Poor Cecco : The Wonderful Story of a Wonderful Wooden Dog Who Was the Jolliest Toy in the House

by Margery Williams Bianco, illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Poor Cecco (1925) is a richly imaginative and whimsical children’s novel written by Margery Williams Bianco, author of The Velveteen Rabbit, and illustrated by the acclaimed British artist Arthur Rackham. Published by George H. Doran Company, this is one of the few Rackham-illustrated titles originally produced for an American audience and one of his final projects focused specifically on children’s toys and their inner lives.

The story follows Cecco, a lively and kind-hearted wooden dog, who leads a band of animated nursery toys on an adventurous journey filled with mischief, discovery, and the deep themes of loyalty, friendship, and identity. Set in a vividly imagined world where toys come to life when humans aren’t watching, Poor Cecco blends playful storytelling with moments of genuine emotional insight, exploring what it means to grow, to be loved, and to belong.

Arthur Rackham brings this enchanting tale to life with seven full-color plates and numerous black-and-white drawings, capturing the humor and humanity of the toy characters with his signature expressive linework and whimsical charm. His illustrations complement Bianco’s warm prose perfectly, blending fantasy with a gentle, slightly melancholic tone that deepens the story’s emotional resonance.

About the illustrator Arthur Rackham:

Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. Known for his intricate pen-and-ink work, subtle watercolors, and atmospheric storytelling, Rackham brought to life the worlds of Peter Pan, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. His art often balanced the magical and the eerie, with a depth and texture that made him a master of book illustration.

Recommended for collectors:

• The Velveteen Rabbit (1922) by Margery Williams – Another poignant toy-themed classic exploring love and transformation.
• The Wind in the Willows (1931), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A lushly illustrated version of a beloved tale featuring friendship and nature.
• The Little Wooden Doll (1925) by Margery Williams – A similarly emotional tale from the same author, also focused on the inner lives of toys.

Art Gallery: Arthur Rackham – Poor Cecco