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Headline:

Ladybird man who taught Britain to read with inspiring Peter and Jane books

Synopsis:

Peeping out of a wigwam set up on a neatly mowed lawn — Jane in her cheery yellow cardigan, Peter in a splendid Red Indian head-dress — the two children invited young friends to come and ‘Play with us’.

Generations of children did just that.

For this was the first title in the Ladybird Key Words books, in which a brother and sister and their affectionate spaniel Pat explored the pleasures of a suburban childhood.

For millions who grew up in the Sixties and Seventies, these books, with their beautiful illustrations and clear, simple language, were their introduction to the world of reading.

But their creation was down to a driven entrepreneur called Douglas Keen, whose early life was far from the cosy domesticity of Peter and Jane’s.

Abandoned by his own father, it spurred him on to a discipline of self-improvement that continued right up until his recent death at the age of 95.

It was Keen’s vision that led to the iconic Ladybird series, originally printed as an after-thought to utilise quiet time on presses used for knitwear brochures.

The books included immaculately researched history, science and nature books that taught children about everything from how to care for farm animals to the story behind Stephenson’s Rocket — all sold at the pocket money price of 2/6d (12.5p).

And children weren’t the only ones to benefit. In the Sixties, the Ladybird book How It Works: The Motor Car was given to police officers as they abandoned their push-bikes in favour of patrol cars. ...

Publish date:

4 December 2008

Author:

Victoria Moore

Source:

Daily Mail

Media:

Access Interview