Serendipity
Picture Book Bedtime Story Children's Fiction Animal Story Nostalgic Collectible Sea Adventure Moral Tale
Stephen Cosgrove’s vintage picture-book classic Serendipity is one of the most sought-after titles in the collectible “Serendipity” series, and this Grolier hardcover edition delivers the nostalgic charm that mid-century children’s literature lovers crave. First published in the 1970s, the story follows a tiny pink sea creature—Serendipity herself—on a gentle ocean quest that teaches kindness, self-acceptance, and the joy of finding exactly where you belong. Cosgrove’s rhyming, read-aloud text pairs with Robin James’s luminous full-page paintings, making every spread frame-worthy and perfect for bedtime sharing with toddlers through early-elementary ages.
What makes this particular copy special is its status as an original Grolier printing, the format most prized by collectors of vintage children’s picture books. The sturdy hardcover binding has survived decades of bedtime readings, and the inscribed inner covers offer a lovely peek at the book’s personal history—an extra touch that many collectors and gift-givers appreciate. While the acceptable-to-good condition shows honest wear (light scuffs, corner rubs, occasional page marks), every page remains intact and readable, preserving the vibrant palette and delicate line-work that made the series an enduring staple of nursery shelves.
For parents hunting for gentle bedtime stories, decorators styling boho or coastal kids’ rooms, or bibliophiles building a rainbow-spined Stephen Cosgrove set, this edition checks every box: nostalgic artwork, timeless moral, and the satisfying heft of a true vintage picture book. Demand for first-series Serendipity hardcovers continues to outpace supply, especially for copies still in their original English-language Grolier jackets. Snag this inscribed copy now to complete your collection or to gift a piece of 1970s childhood magic that modern reprints simply can’t replicate.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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