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We Go to the Gallery
Have you taken children to a gallery recently? Did you struggle to explain the work to them in plain, simple English? With this new Dung Beetle book by artist Miriam Elia – a tribute to and a parody of the much-loved British Ladybird early learning children's books of the 1960s – anyone can learn about contemporary art and understand many of its key themes. Join John and Susan on their exciting journey through the art exhibition, where, with Mummy's help, they will discover the real meaning of all the contemporary artworks, from empty rooms to vagina paintings or giant inflatable dogs.
The 2014 limited edition of "We Go to the Gallery" was threatened with a lawsuit by Penguin UK (owners of the Ladybird imprint), which was withdrawn following a recent change in UK copyright law allowing for parody and satire.
The 2014 limited edition of "We Go to the Gallery" was threatened with a lawsuit by Penguin UK (owners of the Ladybird imprint), which was withdrawn following a recent change in UK copyright law allowing for parody and satire.
46 pages, Hardcover
First published July 28, 2015
512 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Elia
12 books34 followersMiriam Elia MA RCA is a visual artist and Sony nominated surreal comedy writer. After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2006, her diverse work has included illustrated books such as ‘We go to the gallery’ and ‘The Diary of Edward the Hamster,’ as well as prints, drawings, short films, radio comedy and animations. She frequently writes in collaboration with her brother Ezra Elia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 20, 2019
"Est doctrina de stercore"*
Those who were primary school age in 1970s Britain are likely to be familiar with the distinctive style of Ladybird books. They were only just above pocket-size and pocket-money price. The prose was plodding, with deliberately limited vocabulary, often about banal subjects, most memorably, “Shopping with Mother”. They had a distinctive non-serif font, and flat illustrations that looked a little old-fashioned, even at the time. But they have a nostalgic glow nowadays, and I still have a shelf of them in my home.
Hence the success of the recent slew of spoofs, of which this is my favourite.
The attention to detail is impressive: it looks and feels delightfully like the real thing in physical form and the content and layout. The first clue that all is not what it seems is when you notice the Ladybird on the cover has been replaced with a Dung Beetle.
What I love about this is the way it uses warm evocations of the reader’s childhood to exploit stereotypical middle-aged, middle-class anxieties. Combining a child’s format with adult content creates an engaging disconnect, like that of Go the Fuck to Sleep (narrated by Samuel L Jackson).
Angst About Art
What could be a better subject for such a book than trying to help one’s children understand modern art, when one doesn’t want to admit to not understanding it oneself? But it’s all a necessarily part of keeping up middle class appearances.
“I could paint that,” says Peter. “But you didn’t,” says mummy.
See Why Your Five Year Old Could Not Have Done That: Modern Art Explained.
This book makes the same points I concluded there (It’s all about reacting to materialism and political systems… And sex. Individuality… And death.) but far more humorously and thus more powerfully.
“Why is there a penis on the painting?”says Jane. “Because God is dead and everything is sex,” says mummy.
Ladybird, Penguin, and Dung Beetle
There are official spoofs published by Penguin, repurposing illustrations from original Ladybird books, and using a Ladybird logo: The Wife, The Husband, Mindfulness, The Shed etc. I've reviewed How it Works: The Husband and The Wife HERE, and, rather funnier, A Ladybird Book About Donald Trump, HERE. However, The Story of Brexit, which I reviewed HERE, was a dud.
The Dung Beetle ones ape the style very closely, but some of the illustrations are clearly NSFW, so not original Ladybird ones (and nor are the words). This is the first, and it started as an art project-cum-prank and led to a copyright case in court, which she eventually won: backstory.
As well as the spoof pages for children, another joy of the Dung Beetle books is the extra detail. For instance, The History of Dung Beetle Books on the back cover includes:
"Their key goal is simple: to embed core literacy and numeracy skills into children's first knowledge of evil and death."
*Hence the motto, "Est doctrina de stercore", which allegedly means "From shit comes learning".
June 25, 2019
"Gosh! They are naked!"
Says John
"Is it bathtime ?"
Says Susan
"No." Says Mummy
"Its Body Objectification time."
Fantastically funny and witty. This is a parody of the old Ladybird children books that i read as a kid and i thoroughly enjoyed this sarcastic spoof!
Says John
"Is it bathtime ?"
