Stella & Rose's Books

A series of six books for children, featuring Juliet Buckingham and her brother Simon.

The books were published between 1950 and 1974.

The images below show the dustjacket illustrations, with the first published dates. Please click on the image or title to check current availability.

The Master of Maryknoll1950

A series of eight books for children.

They were originally published between 1948 to 1953.

The images below show the dustjacket illustrations, with the first published dates. Please click on the image or title to check current availability.

Redshank's Warning1948

Malcom Saville wrote many childrens books but is perhaps best known for the Lone Pine series.

They were first published between 1943 to 1978.

The images below show the dustjacket or cover illustrations, with the first published dates. Please click on the image or title to check current availability.

Mystery at Witchend1943

Orlando is a gorgeous marmalade cat with gooseberry-green eyes. Orlando, his wife Grace (a tabby cat) and their three children – snow-white Blanche, tortoiseshell Pansy and little black Tinkle – frolicked through some nineteen tales between the late 1930s and early 1970s, including a 360 degree 'peep-show' book.

Kathleen Hale was a British author-illustrator, born in Scotland in 1898. She was a freelance artist before publishing the first of her ‘Orlando’ books, Orlando the Marmalade Cat: A Camping Holiday, in 1938.

She died in 2000. Her autobiography, A Slender Reputation, appeared in 1994.

1Orlando the Marmalade Cat: A Camping Holiday

The Observer's World Atlas (No. 91)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1981.

The Observer's Book of Vintage Cars and Pre-War Classics (No. 92)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1982.

The Observer's Book of Classic Cars after 1945 (No. 93)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1982.

The Observer's Book of Paris (No. 94)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1982.

The Observer's Book of Canals (No. 95)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1982.

The Observer's Book of Tennis (No. 81)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1981.

The Observer's Book of Sea Fishing (No. 82)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1980.

The Observer's Book of Devon and Cornwall (No. 83)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1980.

The Observer's Book of Roses (No. 84)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1980.

The Observer's Book of Herbs (No. 85)

This book was only published once with laminate boards as pictured. The book was 1st published in 1980

The Observer's Book of Sea and Seashore (No. 31)

There are at least 3 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1962.

The Observer's Book of Astronomy (No. 32)

There are at least 6 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1962.

The Observer's Book of Lichens (No. 33)

There are at least 3 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1963.

The Observer's Book of Modern Art (No. 34)

There are at least 4 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1964.

The Observer's Book of Furniture(No. 35)

The Observer's Book of Pottery and Porcelain (No. 51)

There are at 2 least different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1973.

The Observer's Book of Unmanned Spaceflight (No. 52)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1974.

The Observer's Book of Motor Sport (No. 53)

There are at 2 least different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1975.

The Observer's Book of European Costume (No. 54)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1975.

The Observer's Book of British Awards and Medals (No. 55)

The Observer's Book of Motorcycles (No. 61)

There are at 4 least different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1976.

The Observer's Book of Glass (No. 62)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne.The book was 1st published in 1976.

The Observer's Tourist Atlas of Great Britain (No. 63)

There are at 3 least different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1976.

The Observer's Book of Small Craft (No. 64)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1976.

The Observer's Book of Tropical Fishes (No. 65)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1976.

The Observer's Book of Heraldry  (No. 41)

There are at 6 least different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1967.

The Observer's Book of Postage Stamps (No. 42)

There are at least 4 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1967.

The Observer's Book of Cathedrals  (No. 43)

There is one known dustwrapper design for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1972.

The Observer's Book of Flowering Trees & Shrubs (No. 44)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1972.

The Observer's Book of Zoo Animals (No. 45)

The Observer's Book of Fossils (No. 71)

There is one known dustwrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1977.

The Observer's Book of Pets  (No. 72)

There are at 2 least different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1978.

The Observer's Book of Cotswolds and Shakespeare Country (No. 73)

There is one known dust wrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1978.

The Observer's Book of The Lake District  (No. 74)

There is one known dust wrapper for this book, whilst published by Warne. The book was 1st published in 1978.

The Observer's Book of Firearms (No. 75)

The Observer's Book of (British) Birds (No. 1)

There are at least 15 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. Some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1937 and revised in 1952, 1956, 1960, 1965,1972. The book contains one bird per page, making it an excellent reference guide.

