s Donnell Center that features artwork from 62 years’ worth of books.

“As we look back on the collection that we have, the books and artists represent some of the best writers and illustrators ever in children’s literature,” says Diane Muldrow, editorial director of Golden Books, an imprint of Random House. For example?

“Garth Williams. I consider him to be one of the top illustrators of the 20th century. He went on to do ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and ‘Stuart Little.’ He’s my personal favorite, and he’s an important name in this genre. He never won an award, but now he’s getting some attention with this exhibit,” Muldrow says.

Even after years of watching children interact with books, John Peters, senior librarian at the Donnell Center, said he hasn’t figured out the formula for what makes a book endure. He is sure, though, that some books foster an immediate kinship with their young readers.

Parents also take great pleasure in sharing books that they enjoyed as children with their own kids.

“My personal theory is the more we get into technology, which is cool but also cold, the more these books resonate. I think we also long for things from our past which are cheerful and colorful, and we want to give our kids something from our past,” Muldrow says.