The Enid Blyton Society

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Posted by Sue Webster on March 28, 2024
Hi, the new Famous Five film/episode is on CBBC on Friday at 5.30 pm and on BBC1 on Monday at 2 pm. Should be a good adventure.
BarneyBarney says: I've stocked up on ginger beer, slabs of cake, potted meat and dog biscuits, Sue, so I can enjoy a feast while I watch!
Posted by Kim on March 28, 2024
I recently read Nicholas Royle's book about Enid Blyton and David Bowie. I wonder if there is any evidence that sales of Blyton/reading of Blyton increased during the pandemic lockdowns?
BarneyBarney says: It would be nice to think so, Kim! I believe that book-buying/reading increased in general.
Posted by Michelle Lee on March 27, 2024
Hi, Barney! Thanks for the quick reply. I think I read that story 'How Don't Care was Made to Care' in the 1970s - 1973 or 4? I can't remember the edition or even if it was paperback (likely) or hardback (I didn't have the money to buy them then, but maybe I borrowed it!) ... I'm looking for it now because I got the gist of the story (you should always take care when doing things to do them right) but I forgot how the child (I don't remember if it was girl or boy) got the message - and now I know someone who would really benefit from reading the tale. Thanks for your help - if I come across it first, I will be sure to share it here! Wuffles!
BarneyBarney says: One story on that theme that's mentioned by a lot of Enid Blyton fans is 'Tom, the Scout-Cub'. Tom cleans a man's shed but he does it sloppily and has to face the consequences. If you put the title into the search box in the Cave of Books, you'll see that it was printed in Tales at Bedtime (William Collins, 1961). 'Sally Dumble's Trick' is a similar story in some respects, though it's about two women who take it in turns to clean another woman's house while she's ill. Anyway, good luck with your search and do let me know if you find the right story!
Posted by Michelle Lee on March 26, 2024
Hi, Barney - I'm looking for a story by Enid Blyton called (to the best of my memory) 'How Don't Care was Made to Care'. I did go through the very helpful Cave of Books, but didn't see it there. Are you able to help? Thanks so much for this website!
BarneyBarney says: A hearty wuff of hello to you, Michelle! Do you remember anything about the content of the story or about the book you read it in - or roughly when you first read it? There are all kinds of stories dealing with children/fairy folk who don't bother about something or other and have to learn a lesson, though I don't recognise the the title you've given. 'I'll Do Them Tomorrow', 'Untidy William', 'Tiresome Tilda', 'Staying with Auntie Sue', 'Whatever Next!', 'I Don't Want To!' and 'Make-Haste and Be-Careful' come to mind, but there are many more possibilities.
Posted by Sheila Nunn on March 22, 2024
I'm looking for a book that had a story about a doll with odd eyes. I think the doll's name was Marigold. The little girl thought one eye would match one dress and other eye another dress. In the same book was a story of a little boy whose cat drank the milk he didn't like.
Posted by Mark McBride on March 21, 2024
Hi, I am trying to find an Enid Blyton story called (I believe) 'The Ticking Watch', about a watch which saves the life of a baby. I believe that it was part of a book called The Ticking Watch: and Other Stories. I cannot find reference to it anywhere on the website or via Amazon etc. Am I right in thinking it is an Enid Blyton story? And if so can you let me know where I might find a copy. Thanks Barney!
BarneyBarney says: It sounds intriguing but I'm afraid it isn't an Enid Blyton story, Mark. I hope someone recognises it.
Posted by Scott on March 18, 2024
Hi, could you tell me if there is any way to get e-book versions of the Claude Voilier Famous Five books, please? Keen to read these. :-)
BarneyBarney says: I don't think there are any e-book versions, Scott, but secondhand paperbacks are available from sites like eBay and Abebooks.
Posted by Kathy on March 16, 2024
Thank you so much for your speedy reply and the information, Barney, especially on a Saturday!
BarneyBarney says: A chroeso, Kathy!
Posted by Kathy on March 16, 2024
Hello, I am interested to know if there are Welsh translations of the original Famous Five books, please? I know there are short adaptations in the Pump Prysur series, but I would like to buy actual translations into Welsh. Many thanks.
BarneyBarney says: Sadly, I've never come across any Welsh translations of the original full-length Famous Five books. What a pity that the colour short stories are available in Welsh but not the 21 novels!
Posted by Aparna on March 14, 2024
The book Graham posted about on 12th March could be The Secret of Moon Castle. Jack, Mike and Prince Paul explore an old mine, which is being used by a gang to extract a new metal, stellastepheny. I don't think the book has been in print recently, but it should be easily available secondhand.