The Observer's Book of (British) Wild Flowers (No. 2)

There are at least 9 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. Some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1937, and revised 1963, 1965, 1975 and rewritten by Francis Rose in 1978. The book was based on Edward Step's Wayside and Woodland Blossoms.

The Observer's Book of (British) Butterflies (No. 3)

There are at least 11 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. Some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1938, and revised 1951, 1960, 1973, 1977, 1979.

The Observer's Book of Automobiles  (No. 21)

There are at least 25 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. Some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1955. and reissued nearly every year since.

The Observer's Book of Weather  (No. 22)

There are at least 7 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. Some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1955.

The Observer's Book of Railway Locomotives of Britain or The Observer's Book of British Steam Locomotives (No. 23)

There are at least 10 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne. Some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1955.

The Observer's Book of Pond Life(No. 24)

The Observer's Book of Aircraft (No. 11)

There are at least 33 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne, some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1949. and reissued nearly every year since, There were three earlier versions of this title, called The Observer's Book Of Airplanes. These were published in 1942, 1943 and 1945 and were not numbered.

The Observer's Book of (British) Ferns (No. 12)

There are at least 6 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne, some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1950.

The Observer's Book of (British) Architecture (No. 13) 

There are at least 10 different dustwrapper variations for this book, whilst published by Warne, some with only minor changes. The book was 1st published in 1951.

A collection of 7 books featuring the popular Rupert Bear.

The 1950 edition originally had 200 cut-outs but was later reprinted with just 120 cut-outs.

MONSTER RUPERT1931

MONSTER RUPER1932

MONSTER RUPERT1933

MONSTER RUPERT 1934

Series 740:

A collection of 7 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper.

1. A FIRST BOOK OF AESOP'S FABLES

2. A SECOND BOOK OF AESOP'S FABLES 

3. ALADDIN AND HIS WONDERFUL LAMP

4. ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES

5. FAMOUS LEGENDS BOOK 1

Series 737:

A collection of 39 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper. 

1. WATER

2. DUCKS AND SWANS

3. MAN IN THE AIR

4. MAN AND HIS CAR 

5. LIONS AND TIGERS

Series 731:

A collection of 2 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper

1. HOW TO DO IT: WOODWORK 

2. HOW TO DO IT: METALWORK 

Series 733: only one title appeared in this series

1. THE STARS AND THEIR LEGENDS

Series 727:

A collection of 10 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper.

1. WILD LIFE IN BRITAIN 

2. DISAPPEARING MAMMALS 

3. WHAT ON EARTH ARE WE DOING? 

4. BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 

5. HEDGES

Two series.

Each series contains only one title.

Series 721:

1. PICTURE READING 

Series 724:

1. MAKING A TRANSISTOR RADIO

Series 708:

A collection of 3 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper. 

1. MADAME CURIE

2. CHARLES DARWIN

3. MICHAEL FARADAY

Series 707:

A collection of 4 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper.

1. A LADYBIRD BOOK ABOUT PIRATES

2. THE STORY OF THE COWBOY

3. THE STORY OF THE INDIANS OF THE WESTERN PLAINS

4. BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN  - CUSTER'S LAST STAND

Series 706:

A collection of 4 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper. 

1. CUB SCOUTS 

2. SCOUTS 

3. BROWNIE GUIDES

4. GIRL GUIDES

Series 704:

A collection of 5 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper. 

1. A LADYBIRD FIRST PICTURE BOOK 

2. A LADYBIRD SECOND PICTURE BOOK 

3. A LADYBIRD THIRD PICTURE BOOK

4. A LADYBIRD FOURTH PICTURE BOOK 

5. A LADYBIRD FIFTH PICTURE BOOK 

Series 702:

A collection of 5 books.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper.

LEARNING WITH MOTHER BOOK 1 

LEARNING WITH MOTHER BOOK 2

LEARNING WITH MOTHER BOOK 3

LEARNING WITH MOTHER BOOK 4

LEARNING WITH MOTHER BOOK 5

Series 701:

A collection of books about great artists.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper.

GREAT ARTISTS BOOK 1 

GREAT ARTISTS BOOK 2

GREAT ARTISTS BOOK 3

Series 691:

A super collection of 7 books about mammals from different regions.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper. 

