The author and artist of this book are so much better known in connection with other kinds of literary and artistic work, that a word concerning its origin will be in order. Just before Christmas, 1897, Mr. Willard, the artist, sent to his friend Dr. Barton twenty pencil sketches illustrating the evolution of a pumpkin pie. Dr. Barton wrote some verses to accompany them for his own children. They gave so much pleasure to his little people and to others, and were enjoyed by so many older people as well, that the author and artist have consented to give them to other children.

Dr. Barton is well known as the author of more pretentious works in theology, history, and fiction, and Mr. Willard is known as the painter of “Yankee Doodle,” the most famous patriotic picture painted in this country. His “Minute Men of the Revolution” is hardly less noted, and not less meritorious. His comical pictures also are widely known, with humor varying from the quiet Sunday smile that goes with “Pitching the Tune,” to the rollicking, boisterous laugh belonging to “The Drummer’s Latest Yarn.”

But Mr. Willard first became known to the public as a painter of children. His first pictures to attract attention of the public were a pair called “Pluck,” representing a homemade cart occupied by some little folks, and drawn by a dog in hot pursuit of a rabbit. These made their advent twenty odd years ago when the chromo was in its glory, and found their way into thousands of homes.

It is interesting to notice the recurrence of the theme in these pictures. There is still a dog, and the children must be a generation younger than those in “Pluck,” but they are the same sturdy, industrious, plucky little people.

Mr. Willard’s children are always wholesome and attractive. They are honest, happy, unspoiled little folks, full of fun and ingenuity, and good companions for boys and girls everywhere.

The Publishers.