Baby Ducklings by Ruth E. Newton

Baby Ducklings by Ruth E. Newton

c.1945

Linen Print

This vibrant mid-1940s children's print depicts seven fluffy yellow ducks splashing in a bath. Celebrated mid-century illustrator Ruth E. Newton designed this piece around 1945. It was featured as a core page in her popular book Baby Animals. The ducks splash around inside of a pink wooden tub. A silver metallic faucet drips water directly onto them. One duckling focuses on a small bug. Others eagerly peer over the rim. Below, a large decorative letter 'B' starts the story text. It reads, "Baby ducklings have lots of fun in the water." Newton utilized highly tactile, linen-like paper for this print. The style perfectly suited a mid-century child's nursery.

The Whitman Publishing Company originally distributed this charming book. They were a post-WWII powerhouse in children's literature. Ruth E. Newton specialized in wide-eyed, rosy-cheeked characters. She designed successful books, cards, and rubber squeeze toys. The work Baby Animals captures early childhood education transitioning into commercial art. The textured format reflects a 1940s publishing movement that directly stimulated visual literacy in early childhood development.

Dimensions: H 13 x 9 1/2 W

Condition: Very good condition