Ladybird, Ladybird

The story of a publishing phenomenon - and the last vestiges of a 1950s childhood.

Ladybird Books summons up ankle socks, sleeveless fair isle pullovers and days of innocence.

But as the Loughborough based company closes down its Midlands operation and is swallowed up by Penguin - it's the end of an era.

Producer: Lindsay Leonard.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.