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Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups
How it Works: The Husband (Ladybird Books for Grown-ups) by Jason Hazeley
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.
Hardcover
First published October 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 24, 2019
Like most Brits of my age, Ladybird books were a staple of my childhood, and I still have many at home: inexpensive, varied subjects (fiction, history, science, general knowledge), different reading levels, hard covered, and conveniently small.
Another reason for their success and enduring popularity is the distinctive font and style of illustration.
“The authors would like to thank the illustrators whose work they have so mercilessly ribbed, and whose glorious craftsmanship was the set-dressing of their childhoods. The inspiration they sparked has never faded.”
However, modern children are unlikely to find them appealing, so Penguin Books commissioned humorous new titles for adults, but using artwork from the original children’s books. Titles include: The Shed, The Hipster, Mindfulness, The Meeting, and The Zombie Apocalypse. See list here.
These spoofs have been so successful, there are spoofs of the spoofs - which are far better than this. See Dungbeetle’s We Go To The Gallery, which I reviewed HERE.
I think these Ladybirds will only appeal to those who want to indulge and gently prod fond childhood memories, and I doubt many would want to read more than a handful. I think two is my limit. The titles and concept are more fun than the content (except for some of the small print). The exception is A Ladybird Book About Donald Trump (my review HERE).
Stereotype Alert
All the humour in the Husband and Wife books is based on the sort of gently demeaning stereotypes - of men and women - that were common when the pictures were drawn, when mother-in-law jokes and Benny Hill were all the rage. Not so zeitgeisty now: what was once mainstream now feels easy but risky.
If you read just one of the books in this pair, you might splutter in indignation, but reading them together, I saw the balance, and smiled a little in recognition - and especially at how far most of society has moved on since I was a child.
There are two illustrations that appear in both books - but with different words. Here’s one:
The Husband
I’m not sure what to make of the fact my father and his partner gave me this as a stocking-filler at Christmas!
You can guess the gist: a husband just needs sausages, beer, and time to indulge hobbies, like watching sport. He doesn’t care about his clothes, finds it difficult to express his feelings, and rarely listens to, let alone remembers, what his wife says. I’m not offended, but I don’t find that funny.
Although these are adult books, there’s no explicit mention of sex. This caption was presumably inspired by his awkward pose in the original illustration:
I was also amused to recognise one of the illustrations. It’s of a Scotsman in a kilt, coming into a house, bearing a piece of coal. He’s first-footing, and it was in a Ladybird book about traditional customs around the UK (possibly Stories of Special Days and Customs).
The Wife
Wives need wine and chocolate to cope with husbands and children. Well, I don’t like chocolate, and I prefer gin to wine, but wine will do. And friends (yes!) and shopping (not so much).
Hints about sex are even vaguer and more euphemistic in this than The Husband. And not sufficient to raise a smile.
Spoiler alert:
Another reason for their success and enduring popularity is the distinctive font and style of illustration.
“The authors would like to thank the illustrators whose work they have so mercilessly ribbed, and whose glorious craftsmanship was the set-dressing of their childhoods. The inspiration they sparked has never faded.”
However, modern children are unlikely to find them appealing, so Penguin Books commissioned humorous new titles for adults, but using artwork from the original children’s books. Titles include: The Shed, The Hipster, Mindfulness, The Meeting, and The Zombie Apocalypse. See list here.
These spoofs have been so successful, there are spoofs of the spoofs - which are far better than this. See Dungbeetle’s We Go To The Gallery, which I reviewed HERE.
I think these Ladybirds will only appeal to those who want to indulge and gently prod fond childhood memories, and I doubt many would want to read more than a handful. I think two is my limit. The titles and concept are more fun than the content (except for some of the small print). The exception is A Ladybird Book About Donald Trump (my review HERE).
Stereotype Alert
All the humour in the Husband and Wife books is based on the sort of gently demeaning stereotypes - of men and women - that were common when the pictures were drawn, when mother-in-law jokes and Benny Hill were all the rage. Not so zeitgeisty now: what was once mainstream now feels easy but risky.
If you read just one of the books in this pair, you might splutter in indignation, but reading them together, I saw the balance, and smiled a little in recognition - and especially at how far most of society has moved on since I was a child.
There are two illustrations that appear in both books - but with different words. Here’s one:
The Husband
I’m not sure what to make of the fact my father and his partner gave me this as a stocking-filler at Christmas!