1. AFRICAN MAMMALS

2. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS

3. NORTH AMERICAN MAMMALS

4. EUROPEAN MAMMALS

5. ASIAN MAMMALS

Series 678:

An educational collection of four books about basic mathematics.

None of the books were produced with a dust wrapper. 

1. ADDITION MADE EASY

2. SUBTRACTION MADE EASY

3. MULTIPLICATION MADE EASY

4. DIVISION MADE EASY

Series 682:

A series containing just two informative books about dogs and horses. Neither book was produced with a dust wrapper. 

Series 663:

A short series containing only two books which detail the history of Britain from earliest times to our present day.

Neither book was produced with a dust wrapper. 

OUR LAND IN THE MAKING BK 1: EARLIEST TIMES TO THE NORMAN CONQUEST

OUR LAND IN THE MAKING BK2: NORMAN CONQUEST TO THE PRESENT DAY

Series 671:

This series contains only one book about understanding maps. The book was not produced with a dust wrapper. 

UNDERSTANDING MAPS

Series 662:

A delightful collection of 7 books about music and the performing arts.

None of the books were produced with dust wrappers. 

1. A LB BOOK OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 

2. THE STORY OF MUSIC

3. BALLET

4. LIVES OF THE GREAT COMPOSERS - BOOK 1

Series 661:

A small series containing just 4 books about numbers.

None of the books were produced with dust wrappers. 

1.UNDERSTANDING NUMBERS

2. WORDS WE NEED FOR NUMBERS 

3. MORE WORDS FOR NUMBERS

4. EVERYDAY WORDS FOR NUMBERS

Series 654:

A great collection of 14 books about 'How It Works'.

This is an informative series giving the science behind much of our modern technology. None of the books were produced with dust wrappers. 

HOW IT WORKS: THE MOTOR CAR

HOW IT WORKS: THE ROCKET

HOW IT WORKS: THE AEROPLANE

HOW IT WORKS: TELEVISION

Series 651:

This series contains 9 books about nature including plants, animals, birds and insects.

None of the books were produced with dust wrappers.

PLANTS AND HOW THEY GROW

ANIMALS AND HOW THEY LIVE

BIRDS AND HOW THEY LIVE

LIFE OF THE HONEY-BEE

LEARNING ABOUT INSECTS AND SMALL ANIMALS

Series 644:

This series contains two informative books about religious customs and celebrations.

Only the first book was produced with a dust wrapper.

THE STORIES OF OUR CHRISTMAS  

STORIES OF SPECIAL DAYS AND CUSTOMS

Series 649: This series contains 5 books about biblical history. Only the first one was produced with a dust wrapper.

ANIMALS BIRDS AND PLANTS OF THE BIBLE

LIFE IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES

Series 641:

Commonly known as the Peter and Jane books.

The Key Word books were devided into 3 grades: A, B and C, with each grade having 12 books.

1a - Play with us 

1b - Look at this 

1c - Read and write

2a - We have fun

Series 634:

The 'Learnabout' series of over 30 titles.

Some titles were borrowed from other series, or reprinted from previous series.

1. Maps ( Also in Series 671)

2. Handwriting (Also in Series 684)

3. Stamp Collecting (Also in Series 633)

4. Tricks and Magic (Also in Series 633)

5. Coarse Fishing (Also in Series 633)

Series 633:

An interesting collection of 24 books about things to make and do! Published between 1940 and 1980.

Only the first book was produced with a dust wrapper.

1. THE LB BOOK OF THINGS TO MAKE 

2. THE LB BOOK OF TOYS AND GAMES TO MAKE 

3. INDOOR GARDENING

4. STAMP COLLECTING

Series 621:

A lovely collection of 12 science books for juniors.

The first 4 books were produced with dust wrappers. 

1. MAGNETS BULBS AND BATTERIES 

2. LIGHT MIRRORS AND LENSES

3. AIR WIND AND FLIGHT 

4. LEVERS PULLEYS AND ENGINES

MAGNETS AND ELECTRICITY 

Series 612:

A nice collection of 3 books looking at traditional prayers and hymns for children.

Only the first 2 books were produced with dust wrappers. 

1. THE LORD'S PRAYER AND OTHER PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN

2. THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF PRAYERS THROUGH THE YEAR 

3. A LADYBIRD FIRST BOOK OF HYMNS AND SONGS 

Series 618: This series only contains one book about the city of London . The book was produced with a dust wrapper.

