Ladybird

If my childhood diet was books, my first spoonfuls of solids were a beautifully illustrated collection of ladybird books which I greedily devoured before progressing onto the entire works of Enid Blyton (developing a distinct taste for Fatty and the five find outers in the "Mystery" series).

Thus when decorating a nursery for the arrival of Beatrice, I made some pictures for the walls from some of my favourite ladybird stories...

In this edition of Cinderella, she danced at the ball on three consecutive evenings with her ball gown getting more stunning each time (although I could never decide which was really my favourite).  

Another picture which decorates Bea's wall is this one...

Sleeping Beauty with her parents in the background.  Do you know, they had to wait a long time before the arrival of their little princess?

I have vivid memories of a Snow White ladybird book, inside which I had written the word "Pedpie". A translation may be needed...it is "Debbie" in just learning to write script.  

I also loved this little classic...

So imagine my delight when I discovered that you can (with some small monetary outlay) download ladybird books to your iPad.

Furthermore, when you click on the characters within they make comments (without the slightest touch of sarcasm) in clipped tones resonating with the received pronunciation of a 1950s BBC presenter.

I bought this book

Chums, Beatrice and I love it.

*****

Now, continuing the ladybird theme...

Bea had also received an invitation to a party...

So just as Susan and John headed off to Ann's party...

Beatrice and Mummy headed off to Grace's party.

Of course, this book is a little "dated" now, so Mummy didn't tie Beatrice's ribbons, rather she drew a black nose and whiskers on her face...

There were of course party games...

Pass the parcel...

The Farmer wants a wife...

and party food...

Of course there was birthday cake and the singing of "Happy Birthday"

Grace blows out the candles too...

The End.

(Or click here if you want more)