Retro publisher Ladybird Books (long associated with printed children's educational material) has launched a new series of adult books. The company uses traditional images from its archive to illustrate the front covers of the adult books, which cover topics like dealing with hipsters, hangovers, wives and dating.
The opening line of The Ladybird Book for 'The Mid-Life Crisis' sums up perfectly what you can expect from this new series: "When we're young we wonder if we'll be a surgeon or an astronaut. We can be anything we want to be. Then one day we can't." Author Joel Morris said he wrote the new books to help adults make sense of the world in a similar way that the original books tried to help children in the good old days.
Spoof Ladybird books such as Hot Dads, Ménage à Trois, and The Futility of Existence have been around for sometime, but this is the first time the children's publisher has created official adult books retaining all control and profits from the print run.
Adulthood Storybooks
Ladybird Books is Now Publishing Adult Book Titles for Grown-Ups
Trend Themes
1. Adult Storybooks - The trend of publishing adult storybooks with retro illustrations presents opportunities for new narratives and creative storytelling approaches.
2. Nostalgia Marketing - The trend of using retro images and branding in adult books allows companies to connect with nostalgia-driven consumers and tap into the growing market for retro products.
3. Humorous Self-help Books - The trend of creating humorous adult books that offer relatable advice and commentary on everyday life provides opportunities for authors and publishers to engage with audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment and personal growth.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The publishing industry can embrace the trend of adult storybooks to remain relevant in an evolving market and attract new readers looking for unique and nostalgic reading experiences.
2. Marketing and Advertising - The marketing and advertising industry can leverage nostalgia marketing strategies to connect with consumers on an emotional level and create compelling campaigns around adult storybooks with retro illustrations.
3. Entertainment and Media - The entertainment and media industry can explore opportunities in the growing demand for humorous self-help books to develop engaging content, expand their book catalogs, and reach wider audiences through various channels.