Series 606E:

An 'easy-reading' series. A collection of 3 books discussing the important nationalised industries of that time.

None of the books were produced with dust wrappers.

1 THE PUBLIC SERVICES: ELECTRICITY

2. THE PUBLIC SERVICES: GAS 

3. THE PUBLIC SERVICES: WATER SUPPLY

Series 606F: An 'easy-reading' series.

This series contained only 2 books which looked back through the ages at the progression of man with regard to food and transport. None of the books were produced with dust wrappers.

Series 606D: An ‘easy-reading’ series.

This popular collection of fairy tales has delighted countless children and parents alike!

The series originally contained 27 stories, although many additional books and edited versions were later produced. Only the first book was produced with a dust wrapper. 

CINDERELLA

THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Series 606A: An ‘easy-reading’ series.

This is the second series that Ladybird produced based on the bible.

The series contained 11 books. Only the first 5 books were produced with dust wrappers.

1. STORIES ABOUT JESUS THE HELPER

2. STORIES ABOUT JESUS THE FRIEND

3. BABY JESUS

4. STORIES ABOUT CHILDREN OF THE BIBLE

Series 601:

An interesting collection of 27 books discussing the achievements of man.

Only the first 9 books were produced with a dust wrapper.

1. THE STORY OF FLIGHT

2. GREAT INVENTIONS

3. THE STORY OF RAILWAYS

4. THE STORY OF SHIPS

5. THE STORY OF THE MOTOR CAR

View current stock of Ladybird Series 587

Series 587:

A nice collection of six books about travel. 

1. FLIGHT ONE: AUSTRALIA

2. FLIGHT TWO: CANADA

3. FLIGHT THREE: USA

4. FLIGHT FOUR: INDIA

5. FLIGHT FIVE: AFRICA

Series 584:

This series of 6 books was mostly concerning transport.

However, several of the books were reprinted with different covers or contents making it a surprisingly difficult series to collect!

1. THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF BRITISH RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES

1. THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF BRITISH RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES

2. THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF MOTOR CARS

2. THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF MOTOR CARS

View current stock of all Ladybird Series

Series 563:

A delightful series for younger readers containing 9 books. 

1. PUPPIES AND KITTENS

2. THE FARM

3. SHOPPING WITH MOTHER

4. GOING TO SCHOOL

5. NUMBERS 

Series 561: This is the largest series that Ladybird produced.

The series was called ‘Adventures from history’. Each book contained a mini biography of someone influential from history.

Originally the series contained 19 books. A further 31 books were added to the series after dust wrappers were discontinued. 

1. KING ALFRED THE GREAT 

2. WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

3. SIR WALTER RALEIGH

4. THE STORY OF NELSON

Series 538:

This series was unusual in that it contained only one book!

The book is exceptionally scarce and sought after!

THE IMPATIENT HORSE

Series 549

This series contained two stories, both relating to the infamous Robin Hood!

1. THE SILVER ARROW 

2. THE AMBUSH 

Series 536: 

This is one of the larger series containing 14 books originally and later an additional 13 books.

All the books were based on nature topics.

1. BRITISH BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS

2. A SECOND BOOK OF BRITISH BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS

3. A THIRD BOOK OF BRITISH BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS

As a budding collector, always collect books that you and your family will love, possibly a series that you remember from your own nursery bookshelf! You will have much more enthusiasm for the job, and it makes our work as book sellers far more enjoyable when we see the books going to a good home! Also, decide on your budget before you start collecting. Ladybird books vary widely in their price, as does the quantity of books in each series. Two of the most popular series for collecting are 606D (Well Loved Tales) and 561 (Adventure From History).

Although Wills & Hepworth produced several larger books prior to 1940, the first series printed in what is generally viewed as the standard Ladybird format was series 401. Including this series, Wills & Hepworth produced 6 different series in the 1940's. This included the elusive 417 (Wonk) and the exceptionally scarce 474 (Tasseltip Tales).

Series 522: This series originally contained 10 books, all of which were religious stories.

Later, 2 additional books were added to the series.

View all current stock within Series 522

1. THE CHILD OF THE TEMPLE

2. THE SHEPHERD BOY OF BETHLEHEM

3. THE LITTLE LORD JESUS

Series 497: Originally, a lovely selection of 10 books, all of which were animal stories.

