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Posted by Paul on June 19, 2013
Did Enid or Gillian or Imogen read the Little House on the Prairie books?
Barney says: I haven't read anything that says they did, but that doesn't mean they didn't!
Barney says: I haven't read anything that says they did, but that doesn't mean they didn't!Posted by Freda on June 19, 2013
Hi, Barney - I've been reading Enid Blyton and her Enchantment with Dorset by Dr. Andrew Norman. I was intrigued to read that following her marriage in 1943 to Kenneth Darrell Waters, she spent her honeymoon in St Ives, Cornwall. As a regular visitor to St Ives I just wondered whether anyone in the Society knows where she might have stayed - i.e., local hotel, guesthouse or private cottage. My guess is that it might have been Hotel Tregenna Castle as this is a luxury hotel with golfing facilities. It would, however, be great to imagine her staying in an old smuggler's cottage by the sea with a 'Famous Five' adventurous atmosphere. Does anyone know where she stayed or may have stayed in St Ives during this time? Thanks.Barney says: I don't know whether there's any record of where Enid and Kenneth stayed in St Ives, Freda, but it would be interesting if anything comes to light.
Barney says: I don't know whether there's any record of where Enid and Kenneth stayed in St Ives, Freda, but it would be interesting if anything comes to light.Posted by Vikki on June 18, 2013
Hello, I've just joined the Society and I need to change the postal address for the Journal. Please can anybody help? Thank you.Barney says: Click on "Contact Us" at the top of this page, Vikki. Then scroll right down and you'll see an email address you can use. Welcome to the Society!
Barney says: Click on "Contact Us" at the top of this page, Vikki. Then scroll right down and you'll see an email address you can use. Welcome to the Society!Posted by Prachi on June 18, 2013
Summer vacations are going on and I spend most of my time in reading Enid ma'am's books. I really want to thank Enid ma'am for writing such marvellous books. THANK YOU ENID MA'AM.....Barney says: There's no better way to spend the summer hols!
Barney says: There's no better way to spend the summer hols!Posted by Markku Elivuo on June 18, 2013
Hello! How may we have the rights to Enid Blyton's books to translate them first and do from them audiobooks and e-books in Finnish?Barney says: You would need to contact Hachette UK (Hodder), Markku, as they own the Enid Blyton copyright.
Barney says: You would need to contact Hachette UK (Hodder), Markku, as they own the Enid Blyton copyright.Posted by John Tipton on June 17, 2013
Many thanks to the organisers of the Beckenham Walk on Saturday 15 June. This was a very enjoyable day and a good opportunity to chat with other Society members.Barney says: Thank you, John. The outing was organised by Cliff Watkins, who led the walk, and Tony Summerfield, who unfortunately was unable to be there. If anyone would like to read more about it, there's a thread on the forums here.
Barney says: Thank you, John. The outing was organised by Cliff Watkins, who led the walk, and Tony Summerfield, who unfortunately was unable to be there. If anyone would like to read more about it, there's a thread on the forums here.Posted by Aussie Sue on June 16, 2013
Patricia, if it's the words you need, here they are:- The Flower-Woman (title)/
On Thursdays I see in the Market Square/
Old Mrs. Brown on her wooden chair,/
Nobody knows how old she must be,/
She hasn't told anyone - not even me./
In front of her stands a basket wide/
With tulips and daffodils packed inside,/
Pale narcissi and jonquils sweet,/
And bunches of violets, prim and neat./
When I buy her daffies I see her smile,/
And her eyes are twinkling all the while,/
They're blue as forget-me-nots - and I believe/
She's a pixie-woman who laughs up her sleeve!/
Maybe she sits there just for a joke,/
Huddled inside her raggedy cloak,/
Pretending to us she is just Mrs Brown;/
But p'r'aps underneath is a gossamer gown./
P'r'aps if the wind swept it open we'd spy/
Crushed-up wings that would shake out and fly,/
And old Mrs. Brown - well, she wouldn't be there -/
And I'd go and sit on her pixie chair!/
A gorgeous poem, I do love Enid's early poems.Barney says: Thank you very much, Sue. It is indeed a gorgeous poem. Unfortunately the Message Board format puts everything into one long paragraph, so I've indicated the line endings by using the / sign.