Says Susan
"No." Says Mummy
"Its Body Objectification time."
Fantastically funny and witty. This is a parody of the old Ladybird children books that i read as a kid and i thoroughly enjoyed this sarcastic spoof!
December 1, 2015
"Is the art pretty?" says Susan.
"No,"says Mummy,
"Pretty is not important."
New words: pretty not important.
This book is superb, especially if you are not a fan of modern art. pleasantly rude, funny and to the point.
The art is very similar to the old Ladybird books, in fact this delightful read is identical in every way to the original design and binding.
Check it out, you know you should.
"No,"says Mummy,
"Pretty is not important."
New words: pretty not important.
This book is superb, especially if you are not a fan of modern art. pleasantly rude, funny and to the point.
The art is very similar to the old Ladybird books, in fact this delightful read is identical in every way to the original design and binding.
Check it out, you know you should.
July 23, 2017
This book is hilarious. I’m so happy that my daughter spotted these during a recent visit to a Miami bookstore. She knows my taste and knew that I would love them.
“John sees the painting.
‘I could paint that,’ says John.
‘But you didn't,’ says Mummy.'
I don’t care for modern art at all, so this book was especially funny for me. The sarcasm and wit are the best.
These books are very similar to the Ladybird books for adults. They’re not at all appropriate for children, and also some adults would likely find them offensive.
“John sees the painting.
‘I could paint that,’ says John.
‘But you didn't,’ says Mummy.'
I don’t care for modern art at all, so this book was especially funny for me. The sarcasm and wit are the best.
These books are very similar to the Ladybird books for adults. They’re not at all appropriate for children, and also some adults would likely find them offensive.
January 7, 2016
This is a masterpiece.
January 11, 2016
I legitimately lost my sh*t at this satirical version of the classic Ladybird books, which I so fondly remember reading growing up. As pointed out by a friend of mine, if you replace Mummy in "We Go to the Gallery" with Satan, it reads just as well and makes all the more sense. Say, shall we go to the gallery now?
December 24, 2020
A kortárs művészet fantasztikus világában bírni kel a kiképzést, már 5 éves kor alatt is. A felnőtt tartalmat nem lehet elég korán elkezdeni!
Miriam Elia fogott egy (létező, a fogott-egy miatt utóbb pereskedő) oktatási gyereksorozat formátumot, és látványvilágostul, oldalanként megtanult új kulcsszavastul meghekkelte. Ez lett az egyik legviccesebb izé, evör! A kortárs galériák WTF-érzéseinek szatirikus feldolgozása, abszolút közszolgálati!
Miriam Elia fogott egy (létező, a fogott-egy miatt utóbb pereskedő) oktatási gyereksorozat formátumot, és látványvilágostul, oldalanként megtanult új kulcsszavastul meghekkelte. Ez lett az egyik legviccesebb izé, evör! A kortárs galériák WTF-érzéseinek szatirikus feldolgozása, abszolút közszolgálati!
December 18, 2019
Maybe I should write my AP lit final satire essay on this children’s book... thanks Katie for this secret Santa gift, I enjoyed it
June 11, 2017
As someone who doesn't really enjoy the taste of contemporary art, I have to admit this is some high quality satire.
March 26, 2022
I have no idea how this book landed on my list. I suspect something, but have to investigate further.
I got a second hand one in super condition for 1,39 EUR ;), quite the deal. I don't know if I should recommend you to buy it new (I presume it would cost some more...).
The thing is: I read it in 5 to 10 minutes and forced myself not to to giggle to much/ often, while my mmm significant other was asleep next to me. One might think the book is simple/ crazy/ stupid/ absurd/ ironic etc., I find it *brilliant*.
If you want to find out more about the book, check some other reviews, where users are posting images/ pages from it. This is the book. Definitely reread material. I mean, 5 - 10 minutes of brilliance, please, who wouldn't?!?!
I got a second hand one in super condition for 1,39 EUR ;), quite the deal. I don't know if I should recommend you to buy it new (I presume it would cost some more...).
The thing is: I read it in 5 to 10 minutes and forced myself not to to giggle to much/ often, while my mmm significant other was asleep next to me. One might think the book is simple/ crazy/ stupid/ absurd/ ironic etc., I find it *brilliant*.
If you want to find out more about the book, check some other reviews, where users are posting images/ pages from it. This is the book. Definitely reread material. I mean, 5 - 10 minutes of brilliance, please, who wouldn't?!?!
September 27, 2015
Brilliant parody of the Peter and Jane style early reader books of my childhood. So few words and yet so many serious themes explored, all with tongue in cheek. A classic
Read
December 13, 2015Simon read this.
Simon pissed himself.
Simon is wet.
He is confused.
He is happy-as
Simon pissed himself.
Simon is wet.
He is confused.
He is happy-as
January 7, 2016
"Only venture capitalists can play with this balloon," says Mummy.
The very best book I have ever read.
The very best book I have ever read.
February 25, 2018
“The rubbish smells,” says Susan.
“It is the stench of our decaying Western civilization,” says Mummy.
“It is the stench of our decaying Western civilization,” says Mummy.
December 19, 2021
Me mondo como una pera conferencia. Buenísimo.
December 14, 2023
A funny parody of both modern art and the vintage Ladybird Keyword series. Do read the introduction and the afterward.
Not at all child-safe. I can see it accidentally being shelved somewhere accessible in a used bookstore or thrift shop.
Not at all child-safe. I can see it accidentally being shelved somewhere accessible in a used bookstore or thrift shop.
July 30, 2018
The masterpiece of our time.
Edit: I read it again today with a friend, and it's even more enjoyable this way.
Edit: I read it again today with a friend, and it's even more enjoyable this way.
December 19, 2015
Pretentious arty parent? This is the book for you.
Frustrated in your artistic endeavours due to the demands of having a family? This is the book for you.
Forever being dragged to exhibitions in which you've no interest by parents who think they know best? This is the book for you.
Fondly remember Janet and John and want to keep those memories intact? Probably best to steer clear.
Frustrated in your artistic endeavours due to the demands of having a family? This is the book for you.
Forever being dragged to exhibitions in which you've no interest by parents who think they know best? This is the book for you.
Fondly remember Janet and John and want to keep those memories intact? Probably best to steer clear.
March 5, 2019
This is hilarious. It will take you three minutes to read. It will be three of the best minutes of your life.
June 14, 2022
I’ve laughed at this at so many museum gift shops; finally bought it today at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
August 31, 2018
This is the best.
June 19, 2017
Possibly the best book ever written on contemporary art.
March 11, 2018
"Is the art pretty?" says Susan.
"No," says Mummy,
"Pretty is not important"
March 1, 2017
Hilarious!!
April 6, 2021
I first came across this book a few years ago at Book Expo America, and it stuck in my mind. For some reason I remembered it a few weeks ago, ordered a copy on-line and promptly forgot about it again until it arrived in the mail today. (I’m pretty certain this is a glaring symptom of book addiction, but in my defense I accumulate an irrational number of books on a regular basis.)
It’s a weird little book, a satire of mid 20th century children’s books and modern art in one tidy volume. I love going to art galleries, but tend to walk briskly through modern art and contemporary art galleries. Most of it just doesn’t interest me—it’s not compelling to look at, and I either don’t understand or don’t care to understand what point the artist is making. I know I’m missing something about it, but try as I might, I can’t be interested in everything. So the children’s perspective in this book resonated with me:
“Is the art pretty?” says Susan.
“No,” says Mummy, “Pretty is not important.”
John does not understand.
“It is good not to understand” says Mummy.
John does not understand.
It’s a short book, only 42 pages, but they fully commit with every word. Even the history of Dung Beetle books inside the back cover is part of the gag, concluding with, “For just as the humble a Dung Beetle gathers faeces from the forest floor in which to lay its eggs, the child lays ‘eggs of knowledge’ in the turd of its own mind.”
Like I said, it’s a weird little book.
It’s a weird little book, a satire of mid 20th century children’s books and modern art in one tidy volume. I love going to art galleries, but tend to walk briskly through modern art and contemporary art galleries. Most of it just doesn’t interest me—it’s not compelling to look at, and I either don’t understand or don’t care to understand what point the artist is making. I know I’m missing something about it, but try as I might, I can’t be interested in everything. So the children’s perspective in this book resonated with me:
“Is the art pretty?” says Susan.
“No,” says Mummy, “Pretty is not important.”