BarneyBarney says: It's a terrible pity that the Secret books are no longer in print (with the exception of The Secret Island). They're wonderful, stirring adventure stories which capture the imagination. The Adventurous Four books and Barney mysteries haven't been in print for a long time either, along with one-off adventures like The Boy Next Door (to give just one example) and gripping family dramas like The Family at Red-Roofs and the two Six Cousins books (again, there are others but I can't list them all).
Posted by Graham on March 12, 2024
Hello, I remember reading as a child in an Enid Blyton book (probably the Secret Seven as they were my favourites), about when the children saw a colour that no-one had ever seen before. They may have been in a cave, or on a hillside? I am writing here of a memory of 55 years ago, so I may have my wires crossed, but that description has always amazed me (even though it is impossible :)). Was it in a Blyton book, and if so which one? Thanks!
BarneyBarney says: I can think of two possibilities, Graham. One is The Mountain of Adventure, in which Jack, Lucy-Ann, Philip and Dinah are inside a mountain and find themselves on a balcony overlooking a vast pit in which men are working. Enid Blyton writes, "Out of the hole in the pit floor shone a brilliant mass of colour - but a colour the children did not know! It was not blue or green, not red or yellow, not any colour they had ever seen before. They gaped at it in surprise." The other possibility is Five Get Into a Fix. Julian, Dick, Anne and George see a swirling, glowing mist from the window of their mountain hut. Anne says, "What a strange colour - not red - not yellow - not orange. What colour is it?" and her brother Julian replies, "It's not a shade I've ever seen before."
Posted by Jenny on March 10, 2024
My adult daughter collected Enid Blyton writings for years as she grew up. She has around 400 books and magazines, including some first editions. She would now like to sell them. Could anyone please give advice on the best way to do this? She is in Australia. Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: Your daughter could try an online auction site, a local auction house, or a dealer in secondhand children's books.
Posted by Anne Clitheroe on March 9, 2024
Hi, My mum is 90 in May and I am trying to get her a copy of the Sunny Stories magazine May 1944. Is this at all possible? Also she recounts little poems about a blackbird with a gold beak and a story about an umbrella. Any help would be amazing. I am quite prepared to join the society if I need to to purchase them for her. I grew up on Mr. Pink-Whistle and have recently named my pet baby goat after him. Thanks so much. Anne
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid we don't sell Enid Blyton books or magazines, Anne, but you could keep a lookout on sites like eBay. Two Sunny Stories magazines were published in May 1944, as you can see here. Mr. Pink-Whistle is a wonderful name for a goat!
Posted by Mia on March 7, 2024
Does the house where Enid Blyton was born still exist?
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton was born in a flat at 354, Lordship Lane, East Dulwich. The building was destroyed in the Second World War and was rebuilt to a different design, but neighbouring buildings in the original design are still standing. The new building has a blue plaque commemorating Enid Blyton.
Posted by Gladys on March 4, 2024
I've just been to see Wicked Little Letters - it was based on a true story. I wonder if that's where the inspiration for The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters came from. Just a thought.
BarneyBarney says: Ah yes - the story of Edith Swan and Rose Gooding. We'll never know whether it influenced Enid Blyton, but she must have heard about it.
Posted by MRP on February 27, 2024
Is it wrong to still want to read your old Blyton books as an adult - or even as a teenager?
BarneyBarney says: Of course it isn't. As C. S. Lewis said, "I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children's story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children's story. The good ones last."
Posted by Amy P on February 26, 2024
Hello there, I am grateful for this comments feature, thank you in advance! I have just read my 4-year-old daughter her first Enid Blyton book, Jumbo Saves the Day! She absolutely loved it and has asked for more stories about Jumbo and the toys and pixies. However, did Enid actually write any more stories about this particular band of friends? Warm regards, Amy
BarneyBarney says: I'm glad your daughter loved Jumbo Saves the Day!, Amy. I don't think Enid Blyton wrote any more stories about those toys/pixies in particular. However, she wrote plenty of stories about various toys and various pixies, sometimes mingling the nursery characters with the fairy folk. It may help to look at the following list in our Cave of Books (your book is on the list) for inspiration: Parragon Pocket Library. Your daughter might also enjoy the stories about Amelia Jane, the rag doll. She lives in a nursery but she isn't well-behaved and she causes trouble for the other toys. If you type "Amelia Jane" into the search box in the Cave of Books, you'll see the titles. Tales of Toyland is a chapter book that might go down well, about Tiptoe the fairy doll and Jolly the sailor doll who go to live in Toyland. Most of Enid Blyton's general collections of short stories also contain some tales about toys and fairies, as well as tales of children and animals. Hodder have brought out some bumper collections in recent years and you can see the titles here. The Galliano's Circus and Cherry Tree Farm volumes differ from the others as they are collections of novels (3-in-1). If you happen to buy secondhand Enid Blyton books, any dating from about the 1990s or earlier could possibly contain gollies. That doesn't worry everyone but I thought I'd mention it just in case. I hope you and your daughter enjoy many more hours of wonderful reading!
