The first pocket-sized Ladybird books were published by English printers Wills & Hepworth in 1940. Loved by a wide audience for their wonderful, colourful illustrations as well as for their text (on all manner of subjects) and distinguishing trademark, Ladybird books are today considered collector's items by many.
DCU Library's Special Collection of Ladybird books holds more than 1000 items and includes ca. 615 titles across more than 70 series in English and 23 titles in Irish. Our Collection is not entirely pocket-sized; it includes paperback work- and activity books as well as 22 titles from the Ladybird / Scripture Union Bible series that measure 26 cm.
A substantial portion of the Collection was published between 1950 and 1970 - the "golden age" of Ladybird books and it includes a complete set of the Key words reading scheme, also known as the "Peter and Jane books".
Our Ladybird books are part of the library's Special Collections located in O'Reilly Library and may be made available for consultation on request.
To request access to our Special Collections, please contact our Special Collections team in O'Reilly Library.