Barney says: Thank you very much, Sue. It is indeed a gorgeous poem. Unfortunately the Message Board format puts everything into one long paragraph, so I've indicated the line endings by using the / sign.Posted by Lisa Howarth on June 15, 2013
Hiya, I have a book that says it's Enid Blyton's Brer Rabbit on the spine but inside it is actually Children of the New Forest by Captain Marryat. I don't suppose anyone could put a value or anything on this could they? Thanks xxBarney says: Such mistakes are amusing - if annoying - but they don't add any value.
Barney says: Such mistakes are amusing - if annoying - but they don't add any value.Posted by Patricia on June 15, 2013
I am trying to locate the poem 'The Flower-Woman'. First line:- "On Thursdays I see in the Market Square
Old Mrs. Brown on her wooden chair". Can you help?Barney says: I'm afraid that 'The Flower-Woman' has not appeared in a Blyton book since the 1930s, Patricia. It can be found in The Red Pixie Book and this book was also used in Boys' and Girls' Story Book No. 2 by the News Chronicle. Neither of these books are all that easy to find and I'm afraid that they might both cost quite a bit.
Barney says: I'm afraid that 'The Flower-Woman' has not appeared in a Blyton book since the 1930s, Patricia. It can be found in The Red Pixie Book and this book was also used in Boys' and Girls' Story Book No. 2 by the News Chronicle. Neither of these books are all that easy to find and I'm afraid that they might both cost quite a bit.Posted by Shruti on June 15, 2013
Hello Barney, I have a story to share. One of my friends saw me reading Enid Blyton and told the rest of my friends, who all made fun of me. Obviously to some people, a 25-year-old loving Enid Blyton is funny. Anyway, yesterday our classes were over early so our teacher asked us about our favourite book. When my turn came before I could open my mouth my oversmart friend stood up and spilled the beans. And my teacher smiled and said, "That's good. I still read her too." It will be one of the best memories of my life. :-)Barney says: I'm glad you had support from your teacher, Shruti. Your friends would be surprised at the number of people who still read Enid Blyton books as adults. Enid wrote some super stories and there's no reason why an age limit should be put on enjoying them!
Barney says: I'm glad you had support from your teacher, Shruti. Your friends would be surprised at the number of people who still read Enid Blyton books as adults. Enid wrote some super stories and there's no reason why an age limit should be put on enjoying them!Posted by Shruti on June 15, 2013
Hi Barney, I had registered almost a year before but out of my own foolishness I stayed inactive quite long. Now I have forgotten all the details. What do I do, register again? Please help.Barney says: Someone with the name Shruti registered on the forums five years ago, but possibly this wasn't you. I'm afraid that without any of your details it isn't possible to help you, particularly with the password as only you would know that. The best thing would be to do what you suggest and register again.
Barney says: Someone with the name Shruti registered on the forums five years ago, but possibly this wasn't you. I'm afraid that without any of your details it isn't possible to help you, particularly with the password as only you would know that. The best thing would be to do what you suggest and register again.Posted by Namita on June 13, 2013
What do you think Enid would have become if she had not chosen writing?Barney says: Enid Blyton might have taken her father's advice and become a concert pianist like her Aunt May, as she had a talent for music and was offered a place at the Guildhall School of Music (though she turned it down, knowing she wanted to be a writer). Alternatively, she might have carried on teaching young children. She did that very successfully for a few years before giving it up to concentrate on her writing.
Barney says: Enid Blyton might have taken her father's advice and become a concert pianist like her Aunt May, as she had a talent for music and was offered a place at the Guildhall School of Music (though she turned it down, knowing she wanted to be a writer). Alternatively, she might have carried on teaching young children. She did that very successfully for a few years before giving it up to concentrate on her writing.Posted by Veni Martin on June 12, 2013
Thanks Barney. I meant if someone knows about the FONT type/s employed by Pan Macmillan on their first edition/s from "Adventure Series" books. It seems to me that it'd be font type Baskerville or some variation but I'm not sure. Any help would be much appreciated!Barney says: Thanks for the further information, Veni. I hope someone is able to help.
