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Savoring Children's Books

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - People who are collectors are often nostalgic. They search favorite books from dusty antique bins and first editions at galleries and auctions.

The Wall Street Journal reports that premiums are now being paid for original water color or ink drawings from old children's books. Sotheby's in New York is auctioning 193 original illustrations priced to sell for close to a million dollars. They're from special volumes.

"Winnie the Pooh" characters are in that group, introduced to the public in 1926. Who wouldn't want a drawing of Pooh, the lovable teddy bear; Piglet, Tigger and four-footed Heffalump!

Others are from Madeline, "in an old house in Paris covered with vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines." And Babar, the French elephant, first appeared in 1931, who leaves the jungle and visits the big city.

Few people can buy the originals but everyone should make sure that their children and grandchildren know these classic characters and when they grow up, give their books to kids who aren't so lucky.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio

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