During the First World War, Wills and Hepworth a small commercial printer in Loughborough, Leicestershire, began to produce children's books under the imprint Ladybird. In 1940 the now-familiar 'pocket-sized' Ladybird book or mini-hardback was first produced for a series of animal stories. Nearly seventy years later, the original principles of Ladybird remains, to provide children with entertaining, engaging and educational books, whilst offering great value for money and the very best in innovative formats. The list today includes first books for babies, novelty books, sound books and the latest in exciting new film and television licenses. Our aim is to always put the child at the centre of everything we do, whatever their interest and stage of development, using the latest develops and findings in educational research to influence our publishing.