1936 Air Babies Elvy Kalep Amelia Earhart Foreword Aviation Picture Book

Offered is an original 1936 hardcover edition of Air Babies, created, written, and illustrated by pioneering aviator Elvy Kalep.  This scarce oversized children’s aviation book features a foreword by Amelia Earhart and a series of striking full-page color illustrations depicting the whimsical Air Babies and their flying adventures. The book combines early aviation history with imaginative children’s storytelling and bold Art Deco-era artwork.  Elvy Kalep was an aviation pioneer and is recognized as the first female pilot from Estonia. The Amelia Earhart and Elvy Kalep signatures printed within the book appear to be facsimile signatures that are part of the publication, not original handwritten autographs.  Condition: The book shows substantial age and use. The covers have staining, scuffing, edge wear, bumped corners, and surface loss. The spine covering is heavily worn, frayed, and partially missing, with exposed binding material. There is a previous owner’s handwritten name inside. Interior pages show age toning, occasional spots, and handling wear. The colorful illustrations remain especially bright, attractive, and visually striking.  Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description. This is a rare and visually impressive 1936 aviation-themed children’s book worthy of preservation or restoration.