This is another cracker in the Ladybird Books for Grown Ups series, which taps into our nostalgia for these books that were so much a part of our childhood.
The look, the feel, the font, the illustrations – all are perfect clones of the wholesome books of yore. Except that these books are for grown ups.
As I said in an earlier review of another grown up Ladybird book:
“The mission statement of these grown up Ladybird books is worth revisiting – probably because, as grown ups, we have all completely forgotten reading this the first time round:
“This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them.
The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. The subject of the book will greatly appeal to grown-ups.”
I had indeed forgotten sharing this with you, which all goes to show that the “frequent repetition” the editors mention is obviously much needed.
In “The People Next Door” we see pictured the peaceful suburban England of the 1950s.
With a twist.
This is a fun, quick read and makes for a great gift.
If you feel like buying it, couldn’t be easier. Just click on the link below. You know how to do that, right? You are grown-up, after all.
Could I possibly print off page 4 I wonder, and post it thro the neighbour with the motorbike which seems to need to be revved over and over on a lovely sunny afternoon, after his son age 7? has ridden round and round and round his garden on his motorbike all morning? Saturdays and Sundays between May and September are the ideal times.