PAST EIGHT O'CLOCK by Joan Aiken Illustrated by Jan Pienkowski (New York, New York): Viking Kestrel., (1987) First American edition, first printing. Except for a short black remainder mark indiscreetly placed to the lower page edges, fine in textured red boards with gilt titles to the spine and with a gilt embossed silhouette illustration by Pienkowski depicting a mother, numerous children, a teddy bear, and a kite to the front cover; in a fine dust jacket with a gilt bordered, classic serene-type color illustration to the front panel and a lively patchwork, folksy-type color illustration to the rear panel: both by Pienkowski. The Guardian Children's Award-winning author, deftly weaves familiar lullabies and nursery rhymes into each of these eight, captivating and creative bedtime tales. Papa's Going To Buy You a Mocking Bird is one of the intriguingly conceived tales. All of the stories are generously charactered with delightful animals such as an invisible cat, a crow family, a number-counting terrier dog, a peacock and a kelpie. Jan Pienkowski's illustrations are stunning. Every page is enhanced with Jan's charming people and creatures depicted in romping-fun action using striking black silhouettes, some with bright color backgrounds. Yellow and black atmospheric, sleep-inducing endpapers are also illustrated by Pienkowski. An enchanting and engaging bedtime story collection superbly illustrated by a Kate Greenaway Award-winning artist! FREE SHIPPING TO THE USA PLEASE VIEW OUR STORE FOR MORE GREAT FIRST EDITION BOOKS THANKS!