Object of the Day: Her Majesty the Queen, a Book for Children, c. 1983

I recently found this attractive little book in an antique shop. To begin with, this book, like many British books printed in the Twentieth Century or before does not have a date of publication with the copyright information. I can deduce that it was printed after 1983 since it contains images of Princess Diana holding an infant Prince William.

This miniature book was printed for children by Ladybird Books, Ltd. Of Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. Small in size with large type, it is clearly intended for readers about age 8-10. The text chronicles the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is filled with many, color images of Her Majesty and the Royal Family. 

The book begins with a touching quotation from Jim Corbett who had accompanied then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on a trip to Africa in 1952. The princess had embarked on the journey knowing that her father, King George VI, was ill. His Majesty insisted that his eldest daughter, and heir to the throne, continue with the state visit despite his illness. During the journey, the princess and her husband were entertained in a log hut which was built in the uppermost branches of a tree. It was here that Princess Elizabeth learned of the death of her father. Corbett wrote in his journal:

“For the first time in the history of the world, a young girl climbed into a tree one day a Princess…and climbed down from the tree the next day a Queen – God bless her.”

Starting with those words, young readers were taught about the life of the Monarch. Concise text and interesting photos led the reader through the interesting experiences of one of the world’s longest reigning sovereigns. Let’s take a look inside.