Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

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Rob Houghton
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Rob Houghton »

Even though, obviously(!!) I agree with some of the above comments about the modern cartoon style covers, I'm also glad that the 'Blyton Brand' is just as popular as ever. I don't mind the term 'Blyton Brand' as I tend to think Enid was the first to invent this way of doing things, even if the name 'Brand' wasn't used. She was an astute business woman, as the article states, and she knew the power of 'Brand' - which is why she was the first author to use her signature on the cover of her books, and also one of the first (along with Walt Disney!) to recognise the importance of merchandise. Let's not forget, much of this was produced in Blyton's lifetime - card games, party games, dolls and Enid Blyton jigsaws and diaries.

It's great to read such a positive article - and that positivity will eventually become the norm, rather than people believing all that adverse criticism us fans have had to endure for the last 40 years or so. I liked the fact they mentioned how Enid was a very strong supporter of child literacy - something the critics like to forget, and also great to her that a Blyton book is sold every minute in the UK. When you think this is presumably new books, it's absolutely astonishing, as I should think almost as many second-hand Blytons are sold both in second hand bookshops and charity shops. 8)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Jack400 »

I have to say that, I believe, the books seem to be in good hands- what a relief!
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Fiona1986 »

All sounds good to me - can't wait to see what merchandise comes out.
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Julie2owlsdene »

It's good to read of the plans, and keep Blyton going. :)

8)
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

If Hachette were to consider more merchandise for children, I'd love to see quality sets of plastic figures, buildings and accessories based on some of the major series. I'm thinking of the sort that are detailed and look good but are durable enough to be played with again and again - something similar to this "castle set" by Schleich, but with a castle/island/boat/animals/human figures from an Enid Blyton series:

Image
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Rob Houghton »

I agree - a brilliant idea, Anita. I think 'action figures' of The Famous Five etc would be very popular, especially if there were also playsets of islands, boats, castles and other accessories. While we're at it, how about an 'action man' type figure of Bill - as well as other characters, both male and female, of course...and a rag doll based on Amelia Jane. :-)

Toys rather like the Lego prototype I posted a few months ago, featured on a Lego ideas website, would also be exciting. :-) I would certainly have enjoyed all these as a child.

Image

I think it needs over 1,000 likes before it can be approved though...

https://ideas.lego.com/projects/95118

8)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

Ooh yes - even at my age, I'd love a Lego Faraway Tree!
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.

"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.


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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Moonraker »

With only 170 supporters, sadly it hasn't a hope in hell. I tried to add my support, but you have to create a Lego ID, and I'm not going to do that!
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Katharine »

Anita Bensoussane wrote:Ooh yes - even at my age, I'd love a Lego Faraway Tree!
Me too. :D
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Blyton brand

Post by Aussie Sue »

Merged with an older topic.

I thought this article, which gives us a heads up on the future plans for the Enid Blyton brand may be of interest to those who haven't seen it.

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/hcg-r ... and-325667" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cheers
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Re: Blyton brand

Post by Aussie Sue »

This link fits with the previous article too.

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/enid- ... ger-315619" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Blyton brand

Post by Aussie Sue »

And this one

http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/bull ... ate/043682" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What the new merchandising will be like.
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Lucky Star »

All sounds wonderful. I wonder how much more hacking and choppin... sorry "updating" will be done to these new editions.
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by pete9012S »

Yes,hip hip hooray for more modern editions.

Makes trawling through all the modern guff on ebay to find original editions a bit tedious though!! :D
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Re: Hachette's plans for the Enid Blyton Brand

Post by Rob Houghton »

pete9012S wrote:Makes trawling through all the modern guff on ebay to find original editions a bit tedious though!! :D
Just do a search under 'antiquarian and collectible' - that separates the 'wheat' from the 'chaff' 8)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



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