Old Rosie: The Horse Nobody Understood (1964 Softcover)


  • Authors:  Lilian Moore (1909-2004) & Leone Adelson (1908-2003)

  • Illustrator:   Leonard Shortall (1916-1989)

  • Publisher:   Scholastic Book Services New York, NY U.S.A. 1964


Farmer Dilly stopped working old Rosie & let her sleep, run, eat & play all day. Everybody loves old Rosie, the horse, but nobody understands her. Why did Rosie eat Mrs. Winterberry's hat? Why did she come right in the living room? Even old Rosie does not know why she does such crazy things.


This book will make you laugh and cry - and laugh again.


Lilian Moore (1909-2004), was an author of at least 62 books for children, as well as a poet and an editor who helped make children's books more affordable and worked to combat racial stereotypes in children's literature.


Leone Adelson (1908-2003) was born and raised in New York City. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn Public Schools from 1932-1946, and then taught deaf children at nursery school level in New York City’s School for the Deaf. She was also a member of the New York Board of Education. Additionally, Ms. Adelson was writer, director and producer of the Chelsea Community Closed Circuit Television project funded by the Ford Foundation from 1946 to 1960. She retired in 1966 after having worked for the New York City public school system for 35 years.


Ms. Adelson began writing for children after World War II, and was a frequent collaborator with children’s poet Lilian Moore, a fellow teacher. Old Rosie: The Horse Nobody Understood (1952) was their 1st joint effort.


Leonard Shortall (1916-1989) is perhaps best known as the Illustrator of "Encyclopedia Brown" books.


Oversized paperback is complete, but with evidence it was read. There are creases in covers and across spine as if sat upon. Interior is tight, clean and text is unmarked. POS on title page. Looks as if pages were numbered by prior owner.


  • Size:  8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, 44pp.

  • Condition: Good Plus Softcover – Always Privately owned.


Copyright 1952, 1960. 1st published by Random House. This copy is from the 4th printing in July, 1964 of the Scholastic Book Services edition. Scholastic catalog TJ 349. No ISBN nor LCCN. MSR = $0.50.



Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:


Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”.  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...


Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.


Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.


Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition

for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.


Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)


Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).


Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.


1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.


Thanks for looking!