I had a rush of nostalgia today for some books I had when I was a very young child. They were by Angela Banner and were about two characters, Ant and Bee. The main one I remember involved tiny suitcases and an umbrella, but I can’t remember much more than that. It may have been “Around The World With Ant and Bee” but I only say that because it’s the only one whose description mentions an umbrella. Another part of me wants to say that Bee always has an umbrella in all the books. I don’t know.
Anyway, I figured I’d go look on Amazon to see if they had been reprinted, or if anyone was selling used copies. Just as with books like Harold and the Purple Crayon they’re the kind of thing I’d like to own even though I’m an adult.
Imagine my surprise to find that there are no current reprints and that used copies are selling for anywhere from $75 to $200!!! What the heck!? Were they that good? I mean I remember liking them a lot, even when I was much much older than the intended audience, but I don’t exactly remember why anymore because it’s been too long.
(And just since it can’t hurt to ask: anyone have any of these lying around they want to sell? I don’t mind paying something reasonable for them, but I just can’t see spending $75 on a worn out, used children’s book!)