Ladybird books

[Whickerman]

Can anyone enlighten me as to why the producers of ladybird storybooks dropped the beautiful illustrations that were a joy to me as a child in favour of the current 'cartoonish' illustrations? Also is it possible to find the older style ones without mortgaging the house?

[mike11111]

Sign of the times. Earlier illustrations, beautiful though they were, probably look dated and would not resonate with today's young readers. You only have to look at the excellent illustrations in the 'Just William' books to take my point. Sorry I can't answer the second part of your question.

[vulcan]

probably this has contributed to the newer style of illustration, Harry Wingfield, one of the best illustrators, died in 2002.
http://www.telegraph..../Harry-Wingfield.html
There are quite a few vintage ladybird books on e-bay.

[Whickerman]

just found this http://www.ladybirdprints.com/

[Emily Ball]

Try charirty shops and EBay. Second-hand but the illustrations of the earlier Ladybird books certainly knok spots off the current cartoonish ones.

[Emily Ball]

p.s. the most magical illustrations for me came with the very early (1940-1950s) 'Rupert' annuals.

[jno]

Rupert annuals began in 1936. Alfred Bestall did them till 1974. So what happens to a ladybird when it gets spots knocked off it?

[sophie_1003]

Also; children's illustrators have much more recognition now and are therefore (I presume) better paid; maybe Ladybird can't afford such good illustrators anymore?