Miriam Elia reads from her book We Go to the Gallery. Picture: Earl Gateshead
by Paul Wright Thursday, March 13, 2014 - Ham & High
A spoof of the popular Ladybird books from the 1960s that taught children how to read and write, it features original characters “Peter, Jane and Mummy”.
A far cry from the original stories that older generations will remember growing up with, the book sees children Peter and Jane explore a contemporary art gallery and learn about “God, sex and death” with their mother.
Receiving positive coverage across the national press – and financially backed by an online crowdfunding site – Ms Elia sold most of the 1,000 copies she had privately printed within 24 hours.
But plans to order a reprint were scuppered by Penguin, owners of Ladybird, who failed to see the funny side of her raunchy and expletive-laden work and sent her a letter claiming she had breached copyright.
The move has left the former Royal College of Art student – who has been told she must destroy her books or face legal action – accusing the publishing giant of “banning art”.
She said: “My intention was never to annoy Penguin, but anyone can see that it’s a spoof and not a real Ladybird book.The letter I received from Penguin was awful. They threatened me with legal action, saying they would pulp all my books if I didn’t stop selling them.
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