The children’s book series ‘Peter and Jane’ is back, but with the addition of all the things any modern family needs: life jackets, seats belts and gender equality. The updates come despite the books still being set in the 1960s and 70s.

Helen Day who owns 10,000 Ladybird books, posted the ‘before and after’ images on her Twitter feed Ladybird Fly Away Home, and has fetched over 5000 followers. In honour of the launch we review our favourite new additions to the series, the original version is on the left and the new version is right:

Safety first: Modern version features a life jacket.

Diversity: Peter and Jane have a more diverse friendship circle.

Greenbelt lost: Rural views replaced with urban sprawl.

Transport dangers: Jumping on and off is not the done thing unless it’s a proper bus stop.

Gender equality: Girls can wear trousers too, and boys can be dolls.

Dangers on the road: Children need to ‘belt up’ these days.

Modern dad: Men can wrap presents too you know.

Having now seen the dangers of life for previous generations of children we are left wondering how we all survived…

Images reproduced with permission of Geoff Robinson Photography