Posted by Judith Crabb on February 26, 2024
I came across a copy of a Birn publication called Passengers and Mails, No. 843. I assume that it is one of the hundreds (thousands?) which have nothing to do with Enid Blyton. I assume that there is no way of telling since not all her diaries at the time survived?
BarneyBarney says: Unfortunately your question isn't easy to answer, Judith. Enid Blyton kept details of her published work in her workbooks rather than her diaries, but the only workbook we have finishes in 1926. The rest probably went up in smoke when Kenneth Darrell Waters decided to have a bonfire! Some Blyton Birn books from after that date had her name printed on them, but Birn weren't at all consistent when it came to crediting authors - as you probably know!
Posted by Nigel on February 21, 2024
Message for Deeksha. I purchased a fine hardback copy of Enid Blyton’s biography by Barbara Stoney. It contains a dedication to Deeksha and an autograph. But within the pages I discovered a family photograph. If this was your book and you lost the photo I am happy to return.
Posted by Alpo on February 15, 2024
This site reminds me of my childhood.
BarneyBarney says: That's nice to know. It reminds me of my puppyhood!
Posted by Jean on February 6, 2024
Bonjour! Do you deliver to France? Jean from Rennes, Brittany, North-West of France.
BarneyBarney says: Bonjour, Jean! Yes, we deliver the Enid Blyton Society Journal to France and we'd love to have you as a member. Just click on "Europe" when you're asked to choose a subscription type.
Posted by David on January 30, 2024
Hello. I am looking for the 4 books in the series Two Years in the Infant School. Does anyone have, or know of, any copies which are for sale please? I am in England. Many thanks.
Posted by David on January 27, 2024
I read my first Famous Five book in July of 1994 and as the 30th anniversary of that is creeping up I wanted to read them again. I have the full set from the 1990s TV series, however I was first accustomed to the gold embossed versions from the early 90s. Is there a particular name for these editions? I would like the full set.
BarneyBarney says: It's a nice idea to collect the set exactly thirty years after you first read the books, David. I don't think there's any particular name for those versions. However, if you look at the Famous Five reprints in our Cave of Books you'll be able to see the year that each title was published in that edition. You could then look for those editions online by date.
Posted by Michele Brazie on January 25, 2024
I am seeking permission to reproduce some of the artwork from the Bimbo and Topsy series. I believe Topsy was a Smooth Fox Terrier. This breed is now on the endangered breed list. I have written one book on the smooth fox terrier to promote the breed and am now working on a second - a social history - showing its presence in art, advertising, literature and home life. Can someone please help me?
BarneyBarney says: I'm glad you're a dog-lover, Michele! Hachette own the Enid Blyton copyright so you'll need to get in touch with 'Hachette Children's Group' for information. If you Google them, you'll see their contact details.
Posted by Andrew Chapman on January 22, 2024
Thank you Barney. How may I post a picture on here for all to see the charming poster?
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid it isn't possible to post pictures on the Message Board, Andrew. Images can be posted on our forums, as long as they're uploaded to a picture-hosting site first (e.g. Imgur). The relevant tags/links can then be included in a post on the forums.
Posted by Amy Davis on January 17, 2024
I believe the hermit in The Children of Cherry Tree Farm was based on a hermit who lived in Old Sun House in Pednor, Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Can you confirm this?
BarneyBarney says: I've never heard that, Amy. What is the source, please?
Posted by Andrew Chapman on January 14, 2024
I have a very early advertisement which I think is Noddy promoting a jam. Where might I send it for verification? It is Noddy complete with bell on the top of his hat. The shop display free-standing advertisement is on thick card and was produced by Ford Advertising. The caption reads 'Noddy says .... "Collect these labels for a Free Noddy Badge." Ask for a leaflet.' Noddy is pointing to a large jar of Chivers Strawberry Jam with his arm two-dimensional. You will no doubt be keen to see a picture of this so please provide an email address as to where it should be sent? The card is in as-new condition. Date-wise? 1952/3.
