I’m pretty sure many of us are talking about holidays, or the prospects of holidays, right now. It seems like a lifetime ago that we could just plan a trip and that it was likely to actually go ahead. With the possible relaxing further of travel restrictions in a few weeks it seemed the perfect time to feature Talkabout holidays from Ladybird series 735.
The Talkabout books were originally released in the 1970s and were a perfect way of introducing young children to books. Prompts on each page to talk to children about, and gorgeous illustrations – many by famous Ladybird regular artist Martin Aitchison.
Released in 1977 Talkabout holidays covers pretty much everything there is to discuss on the series of holidays. Well, holidays as they were in the 1970s. Things start with choosing where to go and booking the trip. Lots of holiday brochures and a trip to the travel agent rather than just clicking on a website as we might today.
The book does mainly focus on the sorts of things you might get up to on a holiday in the UK, but there is also a gorgeous retro picture of the interior of an aeroplane and a page where you can discuss a French street scene.
The book also has a couple of things in it that I have to admit to not fully following. Like the picture story of leaving a radio on the car roof as you drive off. Was leaving things on the roof a common part of 1970s holidays?
As well as pages where you’re asked retell a story based on pictures, the book also features a couple of maze style puzzle pages too. It really isn’t a quick bedtime read, but instead a book to really be lingered over and discussed.
From what I’ve read over on Ladybird Fly Away Home (scroll down to near the end of the article), Ladybird reissued many of the titles in this series in the 1980s, but with totally different artwork, that was possibly cheaper to reproduce. Such a shame as I think it is the illustrations that make this title so particularly gorgeous.
In the introduction pages inside the front cover of the book it talks about how the books have been planned with “qualified nursery school advisors” and it’s clear just how useful these books are for helping to engage young children in conversation. Inside the back pages are ideas for extending the use of the books and everything written in there is still very valid today. For many first time parents in particular, knowing how best to share a book like this with a child isn’t something that necessarily comes naturally. Giving parents the tools to help their children develop a love of books is so valuable and done so perfectly here. I’ve heard some people say that they don’t really like the Talkabout series of books, but more fool them!
About Ladybird Tuesday
Ladybird Tuesday is a regular feature here on Penny Reads, where I delve into my Ladybird book collection and choose a title to share with my readers. The weekly series originally started on my old blog, Being Mrs C, and this post originally appeared on there. I’m now in the process of moving all those posts over to Penny Reads and also adding titles that I have acquired since then. A list is currently being compiled here of all the titles I have in my collection.
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