Barney says: Thanks for the further information, Veni. I hope someone is able to help.Posted by Veni Martin on June 11, 2013
Hi all, It'd be appreciated if you let me know about CSS font-face or similar font-types employed by Pan Macmillan in the Adventure Series books. Thanks in advance.Barney says: I don't know what you mean, but maybe someone else can help.
Barney says: I don't know what you mean, but maybe someone else can help.Posted by Kevin Rider on June 10, 2013
Can you tell me if Enid wrote a short story called 'Left Handed Tumfry', as I am sure I read it as a child? Many thanks.Barney says: Enid Blyton didn't write a story with that title, Kevin, but there is a book called Left-Handed Tumfy by Jane Shaw.
Barney says: Enid Blyton didn't write a story with that title, Kevin, but there is a book called Left-Handed Tumfy by Jane Shaw. Posted by Catherine on June 10, 2013
Hello, I just thought that your members might like to know that I have some 1st edition Famous Five books with original dust jackets for sale on Ebay. Item numbers are 121124762631 and 121124792712 if you'd like to have a look. Many thanks.
Posted by Goldie on June 9, 2013
Hello Barney, how have you been? Referring to Erika's enquiry, she may find the Award series in MPH bookstore in Malaysia. Do visit their store at Mid Valley or their website for further assistance. =)Barney says: Thank you, Goldie. I hope that information is of help to Erika.
Barney says: Thank you, Goldie. I hope that information is of help to Erika.Posted by Dipankae on June 9, 2013
George in the "Famous Five" is kidnapped in one of the books. I have read so many of the "Famous Five" titles that I cannot remember in which one she is kidnapped. Can you tell me?Barney says: Five Fall Into Adventure, Five Have Plenty of Fun and maybe others too.
Barney says: Five Fall Into Adventure, Five Have Plenty of Fun and maybe others too.Posted by Anthony on June 8, 2013
I have a hand-written postcard from Enid Blyton to my Great Grandmother sent in 1966. My Great Grandmother was at the time searching for a Christmas Stories book for her Granddaughter (my Mother) and wrote to the publishers to see if they had it in stock. Enid wrote back personally to advise that it had sadly gone out of print, but if she ever came across a copy she would send it. The postcard itself is of Noddy, labelled "Noddy and Big Ears go for a ride". My family are now looking to sell this, what would be the best route?Barney says: You could contact one of the dealers listed under "Lashings of Links". Alternatively you could try an auction, eBay or the "For Sale" section of our forums.
Barney says: You could contact one of the dealers listed under "Lashings of Links". Alternatively you could try an auction, eBay or the "For Sale" section of our forums.Posted by Paul on June 6, 2013
In one of the Enid Blyton books, a girl steals money from other girls' lockers, and it turns out that she's doing it so she can buy presents for people because she thinks that that'll make them like her. It's quite sad, really. Do you know which book this is?Barney says: I'm not absolutely sure, but perhaps you're thinking of Kathleen in The Twins at St. Clare's.
Barney says: I'm not absolutely sure, but perhaps you're thinking of Kathleen in The Twins at St. Clare's.Posted by Erika on June 6, 2013
Hi. I am from Malaysia. My daughter loves Enid Blyton's short stories so much that I am thinking to have all her Award Popular Reward series for her. Where can I buy those?Barney says: Most bookshops should be able to order the books for you, Erika, even if they don't have them in stock. Alternatively, you could try buying (new or secondhand) from sites like Amazon, Navrang, eBay, Abebooks, etc.
Barney says: Most bookshops should be able to order the books for you, Erika, even if they don't have them in stock. Alternatively, you could try buying (new or secondhand) from sites like Amazon, Navrang, eBay, Abebooks, etc.Posted by Lynn Crombie on June 6, 2013
I am trying to locate a copy of, I believe, The Magic Faraway Tree that was published in a large colour format by Hamlyn in 1960/61. It is possible it was The Folk of the Faraway Tree. I am not sure. Can anyone help?Barney says: I'm afraid I don't know of any large format colour editions published as early as that, Lynn. You could try clicking on the Faraway Tree titles in the Cave of Books and scrolling down to the reprint covers to see if anything rings a bell.