John does not understand.
“It is good not to understand” says Mummy.
John does not understand.
It’s a short book, only 42 pages, but they fully commit with every word. Even the history of Dung Beetle books inside the back cover is part of the gag, concluding with, “For just as the humble a Dung Beetle gathers faeces from the forest floor in which to lay its eggs, the child lays ‘eggs of knowledge’ in the turd of its own mind.”
Like I said, it’s a weird little book.
Read
January 7, 2016For fans of The Beaver Papers. Mummy and Mrs. Cleaver (of The Beaver Papers) have a lot to discuss over tea. And should not be allowed near knitting needles. Ever.
January 15, 2017
Arguably the funniest book I've read in ages.
September 2, 2018
Is it a book? No. It is a fun book. It is a very fun book. It is an amazingly brilliantly funny book of pictures and art.
Art and fun!? Ooooh....
Before you drag your kids through the contemporary and abstract(is it?) art galleries, as I might do in near future, please read this book.
It will tell you why you should or not! :P
An ideal gift for expecting parents.
I loved the creativity in putting the new words, especially- almost every set of new words made many senses and those might not make sense to your child as he/she is still just a child.
For its brilliant funny creativity and making my self-conscious chuckles louder and louder(ahem!), I give this book 5 stars.
Happy reading! :)
For more such reviews visit https://dbthetablesareturned.blogspot... or my Goodreads reviews.
P. S. I think I am quite liberal in my ratings and try to accept first and then inspect if that makes any sense! :P
Art and fun!? Ooooh....
Before you drag your kids through the contemporary and abstract(is it?) art galleries, as I might do in near future, please read this book.
It will tell you why you should or not! :P
An ideal gift for expecting parents.
I loved the creativity in putting the new words, especially- almost every set of new words made many senses and those might not make sense to your child as he/she is still just a child.
For its brilliant funny creativity and making my self-conscious chuckles louder and louder(ahem!), I give this book 5 stars.
Happy reading! :)
For more such reviews visit https://dbthetablesareturned.blogspot... or my Goodreads reviews.
P. S. I think I am quite liberal in my ratings and try to accept first and then inspect if that makes any sense! :P
October 1, 2018
This book is one of the best and funniest pieces of satire I have ever read!
Starting with the opening cover, inside notes, and the "credentials" of the author, this Dung Beetle Learning book will have you smiling! Many art patrons take themselves and their interpretations much too seriously. Art is to be enjoyed! This book, "We Go To The Gallery", will definitely help you to take a more relaxed approach to art appreciation.
Read and enjoy but please don't confuse this with a children's book - they would be frightened of Art and Art Galleries forever ;-)
Starting with the opening cover, inside notes, and the "credentials" of the author, this Dung Beetle Learning book will have you smiling! Many art patrons take themselves and their interpretations much too seriously. Art is to be enjoyed! This book, "We Go To The Gallery", will definitely help you to take a more relaxed approach to art appreciation.
Read and enjoy but please don't confuse this with a children's book - they would be frightened of Art and Art Galleries forever ;-)
September 15, 2025
Tremendo. No tiene desperdicio.
Imita la estética de unos libros que publicaron en los años 70 en Reino Unido para aprender a leer.
Me parece una maravilla que esta autora haya imaginado así, parodiarlo con aire punki y descarado
—¿Por qué hay un pene en ese cuadro?
—Porque Dios ha muerto y el sexo lo es todo —responde mamá.
Es pequeño y muy breve, pero lo he releído ya varias veces porque me parto con algunas escenas!
Hay más libros en esta colección. Este es el primero, sobre el Arte Contemporáneo y una supuesta visita al museo. Sin duda, voy a ir haciéndome con todos.
Imita la estética de unos libros que publicaron en los años 70 en Reino Unido para aprender a leer.
Me parece una maravilla que esta autora haya imaginado así, parodiarlo con aire punki y descarado
—¿Por qué hay un pene en ese cuadro?
—Porque Dios ha muerto y el sexo lo es todo —responde mamá.
Es pequeño y muy breve, pero lo he releído ya varias veces porque me parto con algunas escenas!
Hay más libros en esta colección. Este es el primero, sobre el Arte Contemporáneo y una supuesta visita al museo. Sin duda, voy a ir haciéndome con todos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews