PenguinChristmas_SecretSanta_ArticleCard.png

Reading lists

Books to solve your Secret Santa dilemma

The Wonderful World of Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups

These delightful books are 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 books will greatly appeal to grown-ups. 
 
The eight books in the series feature original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. The other books in the series are: 
 
- The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness 
 
- The Ladybird Book of Sheds 
 
- The Ladybird Book of The Hipster 
 
- The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis 
 
- The Ladybird Book of the Hangover 
 
- The Ladybird Book of Dating 
 
- How it Works: The Husband 
 
- How it Works: The Wife

'After the success of their ingenious idea of matching pictures from Ladybird's archive with prose that mocks the mores of modern life, they are bowing out with a bang with this compendium' - Sunday Telegraph 
 
From the people who gave you classics such as The Ladybird Book of The Hangover and The Ladybird Book of The Mid-Life Crisis, they bring you this collection of what could have been. Imagine a world where there aren't just the thirty-two Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups you've seen in your local bookshop or downstairs toilet but hundreds and hundreds more... 
 
In this coffee-table book you don't have to, with never before seen covers, excerpts and paraphernalia from the archives, colourfully presented and helpfully divided into the following chapters: 
 
- Fun &amp; Games 
- Adventure 
- The World Around Us 
- At Work 
- At Home 
- Coping 
- Not Coping 
- Giving Up 
 
'I do not hasten to say that these books are the new Da Vinci Code.' Aisling Bea 
 
'These books are small masterpieces. They make me glad I learned to read.' David Quantick 
 
'HILARIOUS. Beserkly brilliant.' Mel Giedroyc

After the success of their ingenious idea of matching pictures from Ladybird's archive with prose that mocks the mores of modern life, they are bowing out with a bang with this compendium

A new compendium collects together in brief humorous guides to adult life, covering everything from coping with high cholesterol to understanding teenagers, and our favourite, getting on the housing ladder

Jason Hazeley &amp; Joel Morris are the award-winning authors of the bestselling Ladybird Books For Grown-Ups series. 
 
 They write for Charlie Brooker's BAFTA award-winning Wipe shows, and co-wrote Cunk on Shakespeare, Cunk on Christmas and Cunk on Britain. They have also written for the award-winning Murder in Successville, the award-winning Miranda, the award-winning Mitchell &amp; Webb, the award-winning Armstrong &amp; Miller and a long list of shows and people both award-winning and so-far-award-avoiding. 
 
 They created and wrote the critically lauded but as yet un-awarded Ångström for BBC Radio 4, and helped write both the award-winning Paddington movies. They are co-creators of spoof local newspaper The Framley Examiner (awards pending) and the bestselling but still-waiting-to-be-award-winning offbeat travel guides Bollocks to Alton Towers and Far from the Sodding Crowd. 
 
 They present the podcast Rule of Three (Guardian Guide Best 50 Podcasts 2018 - is that an award?) and divide their time between their office, where they keep their awards, and an award-winning pub.

Can you imagine a world where there aren't just the thirty-two Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups you've seen in your local bookshop or downstairs toilet but hundreds and hundreds more? 
 
If you can't, then this book is here to imagine it for you. 
 
Here is an enormous collection of helpful guides to everything from worryingly high cholesterol to worryingly high mortgages - from teenagers you can't understand to prizewinning novels you can't understand - all presented simply and colourfully, in a way that even the most jaded, exhausted, baffled grown-up can enjoy. 
 
'This is such a good idea I'm currently experiencing all the physical sensations of anger because I didn't think of it, whereas Jason and Joel did, the shits.' Charlie Brooker 
 
'I do not hasten to say that these books are the new Da Vinci Code.' Aisling Bea 
 
'These books are small masterpieces. They make me glad I learned to read.' David Quantick 
 
'HILARIOUS. Beserkly brilliant.' Mel Giedroye

The Story of Brexit

As Brexit reaches its final stretch, find a way to laugh through the pain and or celebrate the end with Ladybird's hilarious and essential guide, The Story of Brexit. 
 
'Hilarious' STYLIST 
________ 
 
'"Leaving was the will of the people" sighs Angelica's father. He voted to leave. 
 
