The Enid Blyton Society
Will the Fiddler
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Book Details...

First edition: 1960
Publisher: Instructive Arts
Illustrator: Grace Lodge
Category: One-off Character Books
Genre: Fantasy
Type: Short Story Books

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Artwork
Review by Judith Crabb

Judith Crabb's Review (This may contain spoilers):
Unlike the Pied Piper, Will the Fiddler is a benign character but his music is no less enchanting. On hearing it, the miserly and the feckless mend their ways, the creatures of the forest flock to help him, Dozy Village awakens and its people become useful and industrious. His finest hour arrives when, having cured the king’s invalid children by inspiring them to dance, he puts to flight an invading cavalry. On hearing his music the enemy’s horses are filled with delight, and in exhilaration turn around and gallop away to the ends of the earth. And, like most good fairies, Will, loaded with gifts and honours by the grateful king, chooses to leave it all behind, and that night slips away on his wanderings.

The story is an excellent vehicle for Enid Blyton’s empathy with traditional folk tales and her facility with engaging verse which punctuates the narrative. Upbeat, the story rollicks along until Will soothes away the excitement with a peaceful tune, which complements the serene countryside welcoming him the other side of the palace walls.

Grace Lodge’s realistic, lively illustrations in full colour set the story in a past where such magical events seem perfectly natural.