You can guess the gist: a husband just needs sausages, beer, and time to indulge hobbies, like watching sport. He doesn’t care about his clothes, finds it difficult to express his feelings, and rarely listens to, let alone remembers, what his wife says. I’m not offended, but I don’t find that funny.
Although these are adult books, there’s no explicit mention of sex. This caption was presumably inspired by his awkward pose in the original illustration:
I was also amused to recognise one of the illustrations. It’s of a Scotsman in a kilt, coming into a house, bearing a piece of coal. He’s first-footing, and it was in a Ladybird book about traditional customs around the UK (possibly Stories of Special Days and Customs).
The Wife
Wives need wine and chocolate to cope with husbands and children. Well, I don’t like chocolate, and I prefer gin to wine, but wine will do. And friends (yes!) and shopping (not so much).
Hints about sex are even vaguer and more euphemistic in this than The Husband. And not sufficient to raise a smile.
Spoiler alert:
November 19, 2021
A good 5 minute read. Three and a half stars, mildly amusing retro husband stereotypes. Some still ring true. I liked Adrian who has to arrange things in order- they may be harder to find but at least they are logical. Lovely original ladybird illustrations.
December 6, 2020
Not as funny as others in the series.
November 15, 2017
Разтоварващо и много забавно! Напълно различна от която и да е малка книжка - но е пълна с истини!
October 15, 2016
I have read quite a few of the books in this series and each one is very entertaining in a kind of satirical way.
Drawing on the favourite books from our childhood, this series takes different topics and 'tells the story' for adults.
All I can say about each one is that they are really funny in an irreverent but not rude way. The way the series uses pictures from our childhood stories and then turns them on the head to illustrate an adult theme is just highly amusing.
I want to read the entire series and I want the authors to produce a range of stories. These are quick reads, great fun and really well produced. They pull on memories of reading Ladybird books at school but completely turn things around to present something that is new and comical. Good fun.
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Drawing on the favourite books from our childhood, this series takes different topics and 'tells the story' for adults.
All I can say about each one is that they are really funny in an irreverent but not rude way. The way the series uses pictures from our childhood stories and then turns them on the head to illustrate an adult theme is just highly amusing.
I want to read the entire series and I want the authors to produce a range of stories. These are quick reads, great fun and really well produced. They pull on memories of reading Ladybird books at school but completely turn things around to present something that is new and comical. Good fun.
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 15, 2017
Ревю => http://justonebooklover.blogspot.bg/2...
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Последва "Съпругът: Наръчник за употреба", чието четене споделих с майка си. Напълно очаквано, доста се забавлявахме с ФАКТИТЕ, упоменати в тази книга. Например: знаехте ли, че "съпругът чува цели 30% от онова, което му се казва"? Е, с този факт мама беше готова да поспори...
~ ~ ~
Последва "Съпругът: Наръчник за употреба", чието четене споделих с майка си. Напълно очаквано, доста се забавлявахме с ФАКТИТЕ, упоменати в тази книга. Например: знаехте ли, че "съпругът чува цели 30% от онова, което му се казва"? Е, с този факт мама беше готова да поспори...
December 25, 2016
My wife's idea of a funny present. Entertaining.
Here's my favourite page:
"Husbands like to meet with friends for a chat.
This husband has been talking to his friends for five and half hours about which Doctor Who would win in a game of hide-and-seek.
He has forgotten to ask whether his friends' wives and children are still living with them, or even alive.
PS She did buy me a few other things, too!
Here's my favourite page:
"Husbands like to meet with friends for a chat.
This husband has been talking to his friends for five and half hours about which Doctor Who would win in a game of hide-and-seek.
He has forgotten to ask whether his friends' wives and children are still living with them, or even alive.
PS She did buy me a few other things, too!
December 13, 2015
Have you seen these Ladybird books for adults? They are hilarious. Probably don't really qualify as reading as they take about five minutes to read but they are quirky and funny and a nice little escape from more intense reading. I want to read all of them now.
December 25, 2017
A fun observation look at how men operate. I was laughing and nodding along on numerous occasions.
March 19, 2016
It's my Mum & Dad's wedding anniversary on Sunday and what do you get for a couple that have been together for 34 years? Something silly of course so the Husband and Wife versions of the Ladybirds for Grown Ups How it Works series seemed like the perfect option!
