All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown 1st Ed. Sydney Taylor 1972

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Alright, let me tell you, there are some books that just hit different when you find them in pristine condition. You know, the kind that clearly sparked joy for generations, but somehow, this particular copy escaped the usual loving wear and tear. That’s exactly how I felt when I came across this copy of All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown first edition. It’s a 1972 Follett printing, and honestly, picking it up felt like stumbling upon a time capsule. The dust jacket is crisp, the boards are clean, and the pages feel like they’ve never been opened. For a children’s book, especially one from a series as beloved and historically important as this one, finding it in such a state is, for lack of a better word, a treat. It’s the fourth book in the acclaimed All-of-a-Kind Family series, and if you know anything about collecting children’s literature, you know these first printings, particularly when they look like they just rolled off the press, are getting harder and harder to pin down.

Currently available: A copy of this item is in our collection — listed at $145. View listing on eBay →

The Enduring Heart of the All-of-a-Kind Family

The All-of-a-Kind Family series isn’t just a collection of stories; it’s a touchstone in children’s literature. Sydney Taylor, born Sarah Brenner, didn’t just write these books; she poured her own childhood experiences into them, giving us an authentic, warm, and deeply personal window into Jewish-American immigrant life in New York City during the early 20th century. My experience with these books began when I was a kid, reading worn-out library copies. I was drawn in by the five sisters – Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie – and their adventures, big and small, on the Lower East Side. They were relatable, mischievous, and so full of life. It’s no wonder they struck a chord then and continue to do so today.

What makes this series so special, beyond the charm of the stories themselves, is its pioneering role. Before Sydney Taylor, there weren’t many books for children that genuinely depicted Jewish family life and traditions with such an open, everyday approach. She normalized their experiences, their holidays, their food, and their struggles, making them accessible and understandable to all children, Jewish or not. This wasn’t a book about being Jewish; it was a book about a family who happened to be Jewish, navigating life in a bustling city. That distinction is important. It showed a path for diversity in children’s publishing that, honestly, was way ahead of its time.

Published in 1972, All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown continues the saga, taking the family into new parts of the city and new experiences. By this point in the series, readers were already deeply invested in the girls’ lives. Taylor had built a world that felt real, a community that felt welcoming. The stories aren’t grand epics; they’re the everyday fabric of family life – finding a lost library book, going to the public bathhouse, helping out a neighbor, celebrating holidays like Purim and Passover. These small moments are what add up to a truly honest portrayal of childhood, and that’s why these books hold so much affection for so many. For me, they represent a kind of gentle, reassuring storytelling that’s sometimes hard to find these days.

The Krush Touch: Art That Builds a World

You can’t talk about the All-of-a-Kind Family series without talking about the illustrations. For All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown, like many of the other books in the series, the artwork comes from the incredibly talented husband-and-wife duo, Beth and Joe Krush. Their illustrations are absolutely integral to the series’ charm and enduring appeal. They aren’t just decorative; they bring the early 20th-century New York setting to life with a warmth and detail that perfectly complements Taylor’s words.

Take a look at the dust jacket on this copy. It features that distinctive wraparound artwork, a common and much-loved design element for the series editions of that era. This wasn’t just a front cover and a back cover; it was a continuous scene that drew you into the book’s world before you even opened it. The Krushes had a way of capturing expressions, period clothing, and the bustling streetscapes of New York City that feels both authentic and inviting. Their lines are soft but precise, full of movement and personality. You can see the girls’ mischief, their sisterly affection, and the loving gaze of their parents in every sketch.

For collectors, these illustrations are a major part of the book’s draw. A first edition in its original dust jacket means you’re getting the artwork exactly as it was intended to be seen, without the degradation that comes from later printings or the inevitable loss of the jacket itself. I find that Beth and Joe Krush’s work adds a real layer of collectibility to these books. Their art doesn’t just show you what’s happening; it makes you feel like you’re right there with the girls, sharing a plate of blintzes or helping clean for Passover. It’s a visual language that speaks volumes, and it helps solidify the series’ place not just as important literature, but as a genuine piece of illustrated art.