Later, 6 additional books were added to this series about a hamster called Hannibal and a further 6 books about Tasseltip the rabbit. The Tasseltip books were a re-working of the original stories from series 474.

View all current stock within Series 497

1. THE INQUISITIVE HARVEST MOUSE

2. TIPTOES THE MISCHIEVOUS KITTEN

Series 474

This series contains 6 books about Tasseltip the rabbit!

View all current stock of Series 474

1. A LITTLE SILK APRON

2. MR. MOLE’S HOUSE WARMING

3. THE FLICKERDICK

Series 455

This series contains 6 factual books presented by ‘Uncle Mac’.

View all current stock of Uncle Mac Ladybird books

1. IN GREEN PASTURES WITH UNCLE MAC

2. IN THE WILDERNESS WITH UNCLE MAC

Series 417

This series contains 6 wonderful books about a koala named Wonk!

1. THE ADVENTURES OF WONK – GOING TO SEA

2. THE ADVENTURES OF WONK – STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM

3. THE ADVENTURES OF WONK – FIREWORKS

View all current stock in Series 413

Originally, this series contained 11 books including nursery rhymes, fairy tales and story books.

Later, at least 7 additional books were added to this series.

1. THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES

2. THE STORY OF CINDERELLA

3. THE LB BOOK OF BEDTIME RHYMES

View all current stock in Series 401

Originally, a delightful collection of 18 books containing stories told in rhyme.

Later, 4 additional books were added to this series.

1. BUNNIKINS PICNIC PARTY 

2. THE FIRST DAY OF THE HOLIDAYS 

3. GINGERS ADVENTURES

A collection of various story books by Enid Blyton.

Some titles were re-published later with different jacket designs etc, and some are shown below.

Please click on individual books below to check current availability of the title.

Chimney Corner Stories(1st 1946)

More Chimney Corner Stories(1st 1955)

Happy Day Stories(1st 1960)

A series of sixteen books.

Some books were originally published under different titles:-

The Fifth Tell-a-Story Book was originally published as 'Enid Blyton's Second Bedside Book' (1950). This book has new illustrations added.

Sixth Tell-a-Story Book was originally published as 'Enid Blyton's Third Bedside Book' (1951). This book has new illustrations added.

Seventh Tell-a-Story Book was originally published as 'Enid Blyton's Fourth Bedside Book' (1952). This book has new illustrations added.

Eighth Tell-a-Story Book was originally published as 'Enid Blyton's Eight Bedside Book' (1956). This book has new illustrations added.

Ninth Tell-a-Story Book was originally published as 'My Enid Blyton Bedside Book (1949). This book has new illustrations added.

Tenth Tell-a-Story Book was originally published as 'Enid Blyton's Fifth Bedside Book' (1953). This book has new illustrations added. 

A series of twelve books published between 1949 and 1960.

The dates in brackets refer to the 1st editions.

My Enid Blyton Bedside Book was later re-published with new illustrations as the 'Ninth Tell-a-Story Book'.

Enid Blyton's Second Bedside Book was later re-published with new illustrations as the 'Fifth Tell-a-Story Book'.

Enid Blyton's Third Bedside Book was later re-published with new illustrations as the 'Sixth Tell-a-Story Book'.

Enid Blyton's Fourth Bedside Book was later re-published with new illustrations as the 'Seventh Tell-a-Story Book'.

Enid Blyton's Eighth Bedside Book was later re-published with new illustrations as the 'Eighth Tell-a-Story Book'.

My Enid Blyton Bedside Book (1949)

A series of 12 books published between 1946 - 1957.

Some titles were republished with less or different stories. 

Presented here is a gallery of the cover illustrations. Please click on individual itles to check current availability.

The Enid Blyton Holiday Book (Published 1946) 

The Second Holiday Book (Published 1947) 

The Third Holiday Book (Published 1948)

There are 15 books in the Mystery Series.

The first book in the series, The Mystery of the Burnt Cottage, was first published in 1943 and the last story, The Mystery of Banshee Towers, appeared in 1961.

Presented here is a gallery of the covers with the 1st edition dates. Please click on individual titles to check current availability.

