A Day out in Norwich UK
I never really imagined that Ladybird books could be a source of public domain illustrations until I came across an old one in a charity (thrift) shop whilst on a day out in the city of Norwich (UK) yesterday.
The shop is great, I've been in there many times before - it's styled as a vintage shop, so there are plenty of old bits and pieces to rummage through, many of them sparking a little memory of childhood.
Tiptoes, the Mischievous Kitten
The book I picked up is an early copy of 'Tiptoes, the Mischievous Kitten' from 1949, and I say it's early as it doesn't have the colour printed cover that we're perhaps more familiar with - this one would have had a printed dustjacket originally, although my one is missing. A quick Google of the artist, P.B. Hickling, told me that he died in 1951, so I figured in an instant that this was going to start me on a Ladybird book collecting mission lol. Percy Hickling's pictures are charming, whilst the book tells the story of Tiptoes the kitten who gets up to various mischievous escapades, including being responsible for spreading the white fluffy feathers that Mrs Moffat was busy stuffing into pillows. After being seemingly banished for her bad behaviour, Tiptoes is missing for a while until the story ends happily as she returns with gorgeous kittens of her own.
Wills and Hepworth
Ladybird Books were established in 1914 by the publisher Wills and Hepworth, but it was wartime paper shortages that prompted them to look at new and more economical ways to produce the much-loved children's books. Essentially, they began producing each book on a single 30" x 40" piece of paper, including the pages, endpapers and covers. The first one to be made in this format was Bunnikin's Picnic Party in 1940, illustrated by Angusine MacGregor with a delightful, gentle story told in rhyming verse.
Penguin Random House
I remember Ladybird books fondly as a child growing up in the 70s, especially the Janet and John series. Ladybird books are still published today, remaining a popular imprint of publisher Penguin Random House, focusing on children from 0-7. While they maintain their iconic, classic style, they continue to release new titles ranging from educational books, picture books, and character tie-ins such as Peppa Pig and Bluey.
Visiting Charity Shops and Bookshops
Percy Bell Hickling illustrated 10 Ladybird titles at the end of his career, all with an animal theme. They're all readily available on eBay, but I never make it that easy for myself! We like to go out and visit other towns, charity shops and bookshops to see what we can uncover. If we can throw an art gallery into the mix, even better. Tea and cake are a must!
So watch this space, and there will no doubt be more P.B. Hickling illustrations appearing very soon.
Ladybird Books - Pictures to Download
Tiptoes the Mischievous Kitten 1949 - P.B. Hickling (1876-1951) - 25 images
Wise Robin, The 1950 - P.B. Hickling (1876-1951) - 25 images
Discontented Pony, The 1951 - P.B. Hickling (1876-1951) - 25 images
Beaky the Greedy Duck 1951 - P.B. Hickling (1876-1951) - 25 images
Mick, the Disobedient Puppy 1952 - P.B. Hickling (1876-1951) - 25 images
