Iconic British children's book series returns

I-Spy, the series of UK children's books that kept millions of children entertained on car trips in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, was reissued in December by Michelin I-Spy Guides. New titles have already made their way to store shelves, and more are due out in spring 2010.

The original pocket-sized books, created in 1948 by Charles Warrell (who died in 1995 at the age of 106), included titles such as I-Spy on the Road, I-Spy in the Country, and I-Spy Cars, each filled with images of items for children to look for while on car trips. When children had "spied" every item in a book, they could send away by mail for an I-Spy badge. The badges are now sold on eBay as collectors' items.

I-Spy sales later dwindled, and the books had been off store shelves since 2002 before their December 2009 revival.

The new range of 12 titles includes the titles I-Spy on a Car Journey, I-Spy Birds, I-Spy Nature, and I-Spy Creepy Crawlies. An additional 12 titles are due out in March 2010.

The books are selling for about £2.50 each at Amazon.co.uk and outlets such as Waterstones and WHSmith. According to the Telegraph, a Waterstones spokeswoman said sales have been "remarkable" since the re-launch.