Angelica voted to remain, but she feels the same way. "It is the will of the people," she sighs. 
 
They stare at the ducks. They like the ducks. Ducks are better than people.' 
________ 
 
'Brexit gave us lots of exciting new words, like brextremist, remoaner, bremoaner, remaybe, breprehensible, remaintenance, brexorcist, remaidstone, brex-girlfriend, remange, brextortion, remayhem and bregret. 
 
The new words make it harder for foreigners to understand what we are saying. 
 
In a tough, new international business world, small advantages such as this can be crucial.' 
________ 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. 
 
'The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and boy, do we need some fun)' Sunday Post

The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and, boy, do we need some fun)

Jason Hazeley &amp; Joel Morris are the award-winning authors of the bestselling Ladybird Books For Grown-Ups series. 
 
 They write for Charlie Brooker's BAFTA award-winning Wipe shows, and co-wrote Cunk on Shakespeare, Cunk on Christmas and Cunk on Britain. They have also written for the award-winning Murder in Successville, the award-winning Miranda, the award-winning Mitchell &amp; Webb, the award-winning Armstrong &amp; Miller and a long list of shows and people both award-winning and so-far-award-avoiding. 
 
 They created and wrote the critically lauded but as yet un-awarded Ångström for BBC Radio 4, and helped write both the award-winning Paddington movies. They are co-creators of spoof local newspaper The Framley Examiner (awards pending) and the bestselling but still-waiting-to-be-award-winning offbeat travel guides Bollocks to Alton Towers and Far from the Sodding Crowd. 
 
 They present the podcast Rule of Three (Guardian Guide Best 50 Podcasts 2018 - is that an award?) and divide their time between their office, where they keep their awards, and an award-winning pub. 
 
 This is their fortieth book.

*A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES FOR AUTUMN 2018* 
 
The Story of Brexit - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

The Ladybird Book of The Big Night Out

THE PERFECT GIFT for the party animal . . . or at the very least, for that person you know who doesn't know when it's time to go home. 
 
Every so often, it is nice to have a big night out. 
 
It is important to let your hair down. 
 
And for a friend to hold it out of the way later while you are sick. 
 
_____________ 
 
 
Mandy has been looking forward to her big night out all week. 
 
She dances and drinks and laughs and sings. She feels like herself for the first time in days. 
 
Tomorrow every single thing she remembers doing will embarrass her to the point of physical agony. 
 
Mandy hates the real Mandy. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. 
 
'Hilarious' Stylist

*A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES FOR AUTUMN 2017* 
 
The Ladybird Book of the Big Night Out - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

How it Works: The Baby (Ladybird for Grown-Ups)

THE PERFECT GIFT for those deluded fools who are expecting a little miracle . . . 
 
Allyce is taking Rainbeau to a local mother-and-baby group. It takes her forty five minutes to pack the bag with the change mat, nappies, wipes, nappy bags Sudocrem, milk, muslins, teething powders, rice cakes, bibs, Calpol, spare clothes, dummy, first aid kit, Mr Bun-Bun and hand gel. 
 
The playgroup is two minutes away. 
 
_____________ 
 
 
The hospital follows Jasmine's birth plan so she can have a drug-free delivery. 
 
'I am glad it was all natural,' shouts Jasmine over the hissing and beeping and clanking and the hum of the lights. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. 
 
'Hilarious' Stylist

*A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES FOR AUTUMN 2017* 
 
How it Works: The Baby - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

The Ladybird Book of The Nerd

THE PERFECT GIFT for anyone who not only loves watching their favourite TV series over and over, but also enjoys reading online forums about their favourite TV series over and over. 
__________________________________ 
 
'This is a nerd. 
 
He has a PhD and works in the biochemistry lab of a university hospital. 
 
But this is not what makes him a nerd. 
 
His catalogued and indexed collection of over 6,000 empty crisp packets does that.' 
__________________________________ 
 
'These nerds have paid money to see a film they think is terrible and have seen at least thirty times before. 
 
They are having the most fun they can possibly have.' 
__________________________________ 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. 
 
