"The Fire Cat" written and illustrated by Esther Averill, An I Can Read Book published by Harper & Row, New York, 1960. Early 1960s printing without isbn and without barcode.

Hard boards, illustrated front cover ["Alex" is written on the front board; wear at the bottom corners, small dump stain the bottom corner of back cover and back endpaper: see photo], 6" x 8.3/4"; 64 pages, very good condition.

Pickles is a young cat with big paws and big plans. But all he can find to do is chase other cats, until he is adopted by the local firehouse. Knowing that this is his chance to do big things, Pickles works hard to be a good fire cat.

"A classic children's book that has stood the test of time. Was one of my childhood favorite books of mine, especially when it was being read on the Captain Kangaroo show. Just gifted this to a my 6-year-old great-grandnephew and he absolutely loved it because it combined two of his favorite things in the world - cats and firetrucks/fire stations. He is just learning to read and although parts of it are a little difficult for him, he will definitely grow into it fairly quickly." [a private review]

Esther Averill (1902-1992) was an American writer and illustrator best known for the Cat Club picture books, a collection of 13 stories featuring Jenny Linsky, a small black cat who always wears a red scarf. Esther Averill was also an editor and publisher.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) --------- $12.50
Canada: 1st Class (c.2-4 weeks) -- $28.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-5 weeks) --- $42.50