Barney says: I'm afraid I don't know of any large format colour editions published as early as that, Lynn. You could try clicking on the Faraway Tree titles in the Cave of Books and scrolling down to the reprint covers to see if anything rings a bell. Posted by Sharon Jacques on June 5, 2013
Hello again Barney xxx. I've been looking at Eva Rice's book Who's Who in Enid Blyton and in there she lists 24 Noddy stories. Do you know if all of these stories are available as one book and if so what is it called please? Thanks very much for helping me out. Sharon xxxBarney says: The 24 main Noddy titles are quite long, Sharon, and haven't been put into one big book as far as I know.
Barney says: The 24 main Noddy titles are quite long, Sharon, and haven't been put into one big book as far as I know.Posted by Adam Bartoš on June 4, 2013
Hi, may I ask why the story At Seaside Cottage (1947) was not issued in the Secret Seven stories? Thank you in advance for your answer.Barney says: At Seaside Cottage is about Peter, Janet and Scamper on a seaside holiday. In that story, Peter is seven and Janet is six. No other members of the Secret Seven are mentioned and there's no mystery to solve, so it's not really a Secret Seven story.
Barney says: At Seaside Cottage is about Peter, Janet and Scamper on a seaside holiday. In that story, Peter is seven and Janet is six. No other members of the Secret Seven are mentioned and there's no mystery to solve, so it's not really a Secret Seven story.Posted by Hilary on June 2, 2013
How is the Society funded? Is it purely by the charge made for becoming member? There is so much on the site that is available to anybody, member or not. Many thanks.Barney says: The website is a labour of love, Hilary, and no one was (or is) paid for setting it up or maintaining it. Most sections are open to everyone, as you said. The subscription money paid by Society members is used to produce three Journals a year. A small profit is also made at Enid Blyton Days, and that money goes either into the Journal or into future Enid Blyton Days.
Barney says: The website is a labour of love, Hilary, and no one was (or is) paid for setting it up or maintaining it. Most sections are open to everyone, as you said. The subscription money paid by Society members is used to produce three Journals a year. A small profit is also made at Enid Blyton Days, and that money goes either into the Journal or into future Enid Blyton Days.Posted by Don Kidd on May 31, 2013
Sunny Stories for Little Folks, THE BED THAT RAN AWAY No 217, July 1935. Can anyone outline a story about 'The Little Red Imp' which appeared in this issue. Imp sits in tree, annoys toys in house, toys capture him by luring him into toybox, send him off to the moon? Seeking copy of this story if possible.Barney says: 'That Little Red Imp' was reprinted in Seven O' Clock Tales and it's about a mean brownie called Mingy. A red imp torments him and won't leave him alone till he turns over a new leaf. So I'm afraid it's not the story you're looking for, Don.
Barney says: 'That Little Red Imp' was reprinted in Seven O' Clock Tales and it's about a mean brownie called Mingy. A red imp torments him and won't leave him alone till he turns over a new leaf. So I'm afraid it's not the story you're looking for, Don.Posted by Enid Blyton Person on May 31, 2013
Barney, I would like to know why Enid Blyton loved Adventure and Mystery. Was it from her childhood?Barney says: Many children like going exploring, having secrets between themselves, making dens and forming clubs, so I expect Enid liked that kind of thing too. We know that as a girl she used to write letters to her friends in secret code, explore the countryside by bike with her brother Hanly and read adventure books like Ballantyne's The Coral Island.
Barney says: Many children like going exploring, having secrets between themselves, making dens and forming clubs, so I expect Enid liked that kind of thing too. We know that as a girl she used to write letters to her friends in secret code, explore the countryside by bike with her brother Hanly and read adventure books like Ballantyne's The Coral Island.Posted by Fred on May 31, 2013
Back in the 1980s my local library in London, UK, had a number of Secret Seven titles that featured covers purportedly from a TV series. Now I know that the Famous Five was made into the TV series (with Marcus, Gary etc.) but was the Secret Seven filmed or were the covers just manufactured to look as though they had?Barney says: Photos of children and a dog were taken and used for the Secret Seven books and annuals but there was never a Secret Seven TV series, Fred.
Barney says: Photos of children and a dog were taken and used for the Secret Seven books and annuals but there was never a Secret Seven TV series, Fred.Posted by Pete9012S on May 31, 2013
Reading a book of Agatha Christie's poetry recently I was thinking how good it would be to read all of Enid Blyton's poetry in one volume. Does such a book exist or could it possibly be ever produced? Regards, Pete.Barney says: A good question, Pete. Enid Blyton wrote hundreds of poems, scattered all over the place in newspapers, magazines, annuals, anthologies, etc. so it would be a job bringing them all together (though the information in the Cave of Books would certainly be of help!) and there may well be some which are untraced. Not impossible but not easy either, and it would be a big volume by the time it was finished. Whether it would sell well would be another matter!
Barney says: A good question, Pete. Enid Blyton wrote hundreds of poems, scattered all over the place in newspapers, magazines, annuals, anthologies, etc. so it would be a job bringing them all together (though the information in the Cave of Books would certainly be of help!) and there may well be some which are untraced. Not impossible but not easy either, and it would be a big volume by the time it was finished. Whether it would sell well would be another matter!Posted by Sharon Jacques on May 30, 2013
How would I go about finding a list of the original titles of books and the changed titles, for example original title The Three Golliwogs and new title The Three Goblins? Does any information exist and if so where could I find it? Thanks for helping me out again, Barney. I do wish I could send you some biscuits!Barney says: If you hunt for a book title in the Cave of Books you'll see that many reprint covers are shown, including covers with new titles. However, in the case of The Three Golliwogs the latest title (Three Bold Pixies and Other Stories) is listed separately. I don't know of any list of changed titles. By the way, my favourite biscuits are the little bone-shaped ones!
Barney says: If you hunt for a book title in the Cave of Books you'll see that many reprint covers are shown, including covers with new titles. However, in the case of The Three Golliwogs the latest title (Three Bold Pixies and Other Stories) is listed separately. I don't know of any list of changed titles. By the way, my favourite biscuits are the little bone-shaped ones! Posted by Sharon Jacques on May 30, 2013
Hello Barney, I was wondering please if you could help me out. The other day I purchased from a car boot sale Adventures of the Wishing-Chair and The Wishing-Chair Again. Both are De Luxe editions illustrated by Georgina Hargreaves and were published Dean & Son in 1983 and both books are colourful hardbacks around 10-12 inches square. Are these editions abridged versions of the original books or are they complete? Thanks for helping me out. xBarney says: To the best of my knowledge those editions have the complete text, Sharon. Super books with beautiful illustrations.
Barney says: To the best of my knowledge those editions have the complete text, Sharon. Super books with beautiful illustrations.Posted by Enid Blyton's greatest fan on May 30, 2013
Hi Barney. I have just finished The Rockingdown Mystery. It is my very first Barney book and I enjoyed it very much. I am thinking of asking for The Rilloby Fair Mystery next. Why do these mysteries always begin with 'R'?Barney says: All the 'R' titles sound nice and help unify the series, EB'sGF. I hope you enjoy the rest of the books. They're great stories and are best read in the correct order.
Barney says: All the 'R' titles sound nice and help unify the series, EB'sGF. I hope you enjoy the rest of the books. They're great stories and are best read in the correct order.Posted by Sarah Roberts on May 29, 2013
I used to read my brother 'Mr. Picketty's Lamp Post' when we were kids. I'm sure it was Enid Blyton but can't find it anywhere! Please help if you can. SarahBarney says: I only know of Snifty's Lamp-Post, Sarah.
Barney says: I only know of Snifty's Lamp-Post, Sarah.Posted by Sarah on May 29, 2013
Barney, when is Enid Blyton's birthday?Barney says: August 11th. She was born in 1897. Have a look at our "Author of Adventure" section for more information.