'Hilarious' Stylist 
 
Other new titles for Autumn 2017: 
How it Works: The Brother 
How it Works: The Sister 
How it Works: The Baby 
The Ladybird Book of the Ex 
The Ladybird Book of the New You 
The Ladybird Book of Balls 
The Ladybird Book of the Big Night Out 
The Ladybird Book of the Quiet Night In 
People at Work: The Rock Star 
A Ladybird First Grown-Up Picture Book 
 
Previous titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: 
How it Works: The Husband 
How it Works: The Wife 
How it Works: The Mum 
How it Works: The Dad 
The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis 
The Ladybird Book of the Hangover 
The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness 
The Ladybird Book of the Shed 
The Ladybird Book of Dating 
The Ladybird Book of the Hipster 
How it Works: The Student 
How it Works: The Cat 
How it Works: The Dog 
How it Works: The Grandparent 
The Ladybird Book of Red Tape 
The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door 
The Ladybird Book of the Sickie 
The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse 
The Ladybird Book of the Do-Gooder

*A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES FOR AUTUMN 2017* 
 
The Ladybird Book of the Nerd - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

People at Work: The Rock Star

THE PERFECT GIFT for the music lover. 
__________________________________ 
 
'This is the rock star. His name is Bob Dylan. 
 
Bob is rehearsing with his band. It takes a long time. 
 
First the band have to learn all of Bob's famous songs. 
 
Then Bob has to think of worse tunes he can sing over all of them.' 
 
__________________________________ 
 
 
'Coldplay's singer Chris Martin has spent weeks working with an important stylist. They have come up with an exciting look for the band's new tour. 
 
'These great clothes make me look really interesting,' thinks Chris as he sits down at the piano to practise another slow, sad song that gets slightly louder at the end.' 
 
__________________________________ 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. 
 
'Hilarious' Stylist 
 
 
Other new titles for Autumn 2017: 
How it Works: The Brother 
How it Works: The Sister 
How it Works: The Baby 
The Ladybird Book of the Ex 
The Ladybird Book of the Nerd 
The Ladybird Book of the New You 
The Ladybird Book of Balls 
The Ladybird Book of the Big Night Out 
The Ladybird Book of the Quiet Night In 
A Ladybird First Grown-Up Picture Book 
 
Previous titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: 
How it Works: The Husband 
How it Works: The Wife 
How it Works: The Mum 
How it Works: The Dad 
The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis 
The Ladybird Book of the Hangover 
The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness 
The Ladybird Book of the Shed 
The Ladybird Book of Dating 
The Ladybird Book of the Hipster 
How it Works: The Student 
How it Works: The Cat 
How it Works: The Dog 
How it Works: The Grandparent 
The Ladybird Book of Red Tape 
The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door 
The Ladybird Book of the Sickie 
The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse 
The Ladybird Book of the Do-Gooder

*A HILARIOUS, BRAND NEW BOOK IN THE PHENOMENAL LADYBIRDS FOR GROWN UPS SERIES FOR AUTUMN 2017* 
 
People at Work: The Rock Star - a nugget of wisdom from bestselling authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris. 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text.

Jason Hazeley

Joel Morris

Praise for The Story of Brexit

The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and boy, do we need some fun)

A Ladybird Book about Donald Trump: A charming introduction to the President of the United States, the important jobs he has to do, and the friends he's made all over the world. 
 
 
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. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. 
 
 
Praise for The Story of Brexit 
One of the Best Comedy Books of 2018 - The List 
The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and boy, do we need some fun) - Sunday Post 
Hilarious - Stylist

Jason Hazeley

Praise for A Ladybird Book About Donald Trump

Praise for The Story of Brexit

One of the Best Comedy Books of 2018

The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and boy, do we need some fun)

Praise for The Story of Brexit

One of the Best Comedy Books of 2018

The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and boy, do we need some fun)

Praise for The Story of Brexit

One of the Best Comedy Books of 2018

The latest offering in the hilarious Ladybird for Grown Ups series is a funny mickey-take of the Brexit debate (and boy, do we need some fun)

Books by Jason Hazeley

Series by Jason Hazeley

Bollocks to Alton Towers2 Books

Ladybirds for Grown-Ups35 Books

Articles featuring Jason Hazeley

Books to solve your Secret Santa dilemma

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter