The Enid Blyton Society

Post a Message

Barney
Name (leave blank for Anonymous)
Email (this is not displayed on site)
Comments (no HTML please, just simple text in one paragraph)
Please note that if you add more than one instance of "http" in your post, your message will be treated as spam and will not be delivered. Sorry about that!
Please verify you're human: 9 + 3 =  

Showing all messages from 2015...

Show all from 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008

Posted by Lawrence on December 31, 2015
Did Enid Blyton ever try to predict the future in any of her stories?
BarneyBarney says: Not that I remember. Her books were normally set at the time she was writing or in fantasy realms like fairyland.
Posted by Zenia on December 30, 2015
Dear Barney, I love your books. They are very adventurous. My Mom also likes reading your stories. She has read all the Famous Five books and she didn't stop reading them. I wish you would write more Famous Five books. And I wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
BarneyBarney says: Happy New Year to you too, Zenia. I didn't write the books though - they were written by Enid Blyton!
Posted by EB's GF on December 30, 2015
Merry belated Christmas to you, Barney, and a Happy New Year.
BarneyBarney says: All the best to you for 2016, EB's GF! I've removed what you said about the website which offers free Enid Blyton books in electronic form, as I believe they're making the books available illegally.
Posted by Sibangi Sanyal on December 30, 2015
Dear Barney, I have visited this page for the first time. Could you tell me where can I read the Find-Outers mysteries for free and without download? Actually I can't wait to read the next book after The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters.
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton's books are still under copyright, Sibangi, so it isn't legal for anyone to make them available free of charge. You could try looking in the library or going to second-hand bookshops or jumble sales to see if you can find cheap copies. Or maybe you could borrow from friends, or swap titles with them? The Mystery of the Missing Necklace comes after Spiteful Letters and it's fantastic!
Posted by Helen on December 29, 2015
Do you sell Faraway Tree playing cards? My mother had some which we enjoyed as children and now I have grandchildren of my own.
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid we don't sell Enid Blyton books or merchandise, but you could try eBay or the dealers we list under Lashings of Links. Good luck with finding the cards for your grandchildren.
Posted by Sandeep Mukkadap on December 29, 2015
Gosh Barney! I'm awfully sorry. I completely forgot to send in my name. I refer to the message I sent you on 26th December 2015 regarding The Mystery of the Hidden House and Fatty. Sorry again. I shall be more careful next time.
BarneyBarney says: Thank you, Sandeep! It does feel more friendly to have a name!
Posted by Josiah Gillam on December 28, 2015
Hi, Another question, is the text in the 2000 edition of the Secret Seven published by Hodder updated? (I am assuming it is). Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: Yes, the text for that edition will have been updated but I'm not sure exactly when the updates began.
Posted by Susan Webster on December 27, 2015
Hope you all had a very happy Christmas and wish you all a great New Year. Hope there will be an Enid Blyton Day next year. Dear Barney, hope you had a nice big juicy bone for Christmas.
BarneyBarney says: I've got a lovely big bone that will last me a long time, thanks, Sue! I hope 2016 will be a great year for you!
Posted by Josiah Gillam on December 27, 2015
Hi, Can anybody tell me if the 2000 Macmillan, 2007 Macmillan, and 2008 Macmillan versions of the Adventure Series use the updated text or not? Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: Macmillan first updated the Adventure books in the late 1980s so I'm afraid the editions you mention are unlikely to have the original wording, Josiah. However, not many things were changed compared to other series like the Famous Five. Something to check is whether the servant in The Island of Adventure is a black man named Jo-Jo. In revised editions he's a white man named Joe.
Posted by Anonymous on December 26, 2015
Dear Barney, It seems ages since I last wrote to you, but here I am with an observation that you will find interesting. In their bid to modernize Blyton's writings, her publishers have mentioned the first title on the contents page of her book the Mystery of the Hidden House as "The Boy at the Station", while in the older editions the title reads as "The Fat Boy at the Station". Presumably, this might have been done for moral or ethical reasons. But if that is so then there should be no 'Fatty' in the 'Five-Find-Outers' books at all as the name would look offensive, especially for those who share his stature. I just wanted to share this with you Barney. I hope you are keeping good health. Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: A good point, but I'm puzzled because you write as if you know me but you don't give your name. We encourage people to choose a username as it looks more friendly than putting "Anonymous". Also, a reminder to everyone that we don't generally approve messages if an email address isn't given. I'm only letting this message through as I wanted to take the opportunity to remind people.
Posted by Julie@owlsdene on December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas to all the Society members and a big merry Woof for Barney for all his hard work.
BarneyBarney says: A Wuffy Wuff Wuff to you and your family too, Julie, not forgetting your dog Morgan! Thank you very much for your serial stories in the Secret Passage, which I know are greatly enjoyed. May your stocking be full of juicy bones!
Posted by Snehalatha on December 25, 2015
Merry Enid Blytonish Christmas to all.
BarneyBarney says: A Merry Christmas to you and all Blytonians, Snehalatha!
Posted by Karen on December 24, 2015
Where can I get a copy of the story 'Porridge Town', does anybody know?
BarneyBarney says: 'Porridge Town' is a great story, Karen, and there are several options depending on whether you want a new or second-hand book. Check out the listing in our Cave of Books.
Posted by Lawrence on December 20, 2015
I tried to work out the ages in St. Clare's and it seems that Pat and Isabel would be way over school age by the end? What's going on?
BarneyBarney says: Lack of planning by Enid Blyton, I suspect! When she wrote the first book, she may not have realised that she would end up writing a series of six.
Posted by Pixie Star on December 18, 2015
Hello, I just wanted to know if there are any of Enid Blyton's personal items etc. held in displays in any museums?
BarneyBarney says: I don't know of any items in museums, but a touring Enid Blyton Exhibition has been to several venues and will be visiting Scarborough Art Gallery next, from 26th March to 26th June 2016. Included in the exhibition are Enid Blyton's typewriter and items like manuscripts, letters, diaries, reports, a workbook, a sketchbook, artwork and photos.
Posted by Janet on December 15, 2015
Hello! I've been looking at the descriptions on this website of the audiobooks of the St Clare's series published by Hodder in 2006. Can you please tell me if the readings are of the originals, or the bowdlerized versions of Miss Blyton's writings? Thank you and Merry Christmas!
BarneyBarney says: Merry Christmas, Janet! The 2006 St. Clare's recordings are dramatisations rather than readings so the stories will have been adapted and probably abridged to some extent.
Posted by Lizzy on December 14, 2015
Hi, do you know if there is anything Enid Blyton at the Bekonscot Model Village near Marlow?
BarneyBarney says: Yes, there's a model of Enid Blyton's house (Green Hedges) at Bekonscot. Look out for Enid Blyton and some of her characters in the garden! Not far from the model village is the site where Green Hedges once stood, now Blyton Close. The houses in Penn Road on either side of Blyton Close were standing in Enid's day (Upton Leigh and Northfields House). At Beaconsfield Town Hall are some railings with a plaque of Noddy and Big Ears attached to them, and there's a Blyton-themed room at a pub called The Red Lion.
Posted by Inna on December 14, 2015
Dear Enid Blyton Society, I am in search of a book that I read as a child and I think was by Enid Blyton. The story was set during winter and the children spent their vacation in a mountain lodge, had to cope with snow, used the sleigh (I think) to descend to the valley to buy food from a farmer. Opposite to their mountain lodge was a castle where they observed some mysterious incidents. I think they discovered a secret passage and in the end solved the mystery. Would you happen to remember such a story and send me the book title? It would be such a nice childhood memory to read it again. Thank you very much in advance and many advent seasons greetings from Belgium. Inna
BarneyBarney says: It's possible that you're thinking of Five Get Into a Fix, Inna. There isn't a castle in the book but there is a large house called Old Towers. Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy (the dog) are staying in a hut in the snowy Welsh mountains when they see and hear strange shimmering mists and rumbling noises. The children go tobogganing and skiing and occasionally make their way down to the farm for provisions. The mystery takes off, and solving it involves underground passages and a visit to Old Towers. Dogs play an important part in the story (but then dogs are always important!), as does a little girl named Aily.
