I Love A Little Ladybird....

I don't know about you, but I love an old book. I love it even more if it happens to be a child's old book, with pretty pages and sweet nostalgic text. Yes, I am a Ladybird book fan, the older the better. I know for collectors, condition and things like editions, series and dust jackets are very important, and can increase the value somewhat, though for me I am not interested in value. They have far more sentimental value to me and I certainly don't mind them looking a little sorry for themselves.

Here is my little ladybird collection.... ( click on photograph if you want a closer nose )

Do you recognise any you may have....

I think they look so charming gracing  Miss. Poppins' shelf....

She loves to read them, we especially like Danger Men....

Well yesterday, a lovely friend of mine lent me her copy of Homes & Antiques.

As I was having a very pleasurable read I stumbled upon this article all about Ladybird Books. It talks about how these highly nostalgic books are now collectors items with ( in some cases ) a big monetary value too.

As for my little collection, I couldn't help get a little excited and checked out my editions to see if I had any of the higher value items ( what was I saying about them only being of sentimental value ) though of course only for interest, I doubt I would sell any of mine. Tiptoes got me a little excited as the 10th edition ( 1954)  fetches around £45.00. I have Tiptoes and eagerly checked out its credentials. The article goes on to say about how to check out your collections....

How to see if yours is a first edition. Apparently there are dozens of pointers. You need to establish the publication date, and not to be fooled into thinking the 'first published' date on your title shall give you the answer, as this does not guarantee your copy is a first edition. Key dates help, in 1961, the ladybird logo changed from an open-winged bird to the plan view that is more familiar. In 1965, dust jackets were abandoned in favour of matt board covers. And the article goes on to mention many more interesting facts. If like me you love to know the history of your ladybird books you can pop along to Ladybird Fly Away Home  a super place to learn all about your Ladybird books. Or The Wee Web


As for my little collection, one or two have been given as lovely gifts, some from even my own childhood and most bought at no more than 20p from thrift shops and carboots. I have noticed however that even charity shops are popping a couple of pounds now on these sort after items. Quite an increase from the half a crown they used to cost. So, check out your collection, you never know you may have the 'holy grail' of Ladybirds ( if it still exists, as none are known to ) a special run of the 1971 version of  The Computer, approximately 100 copies were produced for the Ministry of Defence with special covers so they didn't looks like children's books. By far the rarest Ladybird book. If you find it, remember me won't you ;0)

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