There are 24 numbered Noddy books, all pictured below, as well as many associated Noddy books. This series of Noddy books was illustrated by Beek. The first title Noddy Goes To Toyland was first published in 1949 by Sampson Low, and the last Noddy and the Aeroplane was published in1964.

No. 1 Noddy Goes to Toyland1st - 1949

No.2 Hurrah for Little Noddy1st - 1950

No. 3 Noddy and his Car1st - 1951

A fascinating, colourful and educational series of books for children, first published at the start of the Second World War and with some volumes continuing to be reprinted well into the 1970's.

How did this series come to be published in the war years when there were severe paper shortages and little money to be spent on books? The series was the brainchild of Noel Carrington, editor for Country Life books and described by Kathleen Hale as "a brilliant talent spotter".

A gallery of cover illustrations is presented below.

No. 61 The Arabs (1947)

A fascinating, colourful and educational series of books for children, first published at the start of the Second World War and with some volumes continuing to be reprinted well into the 1970's.

How did this series come to be published in the war years when there were severe paper shortages and little money to be spent on books? The series was the brainchild of Noel Carrington, editor for Country Life books and described by Kathleen Hale as "a brilliant talent spotter".

A gallery of cover illustrations is presented below.

1War on Land(1940)

There were 15 W.E. Johns books issued in hardback format with a dust wrapper in the Hampton Library Series published by Brockhampton Press.

Six titles had been originally published by Oxford University Press, and the rest by Hodder and Stoughton or Brockhampton Press.  Nine of the books were given a new dust wrapper design, with the rest having the same front panel design as the first editions. These books are commonly mistaken as first editions as they clearly state on the titles page First Published in 19XX,  however they are all reprints and can easily be recognized by the logo on both the spine of the wrapper and the books (as shown further below). 

There are a number of Bigggles books issued in hardback format with a dustwrapper by the Children's Book Club.

They mainly have their own wrapper design for which reason we have given them their own gallery. Although the price of the children's book club edition tend to be lower than the orginal 1st editions in a few cases they are a lot harder to find, in particular the first three in the series. Click Here to view all of our Biggles Books published by Children's Book Club editions.

This is a collection of 10 books where W.E. Johns tries his hand at Science Fiction novels. The main characters in the books are Group Captain Timothy (nicknamed 'Tiger') Clinton R.A.F. (retired) and his son, Rex Clinton and Professor Lucius Brane. They go off adventuring - initially around our Solar System, but as the books progress they go further and further afield meeting up will all sorts of alien life forms and visiting many planets.

In this index you will find the images of the Space Series (Science Fiction) books by Captain W.E. Johns (mainly of the dust wrappers). All the books were original published by Hodder and Stoughton but 5 stories were also published by Children's Book Club, sometimes with their own version of the wrappers. A few titles were also issued in paperback form.

There are 10 books in the Gimlet series although he also makes an appearance in two other W.E. Johns books which are Biggles Follows On and Comrades in Arms. As many of the titles suggest, Gimlet is the King of the Commandos and has many similar adventures to Biggles but normally land/sea based as apposed to air.

The 1st Gimlet book King of the Commandos was published in 1943 during the war paper shortage, so the 1st edition of this title with its wrapper is the hardest to find and therefore most expensive of the series. The last book in the series was Gimlet Takes a Job, 1st published in 1954.

W.E. Johns: Worrals Books

There are eleven books in the Worrals series, the first being Worrals of the W.A.A.F. published in 1941 and the last being Worrals Investigates in 1950.

W.E. Johns had been asked to create a role model for girls to follow on from the success which the Biggles books had in bringing boys into the R.A.F. during World War II.

You can view our current stock of Worrals books here.

Worrals of the W.A.A.F.

W.E. Johns was born William Earle Johns in Hertford in 1893. He worked as a surveyor after school, then served in the army from 1916 and the newly formed Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. He remained in the Air Force until 1930 when he became a newspaper air correspondent and founded the magazine Popular Flying, in the pages of which his famous character, Biggles (Major James Bigglesworth) first appeared.

He wrote a total of 98 biggles books starting with The Camels Are Coming in 1932, published under the pseudonym William Earle.

Johns also wrote on many other subjects including a book on Gardening, not to mention his Science Fiction books and Gimlet Books. He died in 1968.