Barney says: August 11th. She was born in 1897. Have a look at our "Author of Adventure" section for more information.Posted by Hilary on May 29, 2013
I have only just found this site and I love it that so many people love Enid Blyton as I do. As I get older I love her stories even more!
Posted by Enid Blyton Person on May 28, 2013
It is I once again, Mr. Barney. I was wondering why people such as Fatty and other 'brainy' people in the other mystery books that Mrs Blyton wrote, why it is always they who actually manage to solve the case? I would also like to know how she managed to think of such interesting plots and characters. P.S. I am going to read Five Have a Mystery to Solve. I have read most of the other Blyton books, but I only found it a few weeks ago. Is it good?Barney says: In answer to your first question, can you imagine an episode of Scooby Doo in which the sleuths fail to unmask the villain, or a Sherlock Holmes story where Holmes is left completely baffled? Enid Blyton had a vivid imagination and ideas would flood into her mind almost faster than she could type. Regarding Five Have a Mystery to Solve, some people say the last few Famous Five books aren't as good as the earlier ones but it's best to read it for yourself and make up your own mind.
Barney says: In answer to your first question, can you imagine an episode of Scooby Doo in which the sleuths fail to unmask the villain, or a Sherlock Holmes story where Holmes is left completely baffled? Enid Blyton had a vivid imagination and ideas would flood into her mind almost faster than she could type. Regarding Five Have a Mystery to Solve, some people say the last few Famous Five books aren't as good as the earlier ones but it's best to read it for yourself and make up your own mind. Posted by Enid Blyton Person on May 28, 2013
I was reading through the Wishing-Chair stories and I found many of the places the chair lands in are featured in the Faraway Tree books (such as the Land of Dreams, etc...) I wondered why Enid Blyton used the same ideas if she had such a good imagination?Barney says: The Wishing-Chair and Faraway Tree series both involve children visiting strange and magical lands. Some of the lands are so delightful or intriguing that it's not surprising that Enid Blyton revisits them.
Barney says: The Wishing-Chair and Faraway Tree series both involve children visiting strange and magical lands. Some of the lands are so delightful or intriguing that it's not surprising that Enid Blyton revisits them.Posted by Enid Blyton Person on May 28, 2013
Did Enid Blyton use the idea for Moonface in the Faraway Tree in other stories? I was reading some of her other books, and he was mentioned in one of them as a shepherd's cousin.Barney says: Yes, Moonface appears in some versions of The Yellow Fairy Book (which has been reprinted under several other titles including The Queer Adventure). He also features briefly in at least one short story.
Barney says: Yes, Moonface appears in some versions of The Yellow Fairy Book (which has been reprinted under several other titles including The Queer Adventure). He also features briefly in at least one short story.Posted by Paul on May 28, 2013
How edited are the 1970s reprints? I recently acquired a reprint of Tales After Supper from 1970.Barney says: I can't say for certain, Paul, but if it dates from 1970 I think it's likely to be the same as the original.
Barney says: I can't say for certain, Paul, but if it dates from 1970 I think it's likely to be the same as the original.Posted by Alan, Wirral Writer on May 28, 2013
Just heard on Radio Merseyside that the publishers of Enid Blyton’s novels are messing around with the dialogue and covers of The Famous Five books to make them more “appealing” to modern children. What a stupid idea! Why can’t they leave the original classics alone? As a kid, Enid Blyton was my favourite author, and I would hate to think that all her marvellous work was going to be tampered with, thus detracting from the timeless charm of the original. What will it be next, I wonder – updating classics like A Christmas Carol so that Scrooge can’t say “Humbug” anymore? It’s pathetic. Leave our classic stories alone. Read more on the Famous Five revamp here.Barney says: Thanks Alan, but that news is three years old and those versions of the books have been in the shops for a while now. In fact, the Famous Five books had already been updated several times over, beginning with a few small changes in the late 1960s. Lots of fans would agree with you that they'd prefer the stories to be left alone.
