When Mabel Watson Payne went Christmas shopping with her parents shortly before the big holiday, they asked her to pick out a present for me.
After I had opened it (exclaiming with approval and delight) they told me that Mabel had no doubt or hesitation about choosing Pat the Bunny. She was sure it was exactly right.
My copy (still in topless pink cardboard box with celophane covering, as issued) tells me in bold print that Dorothy Kunhardt's chef d'œuvre has sold more than eight million copies since 1940.
I am glad beyond telling that one of those copies was sold to Mabel, who then gave it to me.