CPK Reference Books:
The following are a list of published resources for the Cabbage Patch collector:
1) The Legend of the Cabbage Patch Kids by Xavier Roberts
345 pages, published in 1988 by Taylor Publishing.
I would highly recommend any new collector get this book, as it has a little bit of everything. It has a bio on Xavier Roberts, the history of the Cabbage Patch Kids, pictures of Babyland from the 1980's & a little about each soft sculptured edition right up to 1988.
The book is out of print but can be found on Amazon or through eBay.
2) Fantasy, The Incredible Cabbage Patch Phenomenon by William Hoffman
217 pages, published in 1987
Another book I highly recommend detailing the business history of the Cabbage Patch Kids. There are great bits and pieces about production and factory pictures as well!
The book is out of print but can be found on Amazon.
3) Patchworks by Betty Chapman
96 pages, self published in 1987
This book was published by a Cabbage Patch collector and basically is from her perspective.. travelling the country in search of Kids. If you are a diehard collector, some of the stories will sound very familiar. Betty Chapman was one of the first Cabbage Patch Kid newsletter editors as well - publishing "Dolling Around". There is an incredible amount of information in this book.. in my opinion, the best book written to date on the Cabbage Patch Kids.
This book is out of print, and very difficult to find. Occasionally a copy can be found on eBay.
4) Cabbage Patch Kids Collectibles: An Unauthorized Handbook and Price Guide by: Dixie McLaughlin & Jan Lindenburger
This is THE book to get if you are on a mission to collect any and all CPK memorabilia, as this book is crammed with over 600 photos of many of the things licensed by OAA relating to Cabbage Patch Kids, with an accurate price guide as well.
This book is still in print and can be found at your local bookstore, as well as online at Amazon.
5) Encyclopedia of Cabbage Patch Kids (1980's) by Judy Morris & Jan Lindenburger
Yes, people rave about this book but I simply don't understand why everyone thinks this book is so great. Yes, it is worth getting if you are new and would like a good understanding of the Coleco years, however don't take this book as gospel because some of the information is incorrect. It also strongly emphasizes the rare and hard to find, which is not the approach a new collector should take. This book is missing photos of all the wonderful common Kids also available. I also feel it should take more time to discuss Foreigns and later edition kids - alas, it's intent was to be a glorious photo album of many collectors who wanted to show off their Kids so nothing more really should be expected.
Available on Amazon.com as well as through eBay.
6) Encyclopedia of Cabbage Patch Kids (1990's) by Judy Morris & Jan Lindenburger
More of the same of the above, but showcasing Hasbros and Mattels. The book is all over the map, so to speak and looks hastily put together, but I suppose is the best reference out there on the later editions so if you love Hasbros and Mattels and want to learn more, this book is for you.
7) A Complete Guide to Coleco Cabbage Patch Dolls by Kelly Ann-Marie Williams
A really sweet guide put together with love by Kelly Ann-Marie Williams, who tragically passed away from cancer. This is a great beginners guide to Cabbage Patch Kids, detailing everything a new collector needs to know - also touching on outfits and some memorabilia.
You can get this book from Kelly's mom Roberta Jones by emailing her at ATQ2CPKS@aol.com.
8) The Cabbage Patch Clothes Book (1983 - 1990) by Robin Jones
I haven't bought this book yet but heard it is an excellent clothing guide for both Colecos and Foreign Kids. Published in 2005 and can be bought directly through the author by emailing: robin@livingseattle.com
9) Fundamentals of Cabbage Patch Kids (1983-1986) by Jamie Mullin
Published in November 2005.
Contains the basics of CPK's from 1983-1986 including foreign Kids, accessories and clothing. 480 pages containing over 5000 full color photos.
Currently only available in computer .pdf format.
10) Patchoworks 2nd Edition: The Missing Piece Bok Choy Wah Wah. By: Liz(AKA Betty)Chapman
This Second Edition contains more interesting info about our beloved cabbage Patch Kids....and some great words about Prototypes. This book also includes the first Patchworks.
