Name: Betty and Billy Paper Doll Book
Published by and When: Whitman Publishing Company, 1955
Sizes: Betty is 9 inches; Billy is 9-1/2 inches. The paper doll book measures 10 x 12 inches (width x length).
Description: Betty and Billy cut-out paper dolls illustrated on the cover of paper doll book #2129 by Whitman represent two African American children of 1955. The dolls actually punch-out rather than cut-out. There are six pages of fashions and accessories to cut out that represent clothes worn by children in 1955. Billy’s punch-out dog, Chum; his dog house, and Betty’s adorable Black doll are on the back cover of the book along with assembly instructions for the dog house.
Other: Printed in the USA, the original 10 cents cost of this paper doll book is printed on the top left of the cover. In 1998, B. Shackman & Co., Inc. reproduced the Betty and Billy paper doll book in a smaller size for the book, dolls, clothing, accessories, dog, and Betty’s doll. Printed in Hong Kong, the reproduced book measures 11 x 9-1/2 inches. The reproduced dolls measure 8-1/2 inches (Betty) and 9 inches (Billy). The original price is not on the cover of the reproduced book.
Gallery (Images of the punched-out dolls and the dolls wearing cut-out clothes are from a separate original Betty and Billy paper doll book.)
Uncut Betty and Billy paper doll book by Whitman, 1955 A creative child outlined the title of the book using a green marker. Betty and Billy model cowgirl and cowboy outfits. Shorts sets are part of their six pages of fashions. They are ready for bedtime in pajamas and Billy wears a robe over his PJs. Billy’s dog, Chum; the dog house, and Betty’s doll are back cover punch-outs. Betty’s doll is better illustrated here. The top book is the original paper doll book by Whitman. The smaller book on the bottom was published by Shackman in 1998, printed in Hong Kong.
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