Ladybird spoofs challenge 50 Shades, Harry Potter and the Da Vinci Code book sales records
A series of books for adults spoofing the unassuming Ladybird childrens' books has become an unexpected hit after racking up cumulative sales of over 2m in just 12 months, placing it on par with top selling titles such as 50 Shades of Grey, Harry Potter and Dan Brown’s novels.
The combination of traditional artwork, satirical text and nostalgia has proved an intoxicating combination for readers who’ve lapped up the ironic catalogue in their droves, repeatedly elevating authors Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris to the top of the best seller’s lists.
There are currently ten titles in the set covering a diverse range of topics from sheds, hipsters and mid-life crises to ‘mindfulness’,
Such has been the success that a further nine titles are currently in the works including The Zombie Apocalypse, Red Tape and The People Next Door.
Observers attribute the series success to its relative low cost, collectability and suitability as a gift item – particularly with the release of themed titles to coincide with events such as Mother’s Day.