Description:

A Ladybird book entitled “Toys & Games” to make, first published in 1966. Written by James Webster and Illustrated by Robert Ayton. Inside the cover of the book is says “Here is another Ladybird book which will keep children happily occupied for many hours. All materials are simple, inexpensive and readily available”. It goes on to warn parents of the dangers of using matches and that some activities should be carried out with the supervision of an adult.

Activities within the book include: Skittles, working tractor, motor yacht, dolls furniture, boomerang, Kaleidoscope and periscope.

History of the Ladybird Books

Six years after opening his first bookshop in Loughborough, Leicestershire in 1867, Henry Wills expanded into a printing business. In 1904 William Hepworth joined as a partner and in 1914 they published their first ladybird books concentrating on fairy tales for children later moving onto educational subjects. They found that they could print a 54-page book from one single piece of paper measuring 40×30 inch. This enabled the book to be printed cheaply and be affordable to the reader. Cost of the books from the 1940’s to the 1970’s stayed at the same price of 2 shillings and 6 pence. A merger in the 1970’s with the Pearson group saw them expand and these days Ladybird is owned by Penguin Books.

Key theme(s):

Childhood

More information:

Date 1960s
Material(s) CardboardPaper
Item number MBPO87

Questions to help you remember using this item

  • Have you ever owned a lady-bird book?
  • Was it educational, a fairy-tale or like this book something to make?
  • Do you enjoy reading?

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