THE KEY TO THE KITCHEN by John Stewart Illustrated by Robert Quackenbush New York: Lothrop, Lee Shepard Co., 1970. First edition, first printing Inscribed and SIGNED by the author to the dedication page. Based on an actual event during the days of the Spanish rule in Southern California. With all the elements of a fairy tale, this is a delightful historical story of how Spanish priests of the San Gabriel Mission chose a cook from three women who wanted the job by holding a cooking contest--and a riddle which asked: what is the key to the kitchen? Fine, in yellow linen with cranberry embossed illustration depicting a brick hearth housing a log fire with large cooking utensils to the front cover and with cranberry embossed titles to the spine; in a nearly fine dust jacket with a lightly rubbed spine panel with a hint of darkening; original $3.95 price still intact to front inner flap. Quite unusual in nice condition in the first printing. A beautiful picture book and an important children's collectible. FREE SHIPPING TO THE USA PLEASE VIEW OUR STORE FOR MORE GREAT CHILDREN'S BOOKS THANKS!