Berestov, Valentin [Pictures in Puddles]. Kartinki v Luzhakh.

Illustrations by May Miturich.

Moskva, Izdatelstvo "Detskii mir", 1962.
8vo, [32] pp., ill.

In original pictorial wrappers. Issued without title page.
Near very good condition, light wear to spine and edges, cracks.

Signed and inscribed by the author: 'Ire Ianskoy ot postoyannogo posetitelya ee kabi- / neta i partneru po "gop-dopu" / druzheski / 28.V.62 V Berestov' [To Ira Ianskaia from a regular visitor of her cabin and a 'gop-dop' partner, friendly. 26.V.62. V. Berestov]. First book edition. First edition of these illustrations.

Valentin Berestov (1928-1998) was one of the most beloved children's poets in modern Russia. This is the only edition of the book featuring illustrations by May Miturich (Miturich-Khlebnikov, 1925–2008), an artist who was the nephew of futurist poet Velimir Khlebnikov and the son of avant-garde artist Vera Khlebnikova. He studied at the Moscow Polygraphic Institute, where he later taught. In 2005, Miturich was awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun.
The edition was published by 'Detskii Mir' publishing house, which operated in Moscow from 1957 to 1963 with Ivan Bruni as the Artist-in-Chief. The books published by 'Detskii Mir' are now among the most sought-after children's post-war books in Russia.
This copy was signed to the editor and translator Irina Ianskaia (1934-2013).

OCLC locates one copy of this edition only: in the Stanford University Library.