Little Susie Sunbonnet: How her Year Was Spent (1907) by Uncle Milton, illustrated by Bertha Corbett Melcher

Little Susie Sunbonnet (1907) is a charming and iconic children’s book written by Uncle Milton and illustrated by Bertha Corbett Melcher, published by Cupples &Leon Co., NY. The book follows the gentle adventures of Susie, a demure little girl always depicted in her trademark oversized sunbonnet, which conceals her facial features entirely. This artistic choice was both stylistically innovative and highly influential, launching a recognizable visual tradition known as the “Sunbonnet Babies.”

Told in simple rhyming verse, Little Susie Sunbonnet reflects early 20th-century ideals of innocence, kindness, and obedience. The text is sweet and accessible to young readers, while the illustrations—delicate watercolor and ink renderings—portray wholesome childhood moments like baking, gardening, and playing outdoors.

About Bertha Corbett Melcher:

Bertha Corbett Melcher (1872–1950) was a pioneering American illustrator who trained at the Minneapolis School of Art and in Philadelphia. She began her career as an art teacher and quickly rose to fame with the creation of the Sunbonnet Babies. The faceless design was originally meant to emphasize action and body language over facial expression—an inventive pedagogical tool that became a visual hallmark of early 20th-century Americana. Melcher’s Sunbonnet Babies soon appeared in numerous books, educational materials, and later in the world of quilting and folk art, becoming a beloved cultural symbol.

Recommended for collectors:

• The Sunbonnet Babies Primer (1902) by Eulalie Osgood Grover, illustrated by Bertha Corbett – Introduces the Sunbonnet Babies in an educational setting with similar charming imagery.
• The Twins and Tabiffa (1911) by Lucy Fitch Perkins – Early 20th-century children’s book with gentle domestic storytelling and expressive illustrations.
• Peter Rabbit’s Painting Book (1911) by Beatrix Potter – Combines storytelling with illustration and interactivity, perfect for fans of nostalgic children’s literature.

Art Gallery: Bertha Corbett Melcher – Little Susie Sunbonnet