Today's vintage children's book has a good moral about accepting others for who they are. Pepito's Story
has some really nice illustrations and is richly imbued with bright colors. Don't forget to click on the pictures.
has some really nice illustrations and is richly imbued with bright colors. Don't forget to click on the pictures. 
Pepito's Story was written and illustrated by Eugene Fern (1920-1987). I was not able to find much about Fern other than he was an artist, writer, professor of art and illustrator of children’s books. Fern wrote and illustrated a number of children’s books.
What a wonderful sentiment and so true!
Pepito's Story
Written and illustrated by Eugene Fern
Ariel Books, New York, 1960
Books by Eugene Fern:
Pepito’s Story, 1960
, 1960Lorenzo and Angelina, 1968
The Most Frightened Hero, 1961
, 1961Birthday Presents, 1967
, 1967What's He Been Up to Now?, 1961
, 1961The King Who Was Too Busy, 1966
1966
I am Eugene Fern's daughter. thanks so much for you wonderful review of his book. He was way ahead of his time. I have the original drawings for his book and copies of all his other books if you are ever interested.. Marcia Boston
ReplyDeletemarcia@silverclaygifts.com
Joelle. I run a children's theater near Baltimore and would love to adapt Pepito's Story for our audiences. It was one of my wife's favorite books from childhood and is one of our daughters. The book is out of print so the publisher's have not responded to my request. I know your father has passed. I'm wondering if you know who I might approach to ask permission to do an adaptation? jimikinstle@me.com
ReplyDeleteJoelle, your father and my mother and father were camp counsellors in (I'm guessing) 1937 or '38. In fact, that's where and how my mother and father met. A painting by your father hung over our mantle piece though my childhood, and it has meant "hearth and home" to me all my life. I just (like, half an hour ago) unwrapped it and hung it in my home -- a bittersweet reminder of my original family, now all gone. If you get in touch I will send a picture of it, and also a photo of your father working on a sculpture at that camp.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, my email address is marciaboston21@gmail.com. I just saw this. I would love a picture of the painting and the photo. What a sweet story. What camp was it? Do you know? Marcia Fern Boston
DeleteI am a proud Granda of two young boys. I grew up reading this book and cherishing it. I did have many toys as a child, but I cherished Pepito's story. I am trying to get this book for my Grandsons. Any thoughts?
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