Posted by Maureen Masters on December 13, 2015
Do you know of a poem or reference to the "afterworld" in one of Enid Blyton's books or works? A relative wanted it at their funeral and I cannot find it. Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: All I can think of is that Enid Blyton wrote a book called The Land of Far-Beyond which is loosely based on John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress and tells the story of characters journeying to the City of Happiness.
Posted by Courtenay on December 8, 2015
Josiah, I was wondering about Woo Hoo Colly Wobbles recently too when I was reading Spiteful Letters. As far as I know, "colly wobbles" is British slang for an upset stomach, which would explain Enid's description of the game as "involving much woo-hooing and groaning and rolling over and over" and Mrs. Trotteville commenting that "if anyone was ill they were to go down and tell her" (or else go down to the bottom of the garden if they were only playing). So I would guess the game must have something to do with pretending to have a tummy ache, but the exact rules — if there were any — remain a mystery!! Perhaps someone could invent them for us?
Posted by Charles Lee on December 5, 2015
Hi! I have an extraordinary autograph album page that is signed by both Enid Blyton and Richmal Crompton. There are two other signatures on the page - Leonard Hugh Newman, an expert on butterflies and moths and a broadcaster on the BBC, and one other, someone who appears to be called Eric(?) Weyland. Do you have any idea when and on what occasion this page might have been signed, and who Mr Weyland (whose name I may have misread) was? Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: I've no idea whether all the signatures were collected on the same occasion, Charles, but I can tell you that the name you read as Eric Weyland may well be Eric Leyland, who wrote numerous books for children in a range of genres and under several pseudonyms. You can find out more about him here.
Posted by Josiah Gillam on December 3, 2015
Hi, What I was wondering was, does anybody know the rules on how to play Woo Hoo Colly Wobbles mentioned in The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters? Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: I don't think anyone knows the rules except the Find-Outers, but it seems to involve rough-and-tumble and a lot of noise. Sounds like my kind of game!
Posted by Joan Carroll on December 2, 2015
Hi, I've been clearing out my late mother's cupboard and found a 1933 News Chronicle Boys' & Girls' Annual by Enid Blyton. Would you be able to tell me whether it's worth anything? Regards, Joan Carroll.
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid we're unable to value items, but you could try listing the book on eBay or in the "For Sale" section of our forums. Looking at similar "completed items" on eBay will give you a rough idea of price, though a lot depends on condition.
Posted by Sue on November 30, 2015
Loved junket when I was little in the 1940s, much nicer than blancmange and the later Angel Delight type desserts. My kids loved it too. Still make, using non animal rennet as veggie - give it a go! I still have a bottle of Miss Muffet Strawberry Junket Essence saved from the 1940s in my kitchen (decorative purposes only!!)
Posted by Snehalatha on November 30, 2015
We can turn poison to medicine - we are blessed in having such a lovely writer as Enid Blyton whose books give such happiness to readers, young and old alike.
Posted by Vivek on November 30, 2015
Any chance at all of another Enid Blyton Day? Seems like the last one was in 2012. Would be great if it could be pulled off somehow!
BarneyBarney says: Never say never, but it simply hasn't proved possible to get speakers in recent years. Tony Summerfield organised brilliant Enid Blyton Days year after year, of a very high standard, and it's necessary to have interesting and entertaining speakers around which to build everything else. If you follow our discussion forums, you'll see that there have been smaller Blytonian gatherings from time to time - e.g. at Old Thatch in Well End; at Beckenham to see the houses where Enid Blyton grew up; and at Beaconsfield to visit Bekonscot Model Village and the site of Green Hedges. These meet-ups are quite informal and are not like the Enid Blyton Days at Twyford, but they do offer a chance for Blyton fans to get together.
Posted by Lawrence on November 29, 2015
What is junket and why did people eat it?
BarneyBarney says: Junket is a milk pudding made with sweetened milk and rennet. It was popular as a light dessert at the time Enid Blyton was writing - it features in her story 'Junket Through the Window'.
Posted by EB's GF on November 28, 2015
Forget it! Just forget it. But no matter how hard I try, I just cannot... Is there any way to forget this melancholy day?
BarneyBarney says: It may be the anniversary of Enid Blyton's death but we can view it as a time to celebrate her life and be grateful for all her wonderful books, rather than as a time to mourn. After all, she has left a truly astonishing legacy of stories and characters which continue to enthral children as much as they ever did. That is something to rejoice over!
Posted by Fiona on November 20, 2015
I have an Enid Blyton 1958 copy of The Folk of the Faraway Tree in excellent condition for sale. The book and dust cover are perfect except for a very small tear of 1cm and minimal creasing on the front top dust cover. The pages are slightly yellowed and showing signs of minimal use, no broken spines or loose or torn pages. The illustrations are by Dorothy M. Wheeler, there are 26 chapters and the children's names are Jo, Bessie and Fanny. I also have a 1958 copy of The Mystery of the Pantomime Cat illustrated by J. Abbey also in outstanding condition. No tears or creases in the book or cover, slightly yellowed pages in unused condition. There are 22 chapters and the children's names are Larry, Daisy, Fatty, Pip and Bets, with Buster the dog and Clear-Orf (the village policeman). These are genuine old books found in the attic of an old house amongst other 1950 books. Please contact info@kubikonline.co.uk or +44 07525 865165 for photos and prices.
Posted by Richard Frost on November 18, 2015
For sale: painting by Frederick Cockerton, illustrator of Sunny Stories No.45,170,179. Title of the painting, The Canterbury Pilgrims. Oil on board, 174mm x 41mm. Barney is in the painting, 02380462643.
Posted by Kirsty on November 17, 2015
Hi, I am looking to purchase The Magic Faraway Tree book for my daughter for Christmas. I have ordered three so far and all three have either got chapters missing or names changed. I have found pre 1971 editions starting from £59. I am wondering is this around the going rate now?! Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: Early editions are expensive, but you should be okay with most editions from the 1970s and 1980s unless you want the original Dorothy Wheeler illustrations. Avoid 3-in-1 volumes as they're often abridged, and before buying check with the seller whether the three main children have their original names of Jo, Bessie and Fanny (NOT Joe, Beth and Frannie). You could also ask how many chapters the book contains. Good luck with finding a copy!
Posted by C.elms on November 17, 2015
My mother used to live in Kampala, Uganda, as a child and for some reason heard a rumour that Enid Blyton had passed away and decided to write to her to enquire if the rumour was true. She was delighted to receive a postcard from her confirming that at the time she was alive and well. I thought I would share this with you as this is a quaint and unusual story. I believe she still has the postcard. Apologies for sounding materialistic but would this have any value?
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid we're unable to value items, but it's a great story!
Posted by Jill Gibb on November 14, 2015
Did anyone see a recent Antiques Roadshow when a set of Famous Five books [hardbacks, original editions] were valued? I nearly fell off my chair!
BarneyBarney says: There's a forums thread about the programme here.
Posted by Ukemsie on November 12, 2015
Hi, please can you recommend which versions of the Faraway Tree stories I can buy that are unabridged and with original illustrations? All the recent books available on Amazon get pretty poor reviews for these reasons. Many thanks, E.
BarneyBarney says: To get the original Dorothy Wheeler illustrations, you'd need to look for Newnes copies dating from before 1971. Some later editions still have the original text but different illustrations.
Posted by Sue Webster on November 12, 2015
Hi, just letting you know that there's a big bird festival - mainly waders - being held at Thurstaston Country Park on Saturday in the Wirral. I'm on a stall called Wader Quest and it would be great to see any Enid Blyton fans. I'll be wearing my Famous Five Club and Secret Seven badges plus an Enid Blyton Club one too. You can easily spot me and come and say hi. It should be good with plenty to see and do plus plenty of wading birds. I've just finished reading Five on Finniston Farm - brilliant and funny too. What books do other readers like? So many books - I don't know what to read next!
BarneyBarney says: Have a great day on Saturday, Sue! Perhaps you could read Enid Blyton's The Bird Book!
Posted by Vic on November 11, 2015
Hi there. Just wanted to find out if plaster clocks were made in the 30s/40s/50s depicting characters from Enid Blyton's novels, especially a little girl and Scottie dog? I have a clock that looks very much like this and wondered if these were made for children at that time? Thanks for your help.
BarneyBarney says: There were Sculptorcraft sets enabling children to make plaster models of Noddy and a few other characters, but I haven't heard of Blyton-themed plaster clocks.
Posted by J. Tattersall on November 7, 2015
I have an original - from 1953 when I first visited Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield - booklet of photographs in sepia tint. Inside the front cover is a photo of the then Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose with their grandmother Queen Mary visiting Bekonscot. Above the title is an Enid Blyton autograph in blue ink and a record of royal visits. This is followed by a short story - 'The Enchanted Village'. Would anyone like to buy this?
BarneyBarney says: The contact email doesn't show up in the message, so I'll put it here: gandlt@talktalk.net
Posted by Liz on November 1, 2015
Enid Blyton helped me through wartime and post wartime childhood. She is the all time great children's author, sheer magic. Sorry to read she had Alzheimer's. An absolute magician, just forget the p/c rubbish written about her. Liz
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton certainly suffered from some form of dementia, but it's believed that it wasn't Alzheimer's.
Posted by Mel on November 1, 2015
Hello there, I'm wondering if anyone can help. I was hoping to use a portion of an illustration on the cover of one of Enid Blyton's books for a creative use in a logo. Do you know if I need permission from somewhere or is copyright expired?
BarneyBarney says: Hachette UK own the copyright, Mel, so you'd need to check with them. If it's a Noddy cover, the copyright to Noddy is owned separately by DreamWorks Animation so they would be the people to contact.
Posted by Bob Beetles on October 31, 2015
I have an Enid Blyton book titled Bedtime Story Book, published in 1984 by Dragon, with pictures of elves in a bedroom on the cover. I have done some research on this item to no avail. Many thanks.
BarneyBarney says: Although we try to include in our Cave of Books all the books that were published during Enid Blyton's lifetime, I'm afraid we don't have every volume published after her death as there have been so many reprints of the various titles, and numerous arrangements of the short stories. It's impossible to keep up with every single one!
Posted by Anonymous on October 31, 2015
TG you are a star!! Thank you so much, I have just found a copy on eBay for £5, you cannot believe how excited I am :)
BarneyBarney says: I don't know whether you're Lorraine or Margs, but I'm delighted that you've found a copy!
Posted by TG on October 30, 2015
Margs and Lorraine got the words of the Noddy quote spot on with one tiny exception: Instead of "I am cleaning my car... I am glad you are mine!" it goes "I'm cleaning my car... I'm GLAD you are mine!" Such a minuscule error will in no way be reported to the 'Enid Blyton Literary Society Standards Authority.' The volume isn't 'pop-up' but one of the 'Nursery Colour Picture' books entitled A Day With Noddy, but as so much reprinting of the Enid Blyton works has taken place it might well have appeared in other formats. Copies should be available and a book that fulfils a nostalgic urge is well worth the investment, but be wary. The Noddys can differ enormously in cover and content, so for reference purposes the specific example has a cover picture that features Noddy in his car with an elephant. However a forensic examination hints at the pachyderm being 'outside' the car, BUT he has one of his legs (arms?) around Noddy's shoulders, so I think we may have an optical illusion to contemplate. Actually I think he's probably meant to be 'in' the car. Purchasing the item may depend on how much the book is sought after and it may be preferable to look in one's own country so as to save on postage. I'd pay £15+ or perhaps a little more for a reasonable copy and would have to really 'really' want it before shelling out more. On the plus side, there are plenty of colourful pictures, typical Noddy action in abundance, and I'm sure a small child would love to have the story related at bedtime. As the stated recollection of the opening is so accurate, and seeing the word count is only about 350, perhaps the entire script (with pictures) has already been memorized by the enquirers.
BarneyBarney says: Thanks for the information, TG!
Posted by Margs on October 28, 2015
Hi Lorraine, I too am trying to track the book with the quote "I am cleaning my car and making it shine, oh dear little car I am glad you are mine"! It started, "It's time to get up, I must jump out of bed and put my blue hat on my nid-nodding head." I had the book as a child. It was a pop-up book and would have been very late 50s. If you do manage to track it down would you please let me know what it is called as I would love to know? x
BarneyBarney says: I hope that someone reading this is able to identify the book. Best of luck with hunting it down, Lorraine and Margs.
Posted by Joan Brown on October 24, 2015
As a child in the 1960s, I had an Enid Blyton book of fairy stories that had a story about naughty elves causing the washing to fall into the mud "with a flip and a flop and a terrible thud". We quoted that line a few times when we looked at mum's washing. Now I wonder what the rest of the story was.
Posted by Lorraine on October 23, 2015
Can anyone tell me which Noddy book has the quote "I am cleaning my car and making it shine, oh dear little car I am glad you are mine"? Thank you.
Posted by Jane Sutcliffe on October 21, 2015
I am trying to track down in which book 'Walter Hottle Bottle' appears. My sister and I are in our 50s but still call a hot water bottle a 'Walter'! I would love to buy her a copy for Christmas and would welcome any help that can be offered.
BarneyBarney says: Walter Hottle Bottle isn't an Enid Blyton character, but you and your sister may remember him from Jack and Jill annuals and comics dating from the late 1960s - mid 1970s. Walter Hottle Bottle was a hot water bottle belonging to a boy named Charles, and he would take Charles on amazing adventures at night.
Posted by Linda on October 20, 2015
I think that Enid Blyton could have been inspired by the author Joy Francis who wrote similar books (e.g The Greystone Girls, Patsy at St. Anne's etc.) in the 1930s.
BarneyBarney says: Lots of children's authors were writing school, adventure and family stories at around that time - Angela Brazil, Elinor Brent-Dyer, Arthur Ransome, Gwendoline Courtney and Noel Streatfeild to name but a few. Enid Blyton was one among many, but her books have stood the test of time more than most!
Posted by Lauren on October 20, 2015
Hi, My 8 year old son loves the Famous Five and we have the stories on audio CD which he listens to every night. I would love to get The Mystery Series on audio download or CD but can't find them anywhere. Can anyone help please?
BarneyBarney says: If you look in our Audio Section you'll see that only a few of the Mystery stories were recorded, Lauren. You'd need to look for them second-hand on sites like eBay, though they may not be very easy to find. Good luck with your search!
Posted by Anonymous on October 18, 2015
Please email planning@southbucks.gov.uk objecting to application 15/01880/FUL for block of flats in characterful locality of Enid Blyton's former house. Don't let this lovely area be destroyed. Please support us.
BarneyBarney says: I believe the house under threat is Northfields House, number 40, Penn Road, which was next door to Enid Blyton's house, Green Hedges. Planners want to build apartments on the plot.
Posted by George on October 14, 2015
Hi, I have an item that members may be interested in and that is a 1950s issue of The Faraway Tree CARD GAME and is on a well known auction site under category Books, comics, mags, children's fiction. George
Posted by Norman on October 10, 2015
Are there any new copies of Mr. Pink-Whistle available?
BarneyBarney says: Yes, the Mr. Pink-Whistle books are in print, published by Bounty. However, not many shops stock Bounty books so you might want to look online on sites like Amazon.
Posted by Sudhir Kumar Sahu on October 9, 2015
Dear Sir/Mam, I am a fan of the writings of Enid Blyton. I think Hindi translations of Blyton's books should be made available to the large Hindi-speaking population of India and abroad. I am interested in doing so if paid for it. I am a Hindi writer and poet and have been doing English to Hindi translation jobs for the last 13 years or more. I will appreciate any reply in this regard from anyone. Thank you. Sudhir Sahu 919748006526, ksudhirsahu@gmail.com
BarneyBarney says: I'm definitely a Sir Barney! You'd need to approach Hachette Books about doing translations, as they own the copyright for everything except Noddy. The Noddy copyright is owned by DreamWorks Animation. It's possible that some Enid Blyton books are available in Hindi already - or have been in the past.
Posted by Linda on October 9, 2015
Does anyone remember a story which had a lady named AUNTIE CARRIE and a baby named THE BUNDLE?
Posted by Julie@owlsdene on October 7, 2015
Why would Enid want to mention that in a book for children, Karen? Too much information for me, and not really relevant to the story in my eyes.
Posted by Karen on October 3, 2015
Am I the only one who used to take issue with the fact that while the Famous Five stocked up on food (usually apples, sandwiches made by the cook, a pie or two, cake and ginger beer), and a few spare jumpers when they were going to stay for a week on Kirrin Island, they never ever took a shovel or any toilet roll?
Posted by Lynne Evans on September 26, 2015
Was there an actual house that inspired Greylings Manor in The Treasure Hunters?
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton wrote at speed, and sometimes it was only after she'd finished a book that she realised that certain features of places known to her had woven their way into the fabric of the story - altered, of course, to fit the narrative. When she was in her late teens/twenties, she used to go and stay with the Hunt family at Seckford Hall, a fifteenth-century mansion in Woodbridge, Suffolk. The building was part-ruined but the Hunt family rented a portion of it and ran a farm. There was a "haunted" bedroom, a secret passage, a decaying banqueting hall, farm animals and beautiful countryside, so Enid would have been in her element. No one knows whether Seckford Hall might have inspired Greylings Manor, but she must surely have had it at the back of her mind when describing old houses and mansions in a number of her stories.
Posted by Jay on September 22, 2015
I read a short story with a Barney, a dog, in it. Thanks, Jay.
Posted by Jay on September 21, 2015
Hey Barney, I am getting a dog soon. Do you have any good dogs' names from Enid Blyton books? Jay. P.S. I have got Buster, Timmy, Scamper and Barney.
BarneyBarney says: Did Enid Blyton write about a dog called Barney? I can only recall Barney the circus-boy. There are plenty of names listed here, though one or two of them wouldn't be considered appropriate these days.
Posted by Lydia on September 18, 2015
Hello, I am looking for the 1983 edition of The Folk of the Faraway Tree illustrated by Georgina Hargreaves. Does anyone know where I can order it from? I grew up with those pictures and I want my baby to grow up with those pictures too.
BarneyBarney says: That version of The Folk of the Faraway Tree has been reprinted many times, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a copy. Georgina Hargreaves also illustrated The Magic Faraway Tree. In the same set is The Enchanted Wood with illustrations by Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone. You could try eBay, Abebooks or the sellers we list under Lashings of Links. A word of warning - in some of the later editions the children's names have been changed to Joe, Beth and Frannie, and Dame Slap has become Dame Snap. Before buying, check that the children are called Jo, Bessie and Fanny.
Posted by Karen on September 17, 2015
Harry Potter fans talk about Hogwarts always welcoming you home whenever you come back to Harry Potter after drifting away. I'd like to think the same of Enid's worlds and readers coming back to them.
BarneyBarney says: Yes, it's lovely how everything in the books is just the same as it always was, immediately drawing you back into the beloved and comforting atmosphere. The mysteries remain as juicy as ever, and so do the bones!
Posted by Sue on September 17, 2015
Hi Philippa, 'Percival Peeps' is by Mabel Lucie Attwell, remember it well! It is in Lucie Attwell's I'll Tell You A Tale, 1966. My daughter loved it at the time!
BarneyBarney says: Thanks very much, Sue! It always puts a wag in my tail to see mysteries solved!
Posted by Alison Elliott on September 16, 2015
I am looking for an old Enid Blyton book of short stories that were read to my brother and me when little. I remember some of the stories, there was 'The Little Lucky Man', 'Spinky Got a Spanky', 'The Little Chatterbox', a story about a man getting a carrot, rabbit, fox etc. across the water, another one about an elephant ornament who got his trunk and tail stuck on wrong. Please can you help me source this old book? I would very much like to obtain a copy and if possible two copies.
BarneyBarney says: It's most likely The Eighth Holiday Book, Alison. The story about the man getting animals etc. across the water is 'Think Hard, Boatman' and the one about the elephant ornament is 'It Serves You Right, Jumbo'. Good luck with obtaining a copy. Abebooks or eBay are good sources.
Posted by Cheryl on September 15, 2015
Hi, For years I've been trying to recall a book or books that I would have had in the early 1980s... it/they had a number of stories in. I seem to remember a hardback book with one story about a little boy who wanted to play cricket in the park but had to look after his little sister. He went to play cricket anyway and lost the sister for a time and finally found her eating an ice cream bought by a kindly stranger. Another story involved someone (a parent) changing a clock because the child wouldn't get up/be on time. Another story involved two children who would throw their junket dessert out of the window. The final story, which may not have been in the same book, was about a greedy boy who would always take second helpings, and was whisked away to a land where all there was to eat was chocolate cake and treacle tart/pudding and once he was thoroughly sick of it and promised not to be greedy, returned home and to everyone's astonishment, didn't want any more pudding ever again. Any ideas much appreciated. Thanks.
BarneyBarney says: I'm pretty sure that three of the stories are 'His Little Sister' (about the boy playing cricket in the park), 'Junket Through the Window' (about two children throwing their dessert out of the window) and 'Treacle-Pudding Town' (about the greedy boy). I also remember a story about a parent changing a clock, but it might not be the one you're thinking of. It's called 'What Happened to the Clock?' Mother alters the clock to make her children go to bed early, because the night before they had altered the clock to give themselves an extra hour to play. These stories have appeared in various collections. If you put the titles into the "Search the database..." box in the Cave of Books, you'll be able to see what books they were in.
Posted by Philippa on September 14, 2015
I am trying to find a book containing the poem "Percival Peeps". It starts ... "This is the story of Percival Peeps who wanted so badly a fairy for keeps, that he got out of bed one fine summer night to look for the creatures by pale moonlight." Can anyone help please?
Posted by Naz on September 14, 2015
Hi there, I have been trying for years to remember the name of a Blyton short story that had a big impact on me when I was young. It was about a boy who wanted to earn money and offered to do jobs for an old man, including cleaning some garden pots in the shed. He didn't clean them all - was lazy. When he told the man he was finished and asked for money he was caught out as it was hidden in the bottom pots etc and showed that he wasn't being honest or trying his best. Any idea of the name of the story for me to try and find the book for my own children now? (:
BarneyBarney says: I believe the story you're looking for is 'Tom the Scout-Cub', which can be found in Tales at Bedtime. I hope your children enjoy the story as much as you did, Naz.
Posted by Fattyindisguise on September 6, 2015
Are the Famous Five series the only books that were turned into shows that didn't have many changes? And if there were others that don't have many changes from the books can you still get them on DVD?
BarneyBarney says: There's a discussion about Blyton-related shows here, but I think they all had quite a few changes.
Posted by Fattyindisguise on September 3, 2015
Is there possibly a Five Find-Outers and Dog mysteries show because I don't think there is? Is there a reason why the mysteries collection (Five Find-Outers) only has 15 books and the Famous Five has lots more?
BarneyBarney says: There was a Japanese Five Find-Outers TV show back in the 1960s-70s, but the tapes were wiped. In answer to your second question, I can only guess that Enid Blyton had more ideas for Famous Five stories - or that more readers asked for them!
Posted by Christopher on September 3, 2015
I am keen to obtain the Famous Five Kirrin Island Treasure Quest board game. Does anyone have one that they would be prepared to sell?
BarneyBarney says: Your request might get more views if you put it in the "Wanted" section of our forums, Christopher.
Posted by Spoony on September 1, 2015
There appears to be no mention of a book I have had all my life, is it political correctness that I cannot find it under its published title? Yes, it's written by Enid Blyton. It's a wonderful story. What's it called? All Aboard for Adventure.
BarneyBarney says: An interesting title. Was the book published during Enid Blyton's lifetime? Many stories have been re-released in different formats since she died, and sometimes with different titles. Not all of these are currently in our Cave of Books.
Posted by Anita on August 30, 2015
In answer to Tracey (August 23rd) the poem about the policeman and the Queen of Fairyland is 'The Kind Policeman'. It has seven verses and it begins: "I watched a tall blue policeman stand/In Oxford Street and wave his hand,/And all the buses stopped and stood/Behind his back, quite still and good."
BarneyBarney says: Thank you, Anita. 'The Kind Policeman' can be found in these books. Regarding The Enid Blyton Book of Fairies, it's possible that the poem is only in the 1924 edition. It's certainly not in the editions from 1967 onwards.
Posted by Samantha on August 30, 2015
Hello Barney, I was just wondering if you could give me an update on the status of the copyright for The Magic Faraway Tree? Is it in the public domain?
BarneyBarney says: Copyright lasts until 70 years after an author's death, Samantha, so Enid Blyton's books will remain under copyright until the end of 2038.
Posted by Devangana on August 29, 2015
After reading an Enid Blyton book I'm just lost in my own world. I am her true fan.
Posted by Wendy on August 23, 2015
Just found our old copy of the 15th tell a story series. This has two religious stories 'The Tale of the Fisherman' and 'The Good Samaritan'. Just wondering why they are not listed in the contents in the copy you show on the site ?
BarneyBarney says: A few of the things in books published by World Distributors were not written by Enid Blyton, and as there is doubt about these two stories they were left out of the contents listing.
Posted by Tracey on August 23, 2015
We are looking for a poem, about a tall blue policeman in Oxford Street and a fairy queen, which my gran read when she was a child in the 1930's. We believe it was written by Enid Blyton; she obtained the book by collecting tokens from a newspaper but has since lost it. Can you help? We think it had red writing and a rabbit with a flower on the front.
BarneyBarney says: I hope that this might ring bells for someone reading your message, Tracey.
Posted by Jay on August 22, 2015
Dear Barney, Could you please help me? At school there will be a Book Character Dress Up Day. What would be good clothing do you think? Thanks, Jay.
BarneyBarney says: I've heard of people dressing up successfully as the Saucepan Man, Silky or Dame Washalot from the Faraway Tree books, Jay.
Posted by Klaus on August 20, 2015
Hi Nigel, thank you very much for your post from August 10, 2015. I ordered The Castle of Adventure and I will read it again after so many years. I hope to find the passages I'm looking for.
Posted by Celia Ager on August 17, 2015
One of the most memorable Enid Blyton books was about four children who ran away and lived on an island after the three siblings' parents went missing on a plane and the fourth boy was badly treated by his grandparents. I've never forgotten the story and the vivid descriptions of the sun setting and the contented life they were living - but I can't remember the name of the book. I'm a lifelong lover of Enid Blyton and still remember the pleasure I got from devouring the books.
BarneyBarney says: The book you remember is The Secret Island, Celia. The three siblings are Peggy, Mike and Nora, and their friend is Jack. Jack lives with his grandfather who cannot provide a home for him any longer, and the other three children are ill-treated by their aunt and uncle.
Posted by Celia Ledley on August 14, 2015
i have the holiday book dated 1947 green binding which has water colour pictures by both Noel kookiness and grace lodge is this unusual The book was given to a child at Christmas 1947 as parents wrote in it so date is authenticated by this inscription
BarneyBarney says: I'm not quite sure what you are asking here, Celia. What you have is a copy of The Second Holiday Book and like all copies of the book it has 8 colour plates in it, 4 by Noel Hopking and 4 by Grace Lodge. I don't know why you should think this unusual as all twelve Holiday books had colour plates in them.
Posted by Ashok on August 12, 2015
Many decades ago, when I used to devour Blyton books, I recall reading a full length book where Enid Blyton writes about herself in the third person.The book has Enid Blyton as herself inviting children to tea. Any idea what that book was called? And I am very sure Enid Blyton wrote a few books (not as herself) in the first person.
BarneyBarney says: You may be thinking of A Story Party at Green Hedges (1949), in which Enid Blyton invites children to a party at her house and makes up a story for each of them - though I think she writes about herself in the first person. A similar book is A Picnic Party with Enid Blyton (1951), in which Enid Blyton invites children on a picnic and tells them stories.
Posted by Kevin Riley on August 11, 2015
Did Enid Blyton ever live in a house called Noddyshall in Mersham near Redhill in Surrey? I'm asking because the house was in our family at one time and the family story is that she bought it from them. I've also found a mention of her living in Mersham on the Internet. However none of the on-line biographies I've seen seem to mention it.
BarneyBarney says: No, Enid Blyton didn't live in a house called Noddyshall in Mersham. Perhaps the story came about because she wrote the Noddy books!
Posted by Nigel on August 10, 2015
Klaus (July 25, 2015), your memory is probably a little muddled, but the book you're thinking of might be The Castle of Adventure.
Posted by Craig C on August 9, 2015
I have a Bible. Inside the cover is stuck a Happy Christmas note on which is hand-written in black ink: 'Here is your Christmas Bible. In it is the greatest story in the world - the story of the very first Christmas. Read it on Christmas Eve - and be sure to read your Bible every day, Love from your friend, Enid Blyton'. Of value?
BarneyBarney says: Sorry, but those notes were printed and pasted into all the Bibles.
Posted by Devangana on August 9, 2015
Hi, I started reading Enid Blyton books at the age of 11. I just read short stories and wrote my own version.
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton has inspired many readers to become writers.
Posted by Lisa S. Seecharan on August 8, 2015
Hi, I started reading Enid Blyton's books at the age of 10. I read some of them. My 8-year-old daughter is an excellent reader. I am introducing her to Enid Blyton's books and I would like to start with the Magic Faraway Tree Collection. Are these 3 original version books still available? If yes, where? If not, please recommend the best version available online. I've heard the stories have been changed a bit. Elizabeth doesn't like reading online ebooks. We have that in common. Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: I hope your daughter enjoys Enid Blyton's books as much as you did, Lisa. If you look for second-hand copies of the Faraway Tree books published before about 1985, you should get the original text. If in doubt, check with the seller whether the three children are still called Jo, Bessie and Fanny. In modern versions their names have been changed to Joe, Beth and Frannie. If your daughter's name is Elizabeth, she might also like the Naughtiest Girl books (starting with The Naughtiest Girl in the School) as the main character is called Elizabeth.
Posted by Mishika on August 8, 2015
Hello there! I have read the St.Clare's series and it is simply amazing! Had a wonderful time reading it!
BarneyBarney says: Have you read the Malory Towers books as well, Mishika? If not, I think you'd enjoy those too.
Posted by Julie@owlsdene on August 6, 2015
Thank you to you, Trevor. Your stories are always exciting and fantastic to read. Best wishes, Julie.
Posted by Trevor J Bolton on August 5, 2015
Thank you Daisy, Julie and Chrissie for your kind words on the forums about The Harbour of Adventure. I derived great pleasure from writing the story so it is doubly rewarding to know that you enjoyed reading it. Now, for the first time this year, I can look forward to reading a weekly serial on the Enid Blyton Society Website. Roll on, Monday.
BarneyBarney says: Thank you, Trevor. I enjoyed The Harbour of Adventure very much too!
Posted by Kalpani on August 1, 2015
Hi Barney! Um... my problem is, if the Five Find-Outers series is named the mystery series, then what is the series name of the Diana, Roger and Snubby adventures?
BarneyBarney says: Those books are often called the Barney Mysteries, which sounds like a very good name to me!
Posted by Robin James on July 31, 2015
Are these books available to purchase? 1981 editions of; The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree, The Enchanted Wood?
BarneyBarney says: We don't sell Enid Blyton books on this website, Robin. You'd need to search online and double-check with the seller if you're looking for specific editions.
Posted by John Wakefield on July 29, 2015
Re this posting on your forum in 2008 - Re: Five Go Off To Camp, Morris 8 Tourer, Post by Petermax » 07 Apr 2008, 20:58, TB3 wrote: On the subject of old cars, anyone thought of trying to track down the bus used by The Barnies? What a good idea. Featured in Five Go Down to the Sea, the Barnies' bus, JXT 482 was what appears to be a post-1950 Bedford OB. A quick check on the DVLA website did not yield any results, nor did a search of the Bedford OB website, www.bedfordob.com/ which has a list of the seventy surviving vehicles of this type. The Bedford OB JXT 482 got reregistered as ESL 175 and survives as a caravan with Chris Triggs of Nantwich.
Posted by Devangana on July 29, 2015
Hi, I just read the autobiography of Enid Blyton. It was fantastic. I suggest that others read it.
BarneyBarney says: In case anyone wants to look for it, the title is The Story of My Life. It's probably only available second-hand now.
Posted by Devangana on July 28, 2015
Hi, I am a new member. I just read 5 chapters of Amelia Jane Again. It was very funny when the pig blew in the air. I also speak German.
Posted by Klaus on July 25, 2015
Hi all, my name is Klaus and I live in Germany. The thing is that I was in tough with books of Enid Blyton many years ago. It was around 1967. Our teacher was reading a book to the pupils. It must have been quite impressive to me, because a few passages are still in my head. So, I've been struggling to find the book he was reading for a long while now. Hope to find a person who can tell the title. I would enjoy finding this book and to read it again after many years. What I remember is the following part of the plot: one boy went to a castle to do some exploration, because it was noticed that at the castle was going on something strange. When he was in the castle he was disturbed by another person, so he quickly ran to an old coffer to hide himself behind it. When he jumped over the coffer he noticed that there was no ground, but a hole, and he fell down deep and was bolstered by a few old mattress which were prepared for someone else. Would be great if anyone could give a hint to find the book with this story.
BarneyBarney says: Castles feature in quite a lot of Enid Blyton books, so I'm not sure which one you're thinking of. I hope someone is able to help.
Posted by Donna on July 23, 2015
Hi. I am trying to track down a poem that started "Amelia Jane went out in the rain and Oh! how the rain did pour." Can anyone help?
Posted by Jay on July 18, 2015
It's OK, thanks Doreen. Hope that I may meet you.
Posted by Doreen on July 17, 2015
Thanks, I may do that Barney. They are packed away at the moment but will need to be sorted soon. Sorry Jay, no magazines - all books.
Posted by Jay on July 17, 2015
To Doreen, if you have any Enid Blyton magazines I would love to buy some of them. P.S. I live in Victoria.
Posted by Doreen on July 16, 2015
Is there a group in Australia? I have over 300 books but I'm not able to keep them any longer but don't want to bin them. Any information would be appreciated.
BarneyBarney says: There are some Australian fans on this website, Doreen, so you could always post a message in the "For Sale" section of our forums.
Posted by Jessica on July 13, 2015
Hiya. I've always loved sunflowers. I remember my Dad reading us 'The Discontented Sunflower' from a bedtime story book. It is our wedding in September, and we have sunflowers as the theme. I wish to read 'The Discontented Sunflower' again but cannot remember which book it is in. Please may you advise so I can get my dad a copy in time for our wedding? Thanks, Jessica.
BarneyBarney says: I don't think it's by Enid Blyton as that story isn't listed in the Cave of Books, Jessica, but maybe someone will recognise it anyway.
Posted by Freda Knight on July 12, 2015
Hi, Barney - Please pass on my sincere thanks to Tony Summerfield for all his hard work in editing and preparing the Enid Blyton Society Journal for publication and sending it out so promptly to us members. As it drops though our letterboxes, it marks the seasons and is well worth the subscription. Don't forget to put your sun cream on, Barney!
BarneyBarney says: Thank you, Freda, and thanks for your contribution to the Journal. Luckily we dogs don't need sun cream, though I do enjoy a shady spot and a long, cool drink of water!
Posted by Noni Alaniz on July 11, 2015
Hello, I discovered Enid a little time ago and now I'm obsessed with her books. I started collecting old copies of her novels, which are beautiful! She's a big inspiration to me because I want to be a writer too! Greetings.
BarneyBarney says: I hope you achieve your dream of becoming a writer, Noni!
Posted by Farwa on July 10, 2015
Hi Linda, I too love The Green Story Book and I was lucky enough to get a lovely old copy of it with beautiful illustrations. I hope you are able to find it. Have you read Anytime Tales? It is a lovely book as well, with very nice stories.
Posted by Aarttee Kaul Dhar on July 10, 2015
Hello, I want to know if there has ever been any research document published on Enid Blyton, any thesis for a Ph.D by a scholar or any other original document of substance? If yes, which and where can I find it?
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton and the Mystery of Children's Literature (Macmillan, 2000, ISBN 0-333-74718-6) is a lengthy academic analysis of Enid Blyton. David Rudd researched and wrote the book during his time as a senior lecturer at the Bolton Institute of Higher Education. Unfortunately, it is now only available second-hand - you could check online sellers.
Posted by Linda on July 8, 2015
Hey Barney, I'm from Belgium and wonder if The Green Story Book is still available on the market. If so, where/how can I purchase this book that has been on my mind since childhood (lost it 45 years ago!)? It would make me very happy to read these stories again with my granddaughter. Thanks in advance for your help.
BarneyBarney says: The Green Story Book doesn't appear to be in print at the moment, Linda, but you could look for a second-hand copy on sites like eBay. I hope you enjoy sharing the stories with your granddaughter!
Posted by TJ on July 8, 2015
I am looking for the book title that included the reference to 'enough blue sky to make a sailor a pair of trousers'. Can anyone help, please? Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: You might be thinking of the short story A Bit of Blue Sky. Harry and Joan want to play in the garden but it's cloudy and looks as if it's going to rain. Old Nannie Wimple tells them the sun might come out if there's enough blue sky to make a sailor a pair of trousers. Another short story referring to the same phrase is A Pair of Blue Trousers, which is about a sailor-boy and a weather-clerk.
Posted by Heather on July 5, 2015
Was there a book or series that Enid Blyton wrote that had a boy called Keiran in the story? Heather
Posted by Robert Gaglione on July 4, 2015
I am in possession of a handkerchief titled "MR TUMPYS CARAVAN" (bottom right corner). Signed - "Enid Blyton" (bottom left corner). Could tell me more about this and where it came from. I found it in an old book, but not an Enid Blyton book.
BarneyBarney says: It probably came out of a Book of Handkerchiefs which would have contained about six handkerchiefs. A few of these were produced in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This one is illustrated by Dorothy Wheeler and the rest of the book would also have been by her and would have shown other Blyton characters that she had illustrated in Blyton books.
Posted by Andrew Parsell on July 4, 2015
Thanks Barney. Strange thing noticed on Kindle. In Five on a Treasure Island they call Aunt Fanny Aunt Fanny, but in the Faraway Tree series, Fanny is called Frannie.
BarneyBarney says: The reason is that the Famous Five series is published by Hodder and the Faraway Tree series is published by Egmont/Dean. Different publishers have made different decisions when it comes to updates and alterations.
Posted by Snehalatha Nair on July 2, 2015
I have read Enid Blyton for years - 55 years nearly. She has really made me a better person in every way. Thank you, Enid Blyton. I love you so much.
Posted by Christine on July 2, 2015
Can anyone help me? When I was younger my father would read to me before going to bed. I have unfortunately lost my prize books due to a fire long ago, but I remember part of a poem which my father read to me and would like to have a copy of the full verse. It goes something along the lines of "Sea ho Sea you are tickling me, Whilst splashing about on the beach, your waves come out and splash about but my toes you cannot reach." Can anyone help me? I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Christine.
BarneyBarney says: The poem you're thinking of is 'You Can't Catch Me!': Sea! Sea!/You can't catch me!/I'm dancing about on the beach;/Your waves come out,/And splash about,/But my toes you cannot reach!/Sea! Oh sea!/You are tricking me!/You sent a big wave so far/That it wetted my frock -/I did get a shock!/Oh, what a bad fellow you are!
Posted by Andrew Parsell on July 2, 2015
Hallo there. Anyone able to tell me when R series, Adventurous Four series, holiday house, secret Island and Treasure Hunters will be available on Kindle with Amazon.co.uk and not the American site? I know Rockingdown M is available from USA Kindle, but don't wish to connect to them. Thanks Andrew
BarneyBarney says: None of these books are technically in print at the moment as they have just changed publishers. You are going to have to wait until the books are republished before Kindle editions will be available.
Posted by Jonathan Goldberg on July 2, 2015
I run a French-language blog Le mot juste en anglais that aspires to open a window on the English language and English literature and culture for our French readers. We would like to find someone who could write an article giving a bird's eye view of the significant and lasting place held by Enid Blyton in children's literature. Any suitable candidate is requested to e-mail me. Thank you very much. Jonathan Goldberg, Los Angeles.
Posted by Farwa on June 30, 2015
Beautiful message, Beverley! Indeed, Enid Blyton mixes such nice things in her stories, they become memorable, and simply great!
Posted by Susan Webster on June 30, 2015
Hi, Beverley. I was involved in the original Famous Five Club and through it learned how to be caring, considerate and compassionate as the club helped children less fortunate than ourselves. The children in the Secret Seven and Famous Five are polite, helpful, sensible and caring so I used to try and be like them. A lot has rubbed off on me so, like you, I thank Enid Blyton for making me a better person. But all thanks to my wonderful saviour Jesus who wonderfully changed my life when I was 16 and is still an amazing person 47 years on!
Posted by Beverley on June 27, 2015
As a seven-year-old, many many decades ago, I started reading Enid Blytons. I fell in love and never stopped. She taught me about ethics, emotional intelligence, courage, strength, all the while accepting human frailties and idiosyncrasies, in an atmosphere of fun, adventure and respect. Thank you Enid Blyton. You made me a better person.
BarneyBarney says: A lovely message, Beverley! You've summed up what makes Enid Blyton books so special.
Posted by Hel on June 26, 2015
Does anyone know which story contains a character wearing multiple pairs of spectacles at the same time? The only other detail I can remember is that the others in the story were not allowed to ask why he was wearing so many pairs of spectacles. Please help, been driving me mad for years. Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: I'm not sure if it's the story you're thinking of, but the Ho-ho Wizard in Adventures of the Wishing-Chair wears three pairs of spectacles at once. Peter and Mollie don't ask him about his glasses but he's a sinister fellow and is very angry when Peter refuses to do something he asks.
Posted by Bruce Russell on June 21, 2015
I am trying to find out whatever happened to Dorothy Richards. Does anyone have that information?
Posted by Jayne on June 18, 2015
Early 50s bedtime stories. It was a cloudy day but if enough blue sky appeared to make a pair of trousers for a sailor, the sun would come out. I would love to read this story to my grandsons.
BarneyBarney says: You might be thinking of the story A Bit of Blue Sky. Harry and Joan want to play in the garden but it's cloudy and looks as if it's going to rain. Old Nannie Wimple tells them the sun might come out if there's enough blue sky to make a sailor a pair of trousers.
Posted by Viv of Ginger Pop on June 14, 2015
Wow - thanks Becky. I've opened a forums thread on the uncertain future of Ginger Pop, but the shop at Corfe Castle is open summer 2015.
Posted by Becky on June 14, 2015
I was just looking into planning a trip to Dorset where we had some wonderful times a few years ago when my children were a bit younger. We all agreed we'd love to revisit the Ginger Pop Shop and the Illustrated Worlds of Eileen Soper, such magical places like nowhere else. I remember the guided walks around Corfe Castle by the wonderful Viv Endecott too. I've discovered very sadly that these places seem to have gone and I can't believe it's true. It feels like a real stab of pain, I know Viv was a wonderful eccentric who had fabulous ideas and made some amazing, unique things happen for children and grown up children alike. If there's any way to let her know, she meant the world to me and my children with everything she did and it's my dearest wish that somehow she can come back and do more, even if it's just the occasional guided walk. Surely if money was an issue plenty of people would back a kickstarter campaign or something. If there's any chance you are reading this Viv - you meant the world to us with your unique knowledge, imagination, drive and wonderful ideas. I just can't put it into words. I'd give my life savings to see you start up something again. Sending you very much love, gratitude and appreciation.
BarneyBarney says: The Ginger Pop Shop in Corfe is still there, Becky, though Eileen Soper's Illustrated Worlds in Poole is sadly no more. Magical places, as you said. Viv still looks in on the forums and I'll make sure she sees your message.
Posted by Lynsey on June 11, 2015
Hi, I've been trying to find a book I loved as a child for my daughter. It's about a brother and sister who run away and make a home inside a tree trunk. They meet a rich little girl who helps them. Anyone got any ideas on the title please?
BarneyBarney says: You're thinking of Hollow Tree House, Lynsey. The brother and sister who go to live in a hollow tree are called Peter and Susan, and the girl who helps them is Angela.
Posted by Susan Webster on June 9, 2015
Hi Lachlan - good Scottish name - glad you like the Famous Five. You could join the Famous Five Club on the forums if you like. Click on "Miscellaneous Blyton" and then click on "Famous Five Club" and join in the fun! There's a Secret Seven Club too. No charge for either club. If you'd like a club badge send me your address by PM and I'll get one made for you and send it.
Posted by Lachlan Denbrok on June 3, 2015
Dear Ms Blyton, Hello, my name is Lachlan and I live in Victoria, Australia. I love the Famous Five series (I've only read that series) and I have read four books. They are fabulous. Keep up all the good work to whoever is out there. Yours gratefully, Lachlan.
BarneyBarney says: Thank you, Lachlan. Enid Blyton died in 1968 but the best of her lives on in her books, which are still enjoyed by children (and some adults) all over the world. She would be delighted to know that you love the Famous Five so much.
Posted by Deborah on May 29, 2015
Many years ago I participated in a Sunday School class and I am almost sure we read an Enid Blyton short story. It was about a girl who lost her hamster and she shared her story with her classmates and a vet at church. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks for any help...Deb
Posted by Wayne Parry on May 25, 2015
Hi, I have a copy of News Chronicle Boys' and Girls' Annual by Enid Blyton. While reading it to my granddaughter I was horrified to discover that page 31-32 was missing. Sadly we do not now know how the story ends. Can anyone supply the missing words? Yours hopefully, Wayne.
Posted by Jacob on May 25, 2015
Thank you Rashmi. Appreciate the support. :)
Posted by Rashmi on May 23, 2015
I fully agree with Jacob (11th and 13th May). Originals should remain as they are, just like the classics. For their own sake, not for the sake of popularity.
Posted by Javier on May 21, 2015
Hi Barney. I hope you are enjoying the spring with long walks and juicy bones. I am a member of the society and I have recently changed my address. Whom should I contact in order to have my address updated so I can keep on receiving the Journal? Thanks for your time!
BarneyBarney says: You need to send your new address to Tony using the email address under the editorial in any issue of the Journal.
Posted by Amaya on May 15, 2015
Hello, couldn't help but note the request to tone down the editing. It does pain me but we need to change as languages evolve. When I was a child the idea that Isabel or Elizabeth were spanked just meant that they were punished mildly. These days the words spank/spanked/spanking have taken devious and dangerous meanings and would not be suitable for use in children's literature. Now we know that it is innocent but that word and many others have got a different meaning these days. This is just an example I cited. Good luck. Enid is Enid even if the language changes.
Posted by Kathy on May 15, 2015
Can someone tell me who holds the copyright now that Chorion is out of business?
BarneyBarney says: The copyright to Enid Blyton's work is now held by Hachette UK (Hodder), except for the Noddy copyright which is held by DreamWorks Animation.
Posted by Snehalatha Nair on May 14, 2015
There is absolutely no need to ''update'' any Enid Blyton book. They are lovely as they are.