Barney says: Thanks Alan, but that news is three years old and those versions of the books have been in the shops for a while now. In fact, the Famous Five books had already been updated several times over, beginning with a few small changes in the late 1960s. Lots of fans would agree with you that they'd prefer the stories to be left alone. Posted by Nicholas on May 27, 2013
Hi Barney, just a comment on something that narks me a bit. I love collecting Enid Blyton books, early editions with dustcovers, and I have a lot in my collection. I buy them from all over the world and I am like a child waiting to recieve them. I look after them and cover them in proper covers and display them proudly and it narks me that some people only seem to be interestered in how much they might be worth. I have noticed more and more on this site people saying that they have this copy or that, and asking how much it is worth. All they seem to be interestered in is the value and what they might get. When I buy an Enid Blyton book and pay sometimes a lot of money for them, the last thing I think of is how much they might be worth. I love them and am proud to have them and display them and talk to other people about them. I would never ever get rid of them whatever they might be worth. I just love them for being great, part of my beloved Enid Blyton's work. I was just wondering are other people like me or is everyone driven by money nowadays? It seems a sad state of affairs. I for one would never part with my beloved Enid Blyton books and I have made provisions in my will to keep my collection together and in the family.Barney says: Rest assured that many readers share your feelings, Nicholas. The real value of a book lies in its contents - it can give you endless hours of pleasure, make you think, teach you things, help you see the world afresh and introduce you to characters who will become lifelong friends. In the eyes of true booklovers, a good book is priceless.
Barney says: Rest assured that many readers share your feelings, Nicholas. The real value of a book lies in its contents - it can give you endless hours of pleasure, make you think, teach you things, help you see the world afresh and introduce you to characters who will become lifelong friends. In the eyes of true booklovers, a good book is priceless. Posted by Elaine Clear on May 27, 2013
I would very much like to have an original copy of Merry Mister Meddle. Is it possible to get a copy?Barney says: We don't sell books on the website, Elaine, but you could look on eBay, eBid or Abebooks, or try the book dealers listed under "Lashings of Links". Good luck with your search - the Meddle stories are wonderful.
Barney says: We don't sell books on the website, Elaine, but you could look on eBay, eBid or Abebooks, or try the book dealers listed under "Lashings of Links". Good luck with your search - the Meddle stories are wonderful.Posted by John Hanna on May 26, 2013
Hi all: Have just picked up 54 issues of Enid Blyton's Sunny Stories dating from 1937 to 1943. Do these have any value?Barney says: We're unable to do valuations, John, but some Enid Blyton fans do collect the magazines so if you wish to sell them you could always try listing them on eBay.
Barney says: We're unable to do valuations, John, but some Enid Blyton fans do collect the magazines so if you wish to sell them you could always try listing them on eBay.Posted by Sivany Biswas on May 26, 2013
Hallo there! I missed The Six Bad Boys, Hollow Tree House, The Put-Em-Rights, The Family at Red-Roofs and some other excellent single stories on your display here! These are lovely stories, a must-read for all! Love to the world of Enid Blyton!Barney says: Hi Sivany, You're right that many of the stand-alone books are excellent but unfortunately we only have enough space to have buttons for the major series. However, if you go into our Cave of Books you'll see all the books including the stand-alone novels.
Barney says: Hi Sivany, You're right that many of the stand-alone books are excellent but unfortunately we only have enough space to have buttons for the major series. However, if you go into our Cave of Books you'll see all the books including the stand-alone novels.Posted by Silk on May 24, 2013
Hi, I have found an Enid Blyton's Noddy Christmas Special comic book (48 pages) priced at 20 pence, can you tell me anything about it?Barney says: I'm afraid we don't have any information on the comics, but if 20 pence was the original price it must have been published after 1971.
