Arnold Lobel (American, 1933-1987) Down the Hill
Arnold Lobel (American, 1933-1987) Down the Hill, Frog and Toad All Year book interior study, 1976 Pencil on paper with elements of collage 11-3x4 x 16-3x8 inches (29.8 x 41.5 cm) (sheet, overall) Not signed The unlikely yet deeply affectionate friendship of optimistic Frog and grumpy Toad generated one of the most significant series of children's books of the second half of the 20th century. Author and illustrator Arnold Lobel introduced the pair in 1970's Frog and Toad are Friends, quickly followed by Frog and Toad Together, and Frog and Toad All Year, for which this highly realized study featuring two separate images of the duo braving the outdoors on a snowy day was created. The final version of the work can be found on pages 16-17 in the first chapter, titled "Down the Hill." Though the present work appears to be in the near final state for the pages it bears minor notes in the margins as well as corrections to the text. Slight differences can also be seen in the expressions on Toad's face as well as in the clothing on each figure. In the work, Toad appears buried in the snow after a sledding mishap as his friend Frog races to his aid. Toad in his usual state of bother by the events appears to march off from his friend's aid. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Elements of collage are the applied text boxes as the small pencil drawing of toad in right margin. Sheet is made up of two sheets joined in the middle but tape on the reverse. Very light toning to sheet. Light scattered handling dents, visible under raking light. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Each sheet: 11.75 x 8.25 inches Matted to overall: 20 x 24 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
Arnold Lobel (American, 1933-1987) Down the Hill, Frog and Toad All Year book interior study, 1976 Pencil on paper with elements of collage 11-3x4 x 16-3x8 inches (29.8 x 41.5 cm) (sheet, overall) Not signed The unlikely yet deeply affectionate friendship of optimistic Frog and grumpy Toad generated one of the most significant series of children's books of the second half of the 20th century. Author and illustrator Arnold Lobel introduced the pair in 1970's Frog and Toad are Friends, quickly followed by Frog and Toad Together, and Frog and Toad All Year, for which this highly realized study featuring two separate images of the duo braving the outdoors on a snowy day was created. The final version of the work can be found on pages 16-17 in the first chapter, titled "Down the Hill." Though the present work appears to be in the near final state for the pages it bears minor notes in the margins as well as corrections to the text. Slight differences can also be seen in the expressions on Toad's face as well as in the clothing on each figure. In the work, Toad appears buried in the snow after a sledding mishap as his friend Frog races to his aid. Toad in his usual state of bother by the events appears to march off from his friend's aid. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Elements of collage are the applied text boxes as the small pencil drawing of toad in right margin. Sheet is made up of two sheets joined in the middle but tape on the reverse. Very light toning to sheet. Light scattered handling dents, visible under raking light. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Each sheet: 11.75 x 8.25 inches Matted to overall: 20 x 24 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
