Ladybird Books

This book publishing company can trace its beginnings as far back as 1867. Its founder Henry Wills opened a bookshop in Loughborough, Leicestershire and during the next decade, he began to sprint street directories and guidebooks. It was not until 1904 that he 'expanded' his company when he was joined by William Hepworth and the newly formed company traded as Wills & Hepworth. In August 1914 they published their first children's book employing the newly designed Ladybird logo. Initially, the ladybird had open wings but since the 1950's 'she' has undergone several changes of appearance. In 1972 Ladybird was taken over by the Pearson Publishing Group who in turn merged its organisation with Penguin Books in 1998.

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