Barney says: I'm afraid we don't have any information on the comics, but if 20 pence was the original price it must have been published after 1971. Posted by Sue Webster on May 23, 2013
Hi, it was sad not to have an Enid Blyton Day this year. I guess speakers are hard to find but would it be a good idea to have one next year with members doing it themselves? Members could reminisce about Enid and her books etc, share their experiences of the Famous Five Club if they were members and bring items to display. The booksellers could still come, and the caterers. I'm sure members would have a lot to talk about. What do others think and could it work?Barney says: Such a gathering might well appeal to members who know each other, Sue (e.g. through the forums) but probably wouldn't attract enough people to make it worthwhile for the book dealers and caterers.
Barney says: Such a gathering might well appeal to members who know each other, Sue (e.g. through the forums) but probably wouldn't attract enough people to make it worthwhile for the book dealers and caterers.Posted by Ana Asif on May 23, 2013
Happy Birthday, EB'sGF! My Find-Outers collection is complete too. Barney, I would like to know if Enid Blyton saw anyone as her role-model in life. Thanks. Cheers, Ana.Barney says: Enid Blyton appears to have looked up to her father, who encouraged her interest in nature, gardening, music and literature. She was also no doubt influenced by writer Arthur Mee, who published one of Enid's poems in his magazine when she was a teenager. Mabel Attenborough, aunt of Enid's schoolfriend Mary, was another influential figure, acting as a guide and confidante as Enid was growing up. However, Enid Blyton wouldn't have modelled herself slavishly on anyone, the way Zerelda Brass does with film star Lossie Laxton in Third Year at Malory Towers, as she thought it was important to be yourself, discover your own strengths and build on them.
Barney says: Enid Blyton appears to have looked up to her father, who encouraged her interest in nature, gardening, music and literature. She was also no doubt influenced by writer Arthur Mee, who published one of Enid's poems in his magazine when she was a teenager. Mabel Attenborough, aunt of Enid's schoolfriend Mary, was another influential figure, acting as a guide and confidante as Enid was growing up. However, Enid Blyton wouldn't have modelled herself slavishly on anyone, the way Zerelda Brass does with film star Lossie Laxton in Third Year at Malory Towers, as she thought it was important to be yourself, discover your own strengths and build on them.Posted by Alison on May 21, 2013
Hello Barney, my daughter adores the folk of the Faraway Tree. Do you know if it's possible to find toys or ornaments of those characters? Thank you.Barney says: I'm afraid I don't think any are available, Alison, though it would be lovely to have some. There is always plenty of Noddy merchandise but not much else.
Barney says: I'm afraid I don't think any are available, Alison, though it would be lovely to have some. There is always plenty of Noddy merchandise but not much else.Posted by Enid Blyton's greatest fan on May 21, 2013
Hello Barney. Today is my birthday. And guess what! My Find Outers collection is complete. Why did Enid and Hugh divorce?Barney says: Happy Birthday, EB'sGF, and congratulations on completing your Find-Outers collection. Enid and Hugh had been having problems in their marriage for a few years before they divorced. No one but the two of them really knows all that happened, but we do know that Hugh became an alcoholic and Enid devoted more and more time to her writing, and they drifted apart. The Second World War didn't help matters, as it meant Hugh spent a lot of time away from home. Eventually, each of them fell in love with someone else.
Barney says: Happy Birthday, EB'sGF, and congratulations on completing your Find-Outers collection. Enid and Hugh had been having problems in their marriage for a few years before they divorced. No one but the two of them really knows all that happened, but we do know that Hugh became an alcoholic and Enid devoted more and more time to her writing, and they drifted apart. The Second World War didn't help matters, as it meant Hugh spent a lot of time away from home. Eventually, each of them fell in love with someone else.Posted by Enid Blyton's greatest fan on May 20, 2013
Hi Barney. I have just read 'The Very Forgetful Gnome' and it made me laugh till I cried. Well, not nearly cried, you know. That is just a metaphor. What are your opinions about this story?Barney says: I haven't read that particular story, EB'sGF, but quite a few of Enid Blyton's humorous tales have brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I'm sure Enid would be delighted to know that her stories are still giving people (and dogs!) such immense enjoyment.
Barney says: I haven't read that particular story, EB'sGF, but quite a few of Enid Blyton's humorous tales have brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I'm sure Enid would be delighted to know that her stories are still giving people (and dogs!) such immense enjoyment.