This is the first Little Golden Book to feature Bugs Bunny, published by Simon and Schuster in 1949, and sold for 25 cents.
The story and illustrations were created by Warner Brothers. The title page states that Tom McKimson (1907 – 1998) and Al Dempster (1911 – 2001) adapted it. This story is not based on a Looney Tunes episode, so I’m not sure what they adapted it from. Perhaps the WB team came up with the story and then McKimson and Dempster were selected to write and illustrate it – just speculation – I’m not sure of the full story here.
Tom McKimson was an animator and comic artist who worked for WB, so it makes sense he would be selected for this task. Al Dempster, however, worked for Disney. How did he get involved with this? Well, he also did freelance work on the side for companies such as Simon and Schuster.
Only 10 of the 37 illustrations are in color. This would be unusual for a Little Golden Book today, but I suppose this was the norm in 1949.
A fun story and it’s always great to see Bugs Bunny live beyond the cartoon. Check it out if you get the chance!