Ladybird to re-release Key Words with Peter and Jane

Ladybird is relaunching its iconic Key Words with Peter and Jane series "in a more diverse and relatable world" in spring 2023.

The books, written by William Murray and first released in 1964, teach children to read by repeating the most frequently-used English words. They was updated in 1970 and continue to be used by learners in over 75 territories worldwide. The publisher said more than 100 million copies have been sold since the series launched.

In the updated version, Peter and Jane’s adventures take place in a more diverse and relatable world. Series consultant Professor David Waugh, from the School of Education at Durham University, said: “The latest version of Key Words with Peter and Jane offers delightful illustrations and interesting stories, which include themes of interest to young children. The stories reflect changing demography, attitudes and concerns, and address issues such as the protection of the environment.”

Amy Anderson, from the Ladybird education team, has worked with education experts and authors to ensure Key Words with Peter and Jane continues to support learners on their reading journey. As in the original edition, high-frequency words are introduced steadily in each story and repeated throughout, now supported by gently graded phonics vocabulary. There are a total of 12 levels in the series, with three books in each level, while the number of words in each has been reduced so that children can move seamlessly between books.

Waugh added: “The vocabulary expands incrementally, and while the programme is largely based upon increasing familiarity with common words, the new series pays greater attention to the grapheme-phoneme correspondences which children need to understand as they meet new words.”

Anderson said: “We’re thrilled to be publishing a new edition of Key Words with Peter and Jane – a series that has been the first step in learning to read for generations. The books are full of energy and life, and it’s exciting that a whole new generation of children will learn to read with Peter and Jane in these inclusive and accessible stories.”

Tony Murray and Lorna Hillman, children of William Murray, said: “Our dad, William Murray, was a born teacher. He believed in children’s potential and was successful in making learning easy and enjoyable. As a headteacher and international lecturer in child development, he spent his life perfecting ways to support children learning to read and write. He believed in positive reinforcement and praise to bolster young children’s learning experiences.”

“Over the years he created Key Words with Peter and Jane, crafted to give children – and their parents, carers and teachers – structure, success, and enjoyment. For us as children, learning to read with the Key Words books was a joyful, positive experience, which opened the door to reading.”