e a m harris

The Ladybird celebrates a centenary

This year marks the centenary of Ladybird books, or at least of the use of its logo.

I don’t remember ever owning any of the books, but I certainly read some of them as all my friends and relatives seemed to be stocked up. They were scattered on playroom floors, lined up on shelves and piled on tables. I didn’t realise until I read about the centenary how familiar they were to me (and still are – my nephews and nieces have several).

In my mind’s eye I see the classic format – small book, few pages, lots of colour. I was interested to read that this isn’t their only style. They’ve moved with the times in print and digital.

I love success stories and Ladybird’s is a great one. How many millions of children have been introduced to the joys of reading and understanding the world by their books?

There’s something comforting about things that were familiar in childhood still being around and in general use, as opposed to locked up in a museum or antique shop. I hope the ghosts of those of us who are remembering them with pleasure now will get a glow of satisfaction at the bi-centenary.

Pictures from goodreads.