I-Spy: The Michelin Books are Back

Those of you whose childhood memories stretch back to the 1950s or 60s will most likely remember the popular Michelin I-Spy books. During their heyday the I-Spy series had a cult following, with more than 1.5million children becoming members of the I-Spy ‘tribe’. They’ve been absent from bookshop shelves since 2002, yet those with fond memories of the books – and those yet to savour their delights – are in for a treat. Michelin has announced the return of the I-Spy range in time for Christmas.

Created by Charles Warrell in 1948, the pocket-sized picture books were designed to develop children’s curiosity, powers of observation and sense of discovery. Each book was based on a specific theme, such as I-Spy Cars, I-Spy in the Country, I-Spy on the Road and I-Spy Below your Feet. The 40-page books contained illustrations of objects for children to look out for and spot, an activity that earned them a certain number of ‘points’. Once children had ‘spied’ all of the items in the book they sent it to Wigwam-by-the-Water (later Wigwam-by-the-Green) in London and completed books were rewarded with badges, many of which can be found for sale on eBay and other internet sites today.

Many schoolchildren of the 50s and 60s remember the I-Spy collection well. “The whole class came together after our O-Level exams in July 1955 and we spent much of the summer holidays touring Norfolk and Suffolk collecting material,” reminisces Greta James, a pupil of Thetford Girls’ Grammar in 1955. “We were encouraged and supported by our teacher Miss Melton and friends of the school Mr and Mrs Bagshaw, whose cars enabled the more long distance projects to be accomplished.”

The new series has been produced in response to “overwhelming demand from fans”, reports Michelin. The new collection contains 12 new titles, including I-Spy Cars, Train Journeys, Birds and Creepy Crawlies. “I think the secret of I-Spy’s appeal is its timeless charm, which taps into the inquisitive and curious nature of children,” said Ian Murray, Michelin head of Maps & Guides UK. “With a world dominated by computer games and television, I-Spy books give children a refreshing opportunity to take a closer look at what’s going on in their everyday lives.”

Each pocket-sized guide contains up to 200 themed colour photographs, which readers have to ‘spot’. The aim is to tick each of these off and collect points. When 1,000 points have been attained children can join the I-Spy Club and send off for a certificate from ‘Chief I-Spy’. The I-Spy books will retail at £2.50 and are available direct from Michelin and at high street book retailers.