Bears on Wheels: A Bright and Early Counting Book

Bears on Wheels: A Bright and Early Counting Book Stan & Jan Berenstain Grolier Book Club Edition, 1969 Random House / Bright & Early Books for Beginning Beginners Condition: Near Fine / As New minus minor defect This copy is in excellent, near-pristine condition. The boards are bright blue with sharp corners and vivid colors. The binding is tight and square with no cracks or looseness. Interior pages are clean, bright white, and free of writing, inscriptions, tears, or foxing. All illustrations are vibrant and complete. The only noted flaw is a very small, gentle bump to the bottom corner of the front board — barely noticeable and does not affect the overall appeal or structural integrity. No other wear, rubbing, or defects. A wonderful survivor of a beloved 1960s children’s classic, far above average for a 55+ year-old book club edition. (Photos show the exact copy for sale — please review them closely.) About the Book Bears on Wheels is a delightful early counting book that teaches numbers 1 through 10+ through playful, acrobatic bears riding unicycles, bicycles, tandems, and more. The rhyming text and hilarious illustrations follow the bears as they stack higher and higher (and sometimes tumble!) in increasingly chaotic combinations — perfect for preschoolers and early readers learning to count and relate words to pictures. Part of the Bright & Early Books for Beginning Beginners series (often branded with Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat), this title emphasizes simple concepts, bold artwork, and repetitive fun. It remains a staple in children’s literature for building foundational math and reading skills. This is the 1969 Grolier Book Club Edition (BCE), a high-quality hardcover produced for mail-order and school markets alongside the Random House trade editions. It features the iconic cover with stacked bears on a unicycle, the Cat in the Hat logo, and the classic interior illustrations. Grolier editions are prized by collectors for their durability and nostalgic appeal. About the Authors & Illustrators: Stan and Jan Berenstain Stanley Melvin Berenstain (September 29, 1923 – November 26, 2005) and Janice Marian Berenstain (née Grant; July 26, 1923 – February 24, 2012) were an American husband-and-wife team of writers and illustrators best known for creating The Berenstain Bears, one of the most successful and longest-running children’s book series of all time. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, both grew up during the Great Depression. They met in 1941 at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts (now University of the Arts), married in 1946 after World War II (during which Stan served as a medical illustrator), and began their careers as a cartooning duo. Their work appeared in major magazines like The Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s, and McCall’s. Drawing from their own family life (they had two sons, Michael and Leo), they transitioned to children’s books in the 1960s. Encouraged by Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), they launched the Berenstain Bears series with The Big Honey Hunt (1962). Their distinctive, warm, cartoon-style illustrations combined with gentle moral lessons and humor made the bears a cultural phenomenon. By the time of their passing, they had published hundreds of titles that sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide and inspired TV shows, toys, and more. Stan and Jan worked collaboratively on every aspect — writing, illustrating, and editing — creating a seamless, joyful body of work that continues to entertain and educate new generations. A clean, attractive example of a classic Bright & Early title. Excellent for completing a Berenstain Bears or Dr. Seuss Beginner Books collection. Ideal for gifting to young readers or nostalgia enthusiasts. Scarce in this superior condition for a 1969 BCE.…