The Dirty Old Teddy - 1941

[pete9012S]

https://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/sea ... +OLD+TEDDY

As usual, the cave spoils us for choice on the versions of this story available.

Are you aged fifty or over and feeling a bit old and past it?
Well, this might be just the story for you!

[Boodi 2]

Thanks Pete, we really are spoilt for choice in the cave!

I never read that story before and I really like it as I have always felt sorry for old toys. As a small child I was really upset and refused to go to bed when my mother tried to take away my favourite toy (a very battered panda with only one eye) because she said it was dirty and belonged in the bin or the kitchen fire. I kicked up such a fuss that she eventually gave it back to me. However, she later bought me another panda and I was so happy with the new toy that I forgot about the old one and I can only assume that my mother disposed of it. However, I still have a photo of myself hugging the battered panda!!!!

[pete9012S]

A very touching account Boodi.

I think there must be other stories by Enid Blyton about toys being saved from being discarded.
Does anyone recall any others?
I'm sure someone like Anita will know at least one or two.

[Katharine]

It definitely sounds familiar, although I'm not sure if I've read that same story somewhere, or a variation.

I'm just wondering if the '50' is a misprint, and should actually read 'so'?

[pete9012S]

Yes, I think you could be right Katharine - especially as 50 isn't really old!

[Katharine]

Yes, I think you could be right Katharine - especially as 50 isn't really old!

Ha ha - definitely not!

Or if it is, at least I'm wearing better than the poor teddy was.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I love 'The Dirty Old Teddy', which I only came across as an adult (in A Tale About Tumpy and Other Stories). I'm sure you're right that there are other similar stories, Pete, though I couldn't name any off the top of my head. My sister and I were always very attached to our cuddly toys too, Boodi. By the way, looking at the illustrations I prefer the look of the bear 'bare' rather than dressed in a smock - though it is nice to see him with a new arm (my own childhood teddy bear - Edward - had no clothes and he also lost an arm, though it was sewn back on).

[IceMaiden]

Oh I had this story when I was little along with The Clever Kitten, Andrew's Robin and Brer Bear's Bad Memory! I think they might have been Little Owl books, small hardbacks. I loved this story and couldn't imagine my toys and dolls getting into such a state. Perhaps subconsciously it's why they didn't!

As for other stories about discarded toys I recall one about Jackie-Tar the silor doll who Eileen's mother wants to give away because he's tatty compared to her new soldier doll.