Production History
First Edition Information
The first edition of Cato the Kiwi Bird was published in 1963. G.P. Putnam printed it with two different binding options: hardcover binding or library binding. The book was priced at $2.68 upon publication. Cato the Kiwi Bird was never reprinted, nor was it ever available in paperback. The book is mostly likely out of print, considering the only copy available is the 1963 version. The number of copies sold is unknown, although it may not have sold well considering there was only one printing.
Advertising
I found one advertisement in The School Library Journal. Ironically, it is located two pages after School Library Journal's negative review of the book. This ad is clearly geared towards teachers and librarians who read School Library Journal and order materials based on the reviews. I could not find any advertisements that were created for kids, nor could I find any Christmas ads. This is probably because the book was published early in the year, so it just missed the holiday season.
It is possible that James CC Holding had public signings for his book, or gave them as gifts. There is a book available on Ebay that is signed by James CC Holding, although it is unknown if it is his real signature or a forgery. I contacted the owner through Ebay, and they do not know where or when the book was signed, if the signature is a legitimate signature. The signed book was purchased in a thrift store in Ohio, and now the owner is reselling it online. Interestingly, the book is the only non-library edition available on the internet at this time.
It is possible that James CC Holding had public signings for his book, or gave them as gifts. There is a book available on Ebay that is signed by James CC Holding, although it is unknown if it is his real signature or a forgery. I contacted the owner through Ebay, and they do not know where or when the book was signed, if the signature is a legitimate signature. The signed book was purchased in a thrift store in Ohio, and now the owner is reselling it online. Interestingly, the book is the only non-library edition available on the internet at this time.
Sources
eaglethree, (Ebay seller and owner of a signed copy of Cato the Kiwi Bird), interview by Alanna Graves, E-mail correspondence. October 25, 2013, December 4, 2013, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cato-the-Kiwi-Bird-Hardback-w-Dust-Jacket-and-SIGNED-NOT-an-ex-library-book-1963-/141119623610?pt=US_Childrens_Books&hash=item20db6291ba.
Holding, James. Cato the Kiwi Bird. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1963.
Holding, James. Cato the Kiwi Bird. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1963.