It seems like a fever dream now, but as a child I thought this was the most desirable craft project ever.
‘Children in Shoe’
Things to Make (1963)
Artist: G Robinson

“Find a hedgerow on a bank and examine just one yard of it. Then make a list of all the different plants you can find in that yard. You will be astonished at the variety” (1965)
Artist: Ronald Lampitt
Writer: Richard Bowood

There's a great interview about collecting Ladybird books in this new magazine. (Did I mention that the interview is with me?)

villagegreenmag.bigcartel.com

On this day 24th April 1750 Abraham Darby III was born. He was the builder of ‘Iron Bridge’, the first ever cast-iron bridge, crossing the River Severn.

Artist: Gerald Witcomb
(Bridges, 1974)

The Nature Table

Artist: Harry Wingfield
(Going to School, 1959)

On this day 23rd April 1616, William Shakespeare died, aged 52
Artist: Martin Aitchison
(‘Story of The Theatre’, 1970)

These books were described as “good condition, some torn”.

But just look at them!
50 books, most pre-1964, most with original dustwrappers. Excellent condition- and all happy in their new home☺️

#OnThisDay 1964: The first episode of BBC children’s favourite, Play School, aired.

It constantly evolved until the last episode transmitted in 1988. Along the way over 50 presenters took the helm. What was your era?

The end of the journey
‘On the Train’ (1955)
Artist: WC Watson

Other work by the Ladybird artists.
‘Spring in the Cotswolds’
Artist: SR Badmin

“The larch branch is expanding its young green leaves which look like small, green shaving brushes”
Writer: EL Grant Watson
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe

Other work by the Ladybird artists

‘Hadrian’s Wall’
Artist: Rowland Hilder

Old Ladybird Books updated, 1964 and 1974.

Mummy learns to manage steps

Artists: JohnBerry, Martin Airchison

Artist Eric Winter was so good at depicting the look and feel of fine fabrics - silk and satin.
It made such an impression on us young readers
(Cinderella, 1964)

Cover stories: Natural History (1965 - 1974)

Artists: Ronald Lampitt, Jill Payne, Robert Ayton

The Farm (1958)
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe

‘A Drove of Hares’
(From a vintage ad produced for Boots the chemist)
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe

Beautiful everyday Ladybird things.
The cottage loaf (here modelled by the Little Red Hen).
Does anyone make cottage loaves anymore?

Artist: Robert Lumley, 1966

Dragonflies

Artist: John Leigh-Pemberton
(Butterflies and Moths, 1965)

Other work by the Ladybird artists.
‘April’ 1958
The neighbours’ garden
Artist: Ronald Lampitt