University of Arizona

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are now welcome to visit Special Collections without an appointment from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Big Little Books collection

1927 to 2016
MS 724
Collection Guide

The Whitman Publishing Company in Racine, Wisconsin published Big Little Books from 1932 to 1949. These books were small in size, usually around 3.5 by 4.5 inches, but promised big entertainment for only a dime. Each book featured full-page illustrations opposite each page of text, with material mostly drawn from radio, comic strips, books, and movies. Over time, Whitman began producing variations of this format, including Better Little Books, Big Big Books, Penny Books, and various premiums in partnership with stores, radio shows, and brands. Other publishing companies sold books in styles similar to the Big Little Books, including: Saalfield's Little Big Books and Jumbo Books, Dell's Fast-Action Books, and Engel-van Wiseman's Five Star Library Books.

The Big Little Books collection contains hundreds of illustrated books published between 1927 and 1945. Books are arranged alphabetically by title. author, publisher; book numbers are also listed for each title.

Included materials:
Books
Subject Area:
Literature
Collection Area:
Literature

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.