Rare First Edition of Mabel Lucie Attwell’s The Boo-Boos at Honey Sweet Farm Sells for £80 at Auction

A first edition of Mabel Lucie Attwell: The Boo-Boos at Honey Sweet Farm was sold at TW Gaze auction house in November 2024 for £80. The book, published by Valentine & Sons in Dundee around 1921, is a rare collector’s item from one of Britain’s most beloved illustrators.

Mabel Lucie Attwell The Boo-Boos at Honey Sweet Farm
Mabel Lucie Attwell The Boo-Boos at Honey Sweet Farm

Details of the Edition

  • Title: The Boo-Boos at Honey Sweet Farm
  • Author/Illustrator: Mabel Lucie Attwell
  • Publisher: Valentine & Sons, Dundee
  • Publication Date: Circa 1921
  • Format: Small 16mo (14 x 11 cm)
  • Features: 14 full-colour plates as called for
  • Binding: Original paper-covered boards with a mounted colour illustration on the front cover

This sale highlights the continued interest in Attwell’s work, particularly her charming Boo-Boos series, which featured whimsical, childlike characters often depicted in playful adventures. First editions like this one, complete with their original illustrations and in good condition, are highly sought after by collectors of children’s literature and vintage illustrations.

Mabel Lucie Attwell The Boo-Boos at Honey Sweet Farm Inside Cover Illustration
Mabel Lucie Attwell Inside Cover Illustration

About the Artist

Mabel Lucie Attwell (1879–1964) was a celebrated British illustrator known for her sentimental and whimsical style, capturing the innocence and imagination of childhood. Her work gained popularity in the early 20th century, appearing in books, postcards, and other media. The Boo-Boos, recurring characters in her work, were first introduced in The Boo-Boos (1918) and became a signature part of her artistic legacy.

This first edition is a charming example of her talent and the enduring appeal of her work.

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The Enchanting World of Mabel Lucie Attwell’s Boo Boos Series