Do you remember those old Ladybird books you used to read as a child? I have fond memories of fiction titles like Mick the Disobedient Puppy, The Discontented Pony and who could forget books like Tasseltip and the Boozle but there were also the educational ones that were actually supposed to teach you something. The books were all illustrated, written in very simple language and easy for children to read, something that has been continued into the adult versions that have been released much more recently. Including illustrations from the original series these books are like a step back in time but a very humourous one.
These books are snarky, play on male and female stereotypes and epitomise a dry British sense of humour. All in they're just fun, silly books that aren't meant to be taken too seriously but are designed to put a smile on your face.
My favourite quote from How it Works: The Husband -
The husband finds some things very difficult. Being wrong is one of these things.
When he is wrong, the husband will refer to the times he was right, even if they date back many years.
Do you remember those old Ladybird books you used to read as a child? I have fond memories of fiction titles like Mick the Disobedient Puppy, The Discontented Pony and who could forget books like Tasseltip and the Boozle but there were also the educational ones that were actually supposed to teach you something. The books were all illustrated, written in very simple language and easy for children to read, something that has been continued into the adult versions that have been released much more recently. Including illustrations from the original series these books are like a step back in time but a very humourous one.
These books are snarky, play on male and female stereotypes and epitomise a dry British sense of humour. All in they're just fun, silly books that aren't meant to be taken too seriously but are designed to put a smile on your face.
My favourite quote from How it Works: The Husband -
The husband finds some things very difficult. Being wrong is one of these things.
When he is wrong, the husband will refer to the times he was right, even if they date back many years.
February 11, 2016
The best thing about this book, and the others in the series, is that the illustrations are taken from original Ladybird reading books.
The 'reading matter' is typically British 'dry' humour with some wonderfully perceptive writing about the everyday life of 'The Husband'
Not cheap, but worth it, even if its just to remember those fabulous illustrations.
The 'reading matter' is typically British 'dry' humour with some wonderfully perceptive writing about the everyday life of 'The Husband'
Not cheap, but worth it, even if its just to remember those fabulous illustrations.
January 22, 2016
I bought this as a birthday present for someone and she loved it. (I did also get to read it).
The book is short but highly amusing.
I think it’s very much a present book and works if you have that kind of sense of humour.
The book is short but highly amusing.
I think it’s very much a present book and works if you have that kind of sense of humour.
September 22, 2016
Very funny little book, nostalgic send-up of Ladybird books. All the illustrations are from original Ladybird books , many from decades ago, and this adds to the humour.
"This is a husband. He may look complicated, but he is in fact very simple. He runs on sausages and beer."
"This is a husband. He may look complicated, but he is in fact very simple. He runs on sausages and beer."
November 26, 2017
What hilarity this is! I came across this in the British Council library having previously only heard of them and it left me in splits! The juxtaposition of vintage illustrations and modern text produces such a marvel of publishing. Love it! Now I am looking forward to others in the series.
Read
December 18, 2016Pre-wedding preparation
Read
January 24, 2017An invaluable guide to my new responsibilities.
January 2, 2018
It was both nostalgic and fun to go back to the Ladybird books. I had such a fun time reading it. And the best of all was the last page, it made me laugh with tears.
April 21, 2018
Enne seda raamatut arvasin ma, et mehed on müstilised olendid, keda on väga raske mõista. See raamat aga avas mu silmad.
"See on mees. Mees võib tunduda keeruline, aga tegelikult on ta väga lihtne. Mees töötab vorstide ja õlle peal."
"See on mees. Mees võib tunduda keeruline, aga tegelikult on ta väga lihtne. Mees töötab vorstide ja õlle peal."
June 30, 2020
The illustrations is really beautiful 😍💖
February 3, 2024
This spoof on Ladybird books and the post-war family lacks humor.
October 20, 2016
'The Fireside Grown-Up Guide to the Husband' by Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris is part of the Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups series. They are all quick reads and I've now read three of them.
This book is about the husband. We are told the husband is not complicated and that he runs on sausages and beer. When he and his wife go out, she has a lot of outfits, but he only has his one favorite suit, which hasn't fit in years.