BarneyBarney says: A nice item to have, Andrew, though we don't have any additional information on it. If you do an internet search on "Noddy Chivers badge" (you may have done that already), you can see what the badge looked like.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 13, 2024
An Enid Blyton stories themed cooking book would be nice. How to make a Blyton themed home-made savoury pie or drink or dessert.
BarneyBarney says: You're in luck, Elizabeth, as a few Enid Blyton-themed cookbooks have been published. Look out for Jolly Good Food, Five Go Feasting and The Mary Mouse Cook Book. If you search for those titles in our Cave of Books, you'll be able to see when they were published and what the covers look like.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 9, 2024
Did Enid ever speak out, in her stories or in a letter to a newspaper, about Hitler and what he was doing?
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton wrote primarily for children so she was seldom overtly political, but her main child characters work against the Nazis in books like The Adventurous Four, The Children of Kidillin and The Valley of Adventure.
Posted by Newell Karen on January 5, 2024
I'm looking to buy audio CDs of the Famous Five read by Jan Francis. Do you sell them please? Thanks, Karen.
BarneyBarney says: We don't sell them but they may be available from eBay or similar sites.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 3, 2024
Hi Barney! Did Enid Blyton ever meet people that are famous today?
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton met a few other authors whose names are still well-known today, e.g. A. A. Milne, Alison Uttley, Richmal Crompton and Malcolm Saville.
Posted by Barnard on December 18, 2023
“I say, you fellows. Richard Palmer also played Harry Wharton in some programmes of the BBC series of Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School.”
BarneyBarney says: Jolly good!
Posted by Julie2owlsdene on December 14, 2023
It's always lovely to hear about anything from the past years of Enid Blyton, and reading Richard Palmer taking the trouble to tell us about playing Julian in Five on a Treasure Island is great to hear.
BarneyBarney says: A wuff of "Hello" to you, Julie!
Posted by Aussie Sue on December 12, 2023
It was lovely to hear from Richard Palmer. I was particularly interested to hear that Enid selected the cast, so I guess they represented the Famous Five as they were in her head. 1956 when I was obsessed with the Famous Five.
BarneyBarney says: It's lovely that Enid Blyton had a say in the casting.
Posted by Jenson Weall and Zaid Tabaa on December 11, 2023
Hello, we just wanted to pop on here and say that Enid Blyton books brought us together and strengthened our relationship.
BarneyBarney says: That's good to know!
Posted by Richard Palmer on December 10, 2023
Hello. In 1956 I was a child actor. The Children's Film Foundation, which made films for the Saturday Morning Cinema Clubs, made the first ever film of Five on a Treasure Island. Enid Blyton chose the cast herself and I played Julian. It was all filmed at Corfe Castle in Dorset and was shown as an 8-part serial.
BarneyBarney says: It's great to hear from you, Richard. A hearty wag of the tail to you! Many Enid Blyton fans who didn't see the serial when it was first released have had the chance to see it on DVD and enjoy a lively adaptation made during Enid's lifetime (along with Five Have a Mystery to Solve, which was filmed a few years later).
Posted by Barbara Cox on December 9, 2023
I'd like to see today's Scottish Television/STV have a go at adapting The Adventurous Four, provided they pull no punches and keep the enemy Hitler's Germany as it is in Enid Blyton's novel, and keep the names Mary and Jill as well.
BarneyBarney says: It would be good to see The Adventurous Four filmed or serialised as a proper period piece. Sadly, the Adventurous Four books have been out of print for years now - even the 'Pippa and Zoe' versions.
Posted by Helen Firth on December 5, 2023
Please can you print the poem 'Tree Buds' that appeared in Enid Blyton's Book of the Year, published in 1941. It had originally appeared in the publication Teacher's World in 1938. I posted the poem on Facebook, but I am not sure I have remembered it all correctly. 1958, when I learnt it, was a long time ago. I didn't know of its connection with Enid Blyton.
BarneyBarney says: How lovely that you've remembered the poem all this time, Helen! I'll type it out as best I can with my paws, though I'll have to use the symbol / to show line breaks because of the format of this Message Board: On the Chestnut buds you'll stick;/ Buds of Beech are sharp, and prick;/ Buds of Ash are always put/ In tidy pairs as black as soot;/ In a jumble Oak buds grow,/ A most untidy twig they show;/ Reddish-brown are buds of Plane;/ On the Elm twigs look again,/ See the leaf-buds small and brown/ Growing up the twig and down,/ Flower-buds you'll see as well,/ Brown and bead-like as they swell./ Bud of Sycamore shows green,/ A big one at the top is seen,/ But smaller down the twig they grow;/ Lime-buds ruby red will glow;/ Poplar buds in single line/ Down the twig in crimson shine./ Thus may all the trees be known/ In winter by their buds alone!