The Special Condition of a 1972 First Printing

Now, let’s talk about what makes this particular All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown first edition a real standout for collectors like us. We’re not just talking about any copy of a classic children’s book. This is a “Stated First Printing” from 1972, and its condition is where it truly shines. When I say “Investment Grade / Unread,” I mean it. This book is in practically pristine shape. The pages are bright, the binding is tight, and there are no marks, no tears, none of the usual signs of a book that’s been read, let alone loved, by a child.

In my experience picking up children’s books, especially those from a series that was so widely read, finding a first printing in “unread” condition with its original dust jacket is an increasingly rare feat. Think about it: these books were bought for kids. They were handled, passed around, scribbled in, dropped, and shelved without much care. The dust jackets often disappeared within weeks, if not days, of leaving the bookstore. So, for a copy from 1972 to survive five decades looking this good? That’s not common at all. It tells me this book was likely bought as a gift, perhaps even placed on a shelf and never quite made it into active rotation. It’s like finding a brand-new toy from 1972 still in its unopened box.

The original unclipped dust jacket is also a crucial detail. Many collectors specifically look for this, not just because it protects the book, but because it completes the original artistic presentation, including that wraparound artwork by the Krushes I mentioned earlier. An unclipped jacket also confirms it’s not a later book club edition, which can sometimes look similar but carry less value.

Compared to the dozens of later printings, paperback versions, or ex-library copies you might encounter, this “gift quality” example stands apart. Those copies serve their purpose for readers, of course, and I love that these stories are still accessible. But for a collector aiming for a museum-quality example of children’s literature, a true first edition in this kind of unread condition is what you really chase. It’s not just a book; it’s a piece of publishing history preserved, a snapshot of its moment, untouched by time. This is the kind of copy that rounds out a serious collection or becomes the centerpiece for an enthusiast of classic illustrated books.

Frequently Asked Questions

When I talk to fellow collectors or new folks getting into the hobby, I often get a few questions about books like this one. Here are some of the common ones:

Q: What’s the fuss about the ‘All-of-a-Kind Family’ series? A: Well, for me, the fuss is completely justified! The series, starting with the original All-of-a-Kind Family, follows a charming Jewish-American family with five daughters living in early 20th-century New York City. The stories are based on author Sydney Taylor’s own childhood and are celebrated for being one of the first children’s book series to genuinely depict Jewish family life and traditions, making them culturally and historically important. They’re full of everyday adventures, family warmth, and a real sense of community. They were groundbreaking for showcasing diverse family experiences at a time when that was rare in children’s books.

Q: Why should I care if it’s a ‘First Printing’? A: For collectors, “First Printing” is a big deal because it means it’s one of the very first copies ever produced and distributed by the publisher. It’s the original issue of the book. In collecting, originality usually translates to higher desirability and value. Later printings or different editions (like paperback or library versions) don’t carry the same historical cachet or market value as that initial run. It’s about owning a piece of the book’s debut.

Q: What does ‘Investment Grade / Unread’ actually mean for my collection? A: “Investment Grade / Unread” is collector speak for a book that’s in truly exceptional, almost new condition. It means the book shows no signs of having been opened, read, or even significantly handled. The pages are pristine, the binding is tight, and there are no tears, marks, or creases. For a children’s book, this level of preservation is exceedingly rare because, as you can imagine, kids tend to be pretty tough on their books. A copy like this is highly prized because it’s a perfect example of the book as it originally appeared, making it a premium item for serious collectors. It’s what you look for when you want the very best preserved example.

About This Copy

This 1972 stated first printing of All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown is honestly one of the best copies I’ve seen in a long time. It presents as truly unread, with pristine boards and pages. The original dust jacket is unclipped and shows only the slightest, almost imperceptible shelf wear, maintaining its vibrant colors and crisp corners. This is what collectors mean by “gift quality”—it looks like it could have been purchased yesterday. A really choice piece for anyone collecting the series or classic children’s literature.