These are just a few of the facts you will learn. They are simple and written big so they are easy to understand, because being a grown-up can be hard. They are interspersed with vintage pictures. The captions in this one fit the pictures sometimes and sometimes they seem to have missed the mark for me.
My favorite of the three I've read is 'The Fireside Grown-Up Guide to the Hangover.' This one isn't too bad. They are fast reads and meant to be gag gifts. It might be worth a glance through to see if the folks in your life would find them humorous.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Touchstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
This book is about the husband. We are told the husband is not complicated and that he runs on sausages and beer. When he and his wife go out, she has a lot of outfits, but he only has his one favorite suit, which hasn't fit in years.
These are just a few of the facts you will learn. They are simple and written big so they are easy to understand, because being a grown-up can be hard. They are interspersed with vintage pictures. The captions in this one fit the pictures sometimes and sometimes they seem to have missed the mark for me.
My favorite of the three I've read is 'The Fireside Grown-Up Guide to the Hangover.' This one isn't too bad. They are fast reads and meant to be gag gifts. It might be worth a glance through to see if the folks in your life would find them humorous.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Touchstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 5, 2016
Back in July, I wrote a review on a book I found in England called The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis. Ladybird Books is a (very) longstanding publisher in the UK and have a huge back catalog of images from their 150 years of publishing mostly children's books. They've recently taken many of those images an paired them up with clever text to offer a series that "understands that the world is just as confusing to a forty-year-old as it is to a four-year old. We're here to break down the most pressing and complex issues of our day into easy-to-digest pieces of information paired with vivid illustrations even a child could understand."
I loved the Mid-Life Crisis book and so was very excited to learn that Touchstone, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, is publishing many of the books in Americanized versions on October 11th.
Read the rest of my review at wanderaven
I loved the Mid-Life Crisis book and so was very excited to learn that Touchstone, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, is publishing many of the books in Americanized versions on October 11th.
Read the rest of my review at wanderaven
December 31, 2015
My third Ladybird book for Grown-ups of the day, very good it was too!
I'm fairly certain this book is intended for people who have a husband. I do not have a husband. However, I know people who do have husbands and it was hilarious all the same.
An example funny:
My father takes the Sunday Telegraph. If he is unwell, I have to buy it for him from the paper shop using a pre-paid voucher. Buying the Torygraph makes you look like an asshole. Carrying it hurts my back.
I'm fairly certain this book is intended for people who have a husband. I do not have a husband. However, I know people who do have husbands and it was hilarious all the same.
An example funny:
The husband likes to do simple repairs, like changing the washer on a tap.
Afterwards he likes to talk at great length about what a struggle it was, and will want to be treated as if he has invented a machine that turns farts into gold.
My father takes the Sunday Telegraph. If he is unwell, I have to buy it for him from the paper shop using a pre-paid voucher. Buying the Torygraph makes you look like an asshole. Carrying it hurts my back.
December 4, 2016
I was hooked from the opening lines: "This is a husband. He may look complicated, but he is in fact very simple. He runs on sausages and beer."
Ironic statements combined with the retro illustrations create spreads that are almost like the winning entry from a humorous caption contest, but there's no mistake - these little nostalgic parodies are definitely for adults.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
Ironic statements combined with the retro illustrations create spreads that are almost like the winning entry from a humorous caption contest, but there's no mistake - these little nostalgic parodies are definitely for adults.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
Read
January 16, 2016Light touch to pour fun on the ridiculous figure of the husband, given to me by my wife on our anniversary! I had a few laughs which were well received, at least I could see the truth in some of the quips showing how selfish we can be sometimes!
Look forward to reading about The Wife!
Look forward to reading about The Wife!
October 11, 2016
"The husband finds some things very difficult. Being wrong is one of these things.
When he is wrong, the husband will refer to the times he was right, even if they date back many years."
I love these books so much!
When he is wrong, the husband will refer to the times he was right, even if they date back many years."
I love these books so much!
December 19, 2020
I found this monstrosity just yesterday, but the dust in my room and the caveman sense of humour made me think it was from two centuries ago. Please, if this book resonates with you in anyway, spend your money on more books instead of a wedding. I wish I could give it 0 stars.
August 25, 2017
Quite funny, but the innuendo was too much for me.
Read
February 14, 2018Very cynical, this is half funny-funny, and half distressing-funny. Good for reading aloud in a circular-breathing drone to small people to lure them to sleep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews