I always find it fascinating to discover how expensive some collectibles are. Books are sought-after items that collectors want on their shelves. Some of the famous books that shaped my childhood have become valuable and rare. If only I could go back in time and save some of these books I grew up reading.
1. The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein
Publishers questioned the now iconic story of a child and a tree because they believed it was too depressing for children and too basic for adults. Eventually, it was released in 1964, to a massive success. Generations have adored this story and the meaning behind it. Original copies have been known to go for $3,800.
2. The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, Beatrix Potter
For over a century, children have been reading about the adventures and hijinks of a curious little squirrel. Imagine the hijinks you could get into if you had an original copy of this masterpiece because you would have an extra $4,500 in your pocket.
3. The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien
Arguably one of the first books to create the fantasy genre, The Hobbit is just as popular today as it was when it was released in 1931. The book sparked an entire movie franchise that would be a blockbuster success. Only 1,500 original copies were printed, but if you are lucky enough to have one, it could be worth up to $65,000.
4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carrol
This book has several variations, but the one in question here is a limited release from 1969 that came with illustrations from Salvador Dali. The illustrations were dark, much like Dali himself, so hopefully, no children were reading this edition. Still, collectors wanted one of the 2,500 copies printed. A signed copy by Dali was sold for $20,000.
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, JK Rowling
The first book of the series was released in 1997. The Harry Potter series is a newer series than what we attribute as retro; still, the books are so iconic it feels like they have been around forever. Only 500 copies were made, but 300 of those went to the Library, leaving 200 original copies ready to make someone rich. If you have a copy and JK is credited as Joanne, you could have a book worth as much as $80,000.
6. Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
Who would have thought that this cute little picture book about a kid running away from home would become so special? Like most kids, I had a copy growing up and loved looking at the pictures and reading the stories. The first copies were printed in 1963, and a signed copy was sold at auction for $20,000.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
The book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was so popular when it was released in 1964 that the 10,000 printed copies were sold in less than a month. The story is still being told sixty years later, and multiple motion pictures have been made. If you have a signed original copy, that could be your golden ticket to a payday of $25,000.
8. The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams
Written in 1922 and released in both the United Kingdom and the United States, the original book came with seven special illustrations from William Nicholson. The book has become a staple in nurseries and libraries. One was sold for over $15,000 at auction in 2013.
9. The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter
Beatrix loves taking a cute, cuddly animal and making it a bit adventurous. That is precisely what the now-famous Peter Rabbit is. People have been searching their closets, attics, and garages for original copies, hoping they have an original copy as it has been valued at over $15,000.
10. Winnie The Pooh, A.A. Milne
The stories of Winnie the Pooh and his eclectic cast of friends wandering in the Thousand Acre Forest have been entertaining kids since it was written in 1926. Almost a hundred years of loveable characters like Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet. A copy signed by author Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard was sold for over $11,000.
11. A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L’Engle
Fun Fact about A Wrinkle in Time: many publishers passed on the book because they believed it was too complicated for a children’s book. The joke is on those publishers because the book has become one of today’s most popular children’s books. An original copy of this book can have a price tag of $11,000.
12. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L Frank Baum
This book was such a success that it became one of the biggest motion pictures in the history of film. Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, navigate a fantasy world with their new friends. With the help of The Cowardly Lion, the Tinman, and the Scarecrow, they defeat the evil witch and find themselves back home in Kansas. For $8,800, you could have an original copy of one of the greatest fairy tales ever written.
13. The Wind and the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
A fun little story about a random group of forest animals as they become friends and navigate the adventures that come their way is what The Wind and the Willows is all about. The United States President even stated that he loved the story when it was released. Original copies can be sold for up to $6,000.
14. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis
An original copy of this fabled tale could buy you a ticket to Narnia, as they can be sold for as much as $9,000. This iconic book has been made into a motion picture and is still popular today.
15. Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, J.M. Barrie
The Character of Peter Pan has been around since 1902. Ever since, the character has been one of the most recognizable heroes, thanks to Disney. This was the first dedicated book to Peter Pan and had illustrations by Arthur Rackham. The book sold at auction for $6,500 in 2015.
16. The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling
The classic story of Mowgli and his jungle friends was one of my favorite Disney movies growing up as a kid. Little did I know it was based on a book. It has actually been around since 1894, and a hard copy of the original press can be worth up to $7,500.
17. The Hounds of Baskervilles, Arthur Conan Doyle
The classic stories of the famous detective sleuth Sherlock Holmes have entertained children since 1902. The Sherlock Holmes stories have evolved into many different adaptations and movies, leaving this book a literary revolution. Original copies are now worth almost $10,000.
18. The Peter Pan Portfolio, J.M. Barrie
When reading this classic novel, Peter Pan, the boy who could fly and never grew up, was everything a child could dream of. The book was such a hit that it spawned other main-character adaptations. A first edition can have a price tag of $10,000.
19. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle
Going through some of these books reminds me that most of us shared the same childhood. Millions of kids learned about colors and numbers while looking through this picture book. The book has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 50 million copies. A 1969 original is a prized collectible and sold for $20,000.
20. The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss
The famous poet Dr. Suess made a career from classic children’s stories and their classic rhymes. The nostalgia of this famous kids’ book has collectors spending their money on rare first editions. Some have sold for 13,000 euros, or $14,000.
21. Little Prince, Antonie de Saint-Exupery
In 1943, only 525 copies were printed and put into circulation. The book was an instant hit, selling over a million copies and many different adaptations. An original copy will be worth a small fortune, valued at $17,000.
22. East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Kay Nielsen
Not super popular in the United States, this collection of Norwegian folk tales is one of the most popular releases in Europe. The author signed 68 of the original copies. If you have held onto one for over 100 years, you could have a book worth $29,000.
23. I am Eloise, I am Six, Kay Thompson
This was the first Eloise book by Thompson, and it has a hefty price tag. The original book has handwritten notes from the author and is one of the only known editions to have this manuscript. All that will value the book at $30,000.
24. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
Movie adaptions of this famous novel are all over the television this time of year. Scrooge is out to ruin your Christmas, but the story ends up telling the story of redemption and the magical time of Christmas. You definitely won’t be a Scrooge if you find an original copy of this classic novel. Originals can be sold for as much as 33,000 euros or $36,000.
