Do you know what I'm going to do Next Saturday?

Written by Helen Palmer, with photographs by Lynn Fayman, published in 1963 by Random House Beginner Books.

I had this book as a little kid, and although even at that age I didn't quite relate to the types of fun the hero of this book enjoyed, I still thought he was just about the epitome of what a 'real cool kid' should be.

Here are some images from the book. See if you agree.

I wonder what ever happened to this kid? I wonder what he's got planned for Next Saturday these days?

Author Helen Palmer Geisel was the first wife of Ted 'Dr. Seuss' Geisel. She was 64 years old when this book was released. She collaborated with photographer Lynn Fayman on two other books in the 'Beginner' series, though her most popular children's book was the more traditionally illustrated 'Fish Out Of Water'.

After battling illness, Helen Palmer Geisel took her own life in 1967.

As the types of stories commonly told in children's books have changed a bit over the years, this book has become better known for it's now-uncommon portrayals of guns and other dangerous pursuits.

There has also been a bit of online notoriety surrounding this book, as rumors were started purporting this out-of-print book by 'Mrs. Seuss' to be a 'banned' book by Dr. Seuss.

You can read more on that topic at Snopes, The Urban Legend Reference Pages:

www.snopes.com/language/literary/seussba n.asp

Snopes also supplies some nice capsule information on Helen Palmer Geisel and the rise of the 'Beginner Books' imprint.

I recommend the 'slideshow' mode for viewing these pages. Hope you enjoy.

34 photos | 9,130 views

items are from 23 Jul 2007.