This children's novel (apparently the basis for the animated film made 45 years later) "is the story of twelve little dogs - and their numerous friends - who come to life in a dog cemetery....It's the story of any dog who's ever lived and of any dog who's ever died - for everyone who's ever had a dog - and for those who have always wanted a dog." [from the dj front flap] The book is illustrated in black & white before each chapter.
Although the front flap is price-clipped, I believe this is the true first edition (first printing). The date on the title page matches the copyright date. The second printing, along with other subsequent printings, was in 1944 and was marked as such. Those printings had one dog shown on the front cover; I believe this five-dog cover is the first issue. (I'm not sure if the book ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN AND OTHER DOG STORIES by Beth Brown, published n 1961, is the same as this book -- one dealer insists it is a multi-author anthology edited by Brown. That title is advertised on the jacket-back of this copy, describing it as a collection of Brown's dog stories. It's all very confusing!) Regardless, the title has long been out of print.
This copy has modest corner bumping and wear, slight bottom edge wear, wrinklng to the spine ends and some soiling at the lower front joint. The front fly leaf has a vertical impression, a small edge bump and traces of an erasure. Otherwise, the pages have light to moderate toning, but no writing or creasing. The dust jacket has chipping (especially the top spine, though all printing is present) and tears, the front has rather heavy rubbing and a sticker pull, spine wear and the front flap is price-clipped. Still. the jacket is whole enough to protect the book. A scarce first with the dust jacket.