Highly scarce, beautifully preserved piece of mid-century Italian children's ephemera. This horizontal hardcover drawing and tracing album, titled "Pittore in Erba" (Budding Painter), was published in Milan, Italy by Edizioni M.S.M. around 1960.This book is a fantastic time capsule from the height of the global Space Age fascination. It features a stunning, vibrant cover illustration of a big-eyed child astronaut riding a sleek red retro rocket through a cosmic landscape of stars and planets. How it works: The book features a unique interactive layout for children with color guide outlines (such as futuristic mid-century race cars and jetliners) and thicker drawing pages featuring side-by-side color guides and black-and-white line art (featuring classic 1950s/60s themes like boxing, fishing, and scouting). Perfect for collectors of vintage mid-century children's books, retro space age memorabilia, or graphic design enthusiasts looking for authentic 1960s European commercial artwork. 

Specifications:

• Publisher: Edizioni M.S.M. Milano
• Country of Manufacture: Printed in Italy ("Proprietà Riservata / Imprimé en Italie")
• Format: Large horizontal hardcover with a textured red spine.
• Era: Circa 1960 / Space Age Era
• Page Count: 22 pages total
• Theme: Retro Rockets, Space Travel, Mid-Century Vehicles & Sports

Condition Notes: Cover: Shows beautiful, bright colors on the main graphic. Light corner and edge wear consistent with age, with minor scuffing/creasing along the spine and border edges (please view photos closely). Interior: 11 pages feature crayon work by a previous young artist, adding to its authentic vintage charm. No brittle pages or water damage.

Shipping & Handling: Will be protected in an acid free protective sleeve and packed securely between thick cardboard sheets to prevent bending or damage during transit. Worldwide shipping available through eBay.

ref.newarr