Big Bad Bruce - First Printing

A very attractive first printing of this picture book written and illustrated by Bill Peet. Out of print in hardcover. Scarce in dustjacket. And scarce in this condition. Bruce, a bear bully, never picks on anyone his own size until he is diminished in more ways than one by a small but very independent witch. Full color Peet artwork on every page. Bill Peet (1915-2002) wrote and illustrated over 35 books for children. His autobiography was a Caldecott Honor Award Winner in 1989. During his 27 years at Disney making animated films (1937-1964), Bill Peet became Walt Disney's greatest storyman. Disney animator and story artist Burny Mattinson worked at Disney from 1953 until his death in 2023, and had most--if not all--of Peet's books in his library. This came from the library of Burny Mattinson (1935-2023), an animator, director, producer, and story artist for Walt Disney Animation Studios, from 1953 until his death in 2023. Mattinson directed Mickey's Christmas Carol and The Great Mouse Detective. He was named a Disney Legend in 2008 and was the longest serving employee of The Walt Disney Company, with a career that spanned almost 70 years. His extensive library included numerous subjects and especially large collections of books on Disney, animation, and classic comic strips.