[POTTER, Beatrix]. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. [Illustrated by Ethel Hays]. Akron, OH: Saalfield Pub Co, (ca. 1942). 4to, [12]pp. Color pictorial “cloth-like” paper wrappers. Color illustrations on every page. Spine a tad rubbed, corners less so, else a clean, bright copy.

Ethel Hayes-illustrated edition (possibly 1^st, but no indication from which to draw a conclusion). A lavishly illustrated adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s most famous tale, featuring the illustrations of Ethel Hays, famed cartoonist and the Saalfield Publishing company’s go-to illustrator for their Raggedy Ann storybooks, coloring books and paper dolls. Rather than go for Potter’s naturalistic watercolors, Hayes chooses to infuse Peter with a more childlike friendly appeal using bright colors to create a vibrant whimsical world for Peter and his friends.