Posted by Scarlett on November 26, 2023
I'm hoping someone can help. I've been trying for years to find a book my mum had when she was little. It was a short story compilation book and included stories such as 'The Little Fat Fairy', who was named Tiny Tutu, and another one I can remember was 'Wibbles and Wobbles'. There were other stories about a scarecrow and something titled similar to 'Jim's Adventures'. It was damaged so had no front or back cover, and from looking at illustrations Enid Blyton's books look similar? Does anyone recognise any of these stories and/or have any information about them that might help? Thanks in advance.
Posted by Josie Werder on November 24, 2023
How come you can't buy books in NZ dollars?
BarneyBarney says: Do you mean booklets from our online Society shop, Josie? I'm afraid PayPal don't offer the option of NZ dollars and it's something we can't control. If you mean Enid Blyton books in general, they're available from New Zealand websites like Mighty Ape.
Posted by Sally on November 23, 2023
Anyone recall the story of the two neighbours who helped a lady with her housework? One did the chores thoroughly whilst the other didn't. The lady left them money under mats as a thank you. One found the rewards the other didn't. Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: You're probably thinking of 'Sally Dumble's Trick', which is an enjoyable story with a clear moral. The two ladies who clean Sally Dumble's house (on alternate days) are Dame Slapdash and Mother Trim. The story has appeared in these books.
Posted by Barbara Cox on November 19, 2023
Why was it Southern Television that did the first Famous Five TV series and not a more prestigious ITV contractor like Granada or Thames?
BarneyBarney says: ITV consisted of a number of different companies at the time, so I assume Southern TV came up with the idea for the Famous Five series. It was filmed in Southern England, largely in and around Exbury. Many programmes were broadcast across the whole of/much of the ITV network, so viewers in other ITV regions were able to see it.
Posted by Gary on November 13, 2023
If the Thames reprint of the Adventure series was published in 1958, why did it not include the last two books, which were written by then? As there is no print date in the books does this not suggest an earlier print date before books 7 and 8 were published?
BarneyBarney says: Thames reprinted the first six Adventure books between 1958 and 1962. It's likely that the final two titles were still selling well as Macmillan editions at the time, and therefore didn't get released by Thames.
Posted by George on November 9, 2023
Hi, wonder if you can help? Did Enid Blyton ever write a story about a wizard who had no memory, and eventually solved this by inserting a key in his mouth to unlock his mind? Thanks in advance!
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid I don't recall that story but I hope someone else remembers it as it sounds intriguing!
Posted by Margaret on November 8, 2023
I donated my Enid Blyton books to a local library.
BarneyBarney says: Good idea!
Posted by Jane on November 7, 2023
I have just discovered this marvellous website. It is truly beautifully illustrated and gorgeous. The reason I started looking was because I would like to sell my Enid Blyton books. I have had them many years and was saving them for my grandchildren but they are all growing up now and are not interested in them any more. I don't want to just give the books to a charity shop as they won't be loved and cared for. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: Thank you for your kind comments about the website, Jane. If you like, you could advertise your books in the 'For Sale' section of our forums. Alternatively, a local book dealer might be interested.
Posted by Barbara Cox on November 2, 2023
I think we are at cross-purposes. It's similar to Susan in the last battle issue - Connie gets her voice back but she is still under the spell so if she ever blabs the secret, she will lose her ability to speak permanently. Connie's destiny is tragic if that "failsafe" is never removed.
BarneyBarney says: Connie will just have to make up her mind never to tell the secret!
Posted by Barbara Cox on November 1, 2023
Question from a young relative that I am passing on: they wish to know if Enid ever said that Connie from the Faraway Tree has her punishment lifted one day, or is she under the spell until the end of her days?
BarneyBarney says: They'll have to keep reading to find out, Barbara!
Posted by Scot on October 27, 2023
In response to a post from Hi! Enid Blyton's Everyday Stories has a story called 'He Wouldn't Brush His Hair' about a boy called Gordon. I bought that for my youngest nephew (aged seven) and he loved it - as he's also called Gordon.
BarneyBarney says: I'm glad your nephew enjoyed the story, Scot. I have the same name as Barney the circus-boy so I like reading The Rockingdown Mystery, etc.
Posted by Irene Oliver on October 26, 2023
Does anyone know which book had the story about Tinky's pink clouds, please? Been trying to find it for years.