Tiny Books, Big Ideas!
They shaped a generation. They hid a socialist agenda. Helen Day uncovers the truth behind Ladybird Books.
When Pretty Girls Poured Tea… and Boys Wanted to Be Builders
That was the world Ladybird Books helped paint, but were they quietly reflecting Britain’s postwar values… or subtly reinforcing them?
We get Helen Day, the UK’s leading Ladybird book historian to unpack it all. From nostalgic collector to curator, Helen’s encyclopedic knowledge has kept the stories and artwork of Ladybird Books alive for generations.
Through exhibitions, articles, and her vibrant online community, she celebrates the artists, writers, and hidden history behind these iconic children’s books.
Website:
https://ladybirdflyawayhome.com
Email:
David Wilson, BritCan Productions:
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Featured Company:
Commercial Food Service: https://cfsfood.ca
00:08 - Podcast description
01:19 - Introduction
02:47 - Concept of Ladybird books
05:39 - Douglas Keen
07:51 - Closeted socialist?
10:20 - Wills and Hepworth
12:58 - The artists?
19:04 - More about the artwork
26:47 - Coincidences
31:56 - Getting to know Helen
33:33 - Travelling and the books?
34:52 - Moving to Wolverhampton
37:30 - Dad’s dad?
41:02 - Inspired to collect
45:16 - They lost their appeal
50:14 - The books we remember
51:28 - Exhibitions of artwork?
54:31 - How can we contact you?
55:09 - Final question
56:00 - Finish
56:23 - Outro