In this index you will find the images from the Latimer and Newnes editions of the Steeley Series by Captain W.E. Johns apart from Steeley and the Missing Page which was 1st published by Norman Wright in 2000.

The dates below each image refer to the 1st published date by that publisher. The 1930's editions of the Steeley books are very hard to find even without their wrappers. 

To see our current stock of a particular title please click on the link below each image.

Sky High1936

View current stock of Alison Uttley books

Alison Uttley is probably best known for her Little Grey Rabbit books written for children. However, during her very successful career she wrote about 120 books on various subjects for children and adults.

Her varied interests in dreams, time travel and country matters provided material for her writings, often revealing a woman of both sensitivity and perception.

Today her books are as much loved as they ever have been and remain popular to both adults and children. They have been reprinted on numerous occasions and the values of the first editions in particular have steadily risen in the last decade.

Rupert Bear annuals are probably some of the most avidly collected today. First published in an annual in 1936, Rupert has been published every year since, in varying formats.

The famous illustrator Mary Tourtel created Rupert and he first appeared in the Daily Express issue of 8th November 1920. Her husband, Herbert Tourtel, also played a part - he wrote the verses which appeared with the drawings. After failing eyesight caused Mary to retire in 1935, Alfred Edmeades Bestall took over the illustrations and also wrote the stories himself. Following Bestall, Alex Cubie took the reigns as illustrator for a short while with the stories being written by Freddie Chaplain. John Harrold began illustrating Rupert in 1980 and continued until 2007.

Stuart Trotter, illustrator of Postman Pat, Winnie The Pooh and Thomas the Tank Engine among others, now has the great responsibility of illustrating the little bear. Stuart's first Rupert annual is the edition for Christmas 2008 which also contains all new stories. Stuart admits he has been a life-long fan of Rupert and promises that the little bear will be very much recognisable as the Classic Rupert.

The series of thirty-nine William books by Richmal Crompton were written over a period of almost fifty years, between 1921 and 1970. 

The Chalet School series contains fifty-eight titles...

The origins of the Jennings stories can be traced back to the author's time as a schoolmaster at St. Lawrence College in Ramsgate, Kent...

The World's Leading Grand Prix & Superbike Annual.

Motocourse annuals are more than just pretty picture books, with detailed reports of races and background news that make them a well-respected reference work. Considered to be the 'bible' of motorcycle racing since 1976, the books are packed with stunning pictures from some of the world's best racing photographers. In the earlier editions, the emphasis was on black & white photography, but this moved towards colour over the years.

The first three volumes, from 1976/77 through to 1979/80 are becoming increasingly difficult to find and command high prices in excellent condition.

The Barry Sheen and Kenny Roberts championship editions tend to fetch high prices, especially in the UK, as does the volume covering 1993 when Wayne Rainey suffered his career-ending crash at the Italian Grand Prix in Misano.

The New Naturalist Library is a series of over one hundred books first issued in Great Britain by William Collins in 1945 and continuing into the 1990's with it's peak in the 50's and 60's. The series covers every aspect of British Natural History from Moles to Measles. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis painted most of the dustwrappers.

The series is worth acquiring simply for these works of art. From the subtlety of the Swallowtails for Butterflies (the first title published in 1945) to the dramatic and terrifying mole for the monograph The Mole.

The original aim was:"To interest the general reader in the wild life of Britain by recapturing the inquiring spirit of the old naturalists."

The World's Leading Grand Prix Annual

The Autocourse series has provided a definitive record of the racing season since 1951 (first produced in an annual format in 1959). The series provides the most complete information available, presented with entertaining articles and analysis. In addition to the wealth of information, the annuals include stunning images from the world's top motor-sport photographers.

Capturing the glamour, speed and bravery of Formula 1, the Autocourse series has become a highly collectible record that 'no enthusiast should be without'.

Autocourse 1961-62

Autocourse 1962-63

Our wide collection of annuals including....

The Beano book No. 1 was published in 1940 and annuals have been published by D.C. Thompson & Co. every year since, shortly changing their name to The Magic-Beano Book, before reverting to the former....

Rupert Bear annuals are probably some of the most avidly collected today. First published in an annual in 1936, Rupert has been published every year since, in varying formats.

The Dandy Monster Comic was 1st published in 1939, by D.C. Thomson & Co. It continued to be published as this until 1953, when it was changed to The Dandy Book.