Dear Book Stumper, 15-20 years ago I acquired a children’s book that was old at that time (it had been in a library that was being closed). I didn’t have the book long before I somehow lost it and since then I’ve not found another copy, nor have I found anyone who has ever heard of such a story. I don’t know the title, but the story line is this:
A man decides he wants a wife so goes to a Wife Store and selects one. After a while the couple decide they want children so they go to a Children Store and select several. As the story goes on, the children are given “names” (numbers or letters), pets, and I think the family gets a home and/or land. Several other stores are involved in the story. I seem to remember that the man’s/ family’s last name was “Hunkendunk,” but am by no means sure about it.
I’ve tried local libraries, local book sellers of new and used books, online, entering what information I remember, without success. Does this story line ring a bell with anyone out there?
The Hunkendunkens by Richard R. Livingston
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/richard-r-livingston/the-hunkendunkens/
I don’t know if I replied correctly before, but I thank you for your quick sleuthing. That is definitely the book. But doubt I’ll be getting a copy. I checked with Amazon, used books are $299.00, new $903.00. Can that be a mistake? or do old children’s books really bring that? Wow.
Thanks again. Elaine McClish.
The Hunkendunkens, by Richard R. Livingstone. From 1968.
Thank you for the quick work. It was nice to see the book again (on line). I checked out prices on Amazon. found them way too high for me. $299.00 used, 9$903.00 new. Who would pay that? unless it was an error. . . ? Do such books really cost that much.
Thank you so much, Jackie and Alec!. With Title and author, I should be able to track down a copy of this book. I’ve thought about it numerous times over the years, was happy to find a way to get info on it so easily!