Vintage Ladybird Learning with Mother Book 2 – 1970s

Vintage Ladybird Learning with Mother Book 2 – 1970s Childhood & Social History

A wonderfully nostalgic little Ladybird book capturing the everyday world of British childhood, parenting and early learning during the 1970s.

Learning with Mother – Book 2: Two to Three Years was written by Ethel and Harry Wingfield as part of Ladybird’s ‘Under Five’ series. First published in 1970, this particular copy carries the later 40p cover price, placing it around 1979–1980 rather than being a first edition.

Designed to help parents encourage a young child’s development through ordinary activities, the book turns the simplest things into opportunities for learning. Children are shown sorting shells, counting everyday objects, talking about pictures and helping with domestic tasks. The delightful cover illustration even shows two youngsters enthusiastically washing clothes in brightly coloured plastic bowls.

Today, the book has an appeal that goes well beyond children’s literature. It is a charming piece of British social history, reflecting contemporary attitudes towards childhood, motherhood and early-years education. “Mother” is firmly placed at the centre of the child’s learning, while familiar household objects — cake tins, clothes pegs, washing bowls and the family telephone — provide a wonderfully evocative snapshot of everyday life.

The illustrations are by Harry Wingfield, one of Ladybird’s best-known artists and particularly associated with the famous Peter and Jane reading books. His beautifully observed pictures of children, clothing and domestic surroundings give this little volume enormous nostalgic appeal.

Condition:

A genuine vintage copy showing age and use, including rubbing and wear to the cover edges and corners, light surface marking and general signs of handling. The interior remains bright and attractive. Please study the photographs as they form an important part of the description.

Why we love it:

This is one of those modest vintage objects that tells a much bigger story. It captures not just how children were taught, but how family life, parenting and childhood were presented in Britain during the 1970s. A lovely addition to a Ladybird collection or a fascinating little piece of social history.

Date: Originally published 1970; this edition circa 1979–1980

Publisher: Ladybird Books Ltd, Loughborough, England

Authors: Ethel & Harry Wingfield

Series: Ladybird ‘Under Five’ Series – Book 2

ISBN: 0 7214 0257 7