Digger:
The I-Spy books are a vivid and happy memory of my
childhood - in fact I have one here from 1964 with lots
of scribbles and observations on it! I'm sure they will
be just as nostalgic for many other people. Can you tell
us what has prompted their return at this time?
Ian
and Jana: I-Spy books had not been published for almost
10 years, and there was always a demand for them during
the time that they were out of print. This demand,
together with the appetite for children's educational
activity books prompted the return of this iconic
series.
Digger:
How has the format of I-Spy altered since their
inception in 1948? Do the modern books make much of a
concession to children these days coming from the
computer, gadget and techno age?
Ian
and Jana: The
appeal of the I-Spy range is that they are observation
and activity based. They encourage children to explore
the world around them, often alongside their parents and
Grandparents. The new books have up to date photos and
style, and use modern technology (internet) to register
the achievement of the certificate once the 1000 points
have been achieved.
Digger: There
is a broad range of titles available again. Where are
these available?
Ian
and Jana: The
I -Spy range are available from most high street
bookshops and the internet suppliers, and if customers
have any difficulties obtaining titles, direct from
Michelin on www.ispymichelin.com
Digger:
Are
I-Spy books a British phenomenon or more international?
Ian
and Jana: The
I-Spy series is very specifically British. These books
were first created in 1948 by ex headmaster Charles
Warrell and have been embraced by British children ever
since. It is no coincidence that Mr Warrell decided that
the books would tap into the inquisitive nature of
children, and help them grow and develop their minds.
The subjects covered are predominantly only found here
in the UK and as a result are iconically British.
Digger:
Is the identity of Big Chief as closely-guarded a secret
as Stig on Top Gear?!
Ian
and Jana: At
the moment, Big Chief I-Spy's identity is a closely
guarded secret.
Digger:
What do you think is the appeal that I-Spy seems to have
with youngsters of all ages?
Ian
and Jana: I-Spy
is a timeless concept, as relevant today as it was when
first launched 63 years ago. Although there are now
photos rather than pencil sketches, many of the subjects
covered are similar to those in the original series.
They invite children to open their eyes, see what is
around them and ask questions. You cannot imagine that
this would not still be the case in 63 years time.
Children naturally ask questions about all kinds of
subjects, and I-Spy encourages this healthy exchange.
Digger:
Are you hopeful that the I-Spy club will once again
become as big as it was in its fifties and sixties
heydays?
Ian
and Jana: At
present children can obtain a certificate on line once
they have spotted 1000 points in their books. They can
also collect tokens for a special I-Spy badge. There may
be further developments of the membership as the series
is re-established.
Digger:
What are your plans for the development of the I-Spy
range?
Ian
and Jana: At
present there are 24 I-Spy titles published. A further
12 should be added during 2011. It is also hoped to
publish some special titles in conjunction with specific
venues.
Digger:
Can you please do an I-Spy book for the over 50s which
covers things which we remember and grew up with and
which are slowly dying out? E.g: Red phone boxes,
motorbikes with sidecars, rag-and-bone men, garages that
serve you the petrol, policeman on the beat, red and
white barber's pole and so on.
Ian
and Jana: I-Spy
books are predominantly published for children, although
many of the subjects covered means that there is a wide
appeal to all age groups. There are no plans to publish
specific adult titles, although this does not mean that
this will not happens in the future.
I-Spy
books were founded in 1948 and with over 18 million
books sold they have a unique place in British popular
culture.
Millions of original I-Spy readers now have
children and grandchildren of their own who can enjoy
the latest I-Spy books, created specifically for
today's youngsters.
With 24 titles to choose from, there are topics to
excite every young person as well as those who are young
at heart.
Start your collection now through our online secure
shop. Each book is £2.50
www.ispymichelin.com