Posted by Jacob on May 13, 2015
Hey Tony, I was an avid reader of Enid Blyton during my childhood. Her writing is simple yet deep. It has something that takes the reader into an imaginary world of pixies and goblins and what not. And, her writings have a hallmark, which I think shouldn't be edited. It has all the essence. Messing with it will do more harm than good, methinks. It's not necessary to encourage "the Modern Reader" to read a Blyton book. As the only society of Enid Blyton that I could find online, I was hoping you could do something about it: like online blogs, communication through the internet on a larger scale etc. As you said, children are reading it. And they would even if it's not edited. Blyton books could maybe be classified as a classic. And, it deserves to be as it is. It's just a thought. Not a criticism in any way. P.S.: And you are right. The first part of my post is copied from Wiki. I have cited the source.
BarneyBarney says: I am sure that Tony will be interested to read your reply, Jacob. I am not sure that you could expect over 700 books to be called classics though, but Shadow the Sheepdog would get my vote!
Posted by Tony S on May 12, 2015
Your post is mostly a direct quote from Wikipedia, Jacob Antony M, but the last bit came from you with the order in the final four words, 'Do something about this'. I am not sure if this was directed at our Society, but if so I don't really know what you expect us to do! We are not the copyright holders, nor are we publishers and nor do we sell Enid Blyton books. Unlike the other two authors that you mention, Enid Blyton books were meant for children and the fact that they are still plentifully in print 47 years after Enid's death would seem to say that children are still reading them. For this we should be grateful and probably most of the current child readers are totally unaware of the updates and wouldn't mind about them anyway as they just want to read a good story.
Posted by Jacob Antony M on May 11, 2015
In 2010 Hodder, the publisher of the Famous Five series, announced its intention to update the language used in the books, of which it sold more than half a million copies a year. The changes, which Hodder described as "subtle", mainly affect the dialogue rather than the narrative. For instance, "school tunic" becomes "uniform", "mother and father" becomes "mum and dad",[152] "bathing" is replaced by "swimming", and "jersey" by "jumper".[150] Some commentators see the changes as necessary to encourage modern readers,[152] whereas others regard them as unnecessary and patronising. Source: Wikipedia. Who in their right mind would think about editing a classic? Try editing a Charles Dickens or a Jane Austen. Do something about this.
BarneyBarney says: Minor updating of the Famous Five books actually began in the late 1960s and 1970s (e.g decimalisation of currency, "shorts" becoming "jeans" in some passages and "the King" becoming "the Queen"). Heavy updating took place for the 1997 editions, with some titles having more than a hundred edits. The 2010 changes were on top of all of that! Enid Blyton's other books and short stories have undergone editing too, though not to the extent of the Famous Five series. Hodder are aware that some fans don't like the changes but they feel that the books wouldn't sell as well without certain aspects being updated.
Posted by Amaya on May 7, 2015
Hi again Barney, Was Malory Towers located on the coast of Cornwall? Or was it St Clare's or Whyteleafe? Enid's descriptions of the coast of Cornwall in many of her books were so vivid that they gave me goosebumps. Take care.
BarneyBarney says: It was Malory Towers that was on the Cornish coast.
Posted by Eames on May 6, 2015
I have several books and unknown to me (collected since I was a teenager) I have a few 1st editions which I found out via this site. I've no idea how to sell these as I've no idea if anyone would buy them?
BarneyBarney says: You could try listing them on eBay, or in the "For Sale" section of our forums.
Posted by Elaine on May 4, 2015
I know what the whole text is for the poem Plughole Man (9th April) but I'm unsure how to tell you what it is as I am not a member and do not know your email address to send it to you!
BarneyBarney says: You can type the poem into a Message Board post if you like, Elaine, as others who follow the Message Board may well be interested to see it. I know I am! Unfortunately the Message Board doesn't preserve the format of a poem, but I can always put / to mark the end of each line.
Posted by Snehalatha Nair on May 3, 2015
There will be a lovely congregation in church if the sermons are based on Enid Blyton's messages conveyed through her evergreen stories. You will be a much loved pastor, Scott, if you're able to make Blyton come alive once again.
Posted by Anieca on May 3, 2015
I bought The Nursery Book made in 1928 in a car boot. The cover image is of a little girl with a red hat. It's very old. Interesting to read.
Posted by Farwa on May 3, 2015
What a beautiful message, Scott! Enid Blyton's stories are timeless, indeed. Nice idea to put Enid's stories in sermons - very different approach. Have you read The Secret Island? If you haven't, do read it, as it is one of my all-time favourite books, and I am sure you would love it.
Posted by Scott on April 29, 2015
Hello just to say that her books are the best and the Brer Rabbit stories still crack me up to this day. They are a good wind down after revision for exams. You just can't beat the classics. Also I have been reading the The Island of Adventure series and the "O' Clock Tales", just the best. I am going to be a priest in the future and I will put Enid Blyton's stories into one of my sermons. :0 :)Thank you for making reading a complete joy for years and to continue on.
BarneyBarney says: Welcome, Scott. Enid Blyton has helped many through their exams!
Posted by Tessa on April 22, 2015
I'm trying to find the tale of the little pink pig who wasn't very fat and wasn't very big but he always wore a feather in his Sunday hat. I remember my mother saying it to me when I was a small child in the 1950s.
Posted by Espage on April 19, 2015
I am curious to know whether Enid Blyton wrote a young child's book with ten pages called Our Little House. It was published by Dean and Son, 41,43 Ludgate Hill London. The story takes place in the Faraway Wood and there are Faraway elves in it. No author or illustrator mentioned, but must be from around 1945/1950.
BarneyBarney says: Sorry, but I haven't heard of a book with that title.
Posted by Corina on April 17, 2015
Hi everyone, I am looking for the original title of the book about a chair that will take Mollie and Peter everywhere they want to go. I only know it in German, since I am from Switzerland. I so loved these books when I was a girl and would love to read them in English now. Can you help me? Thanks. :-)
BarneyBarney says: The Wishing-Chair books about Mollie, Peter and Chinky the pixie are wonderful fantasy stories. Enid Blyton brought out two Wishing-Chair books in her lifetime - Adventures of the Wishing-Chair and The Wishing-Chair Again. In recent years, a third book has been released called More Wishing-Chair Stories. It's a collection of discarded chapters and Wishing-Chair tales taken from anthologies, etc.
Posted by Andrea on April 15, 2015
Is there a copyright on images in any of the Enid Blyton books? I paper cut and was looking at doing a few to sell if I can.
BarneyBarney says: That sounds interesting, Andrea. I'm not sure what the copyright laws are regarding images so you'd need to check with Hodder Children's Books (part of Hachette), who own the Enid Blyton copyright. The copyright to Noddy is held separately, by DreamWorks Animation. Check their websites for contact details.
Posted by Jay on April 11, 2015
Hey Barney, Have you heard of the Faraway Tree movie coming up and the new Noddy, Toyland Detective TV series? Thanks, Jay.
BarneyBarney says: I've heard that they're being made, but time will tell whether they're any good!
Posted by Kim on April 11, 2015
Hi, we have been looking for a copy of the book The Folk of the Faraway Tree, in particular the large hardcover book with the 1983 cover (illustrations by Georgina Hargreaves). We had this many years ago with our older children, and are looking to obtain a copy for our younger children. If anyone could help, that would be awesome! We live in Canada.
Posted by Irving Braxiatel on April 9, 2015
Does anyone have the text of a poem by Enid's nephew Carey Blyton, which starts: "I know you're down there plug-hole man, in the dark so utter"?
BarneyBarney says: I don't know that poem, but it sounds good! I hope someone will be able to help.
Posted by Amaya on April 7, 2015
The Six Bad Boys seems to be a detour for Enid from her usual themes. Here she explores the darker aspects of childhood and family. Was it an intentional bid to move away from stereotype? Either way I liked the book.
BarneyBarney says: The Six Bad Boys is indeed an unusual book, and highly rated. It deals with themes which were of concern to Enid Blyton at the time. She was greatly respected as an entertainer and educator of children and she had become used to being invited to give her views on topical issues such as working mothers, capital punishment and the influence of comics and the cinema on children's behaviour. She got to know magistrate Basil Henriques and made visits to juvenile courts. Since publishers Lutterworth Press required family stories with a strong moral message, the book was perfect for them.
Posted by Luke on March 30, 2015
Why can't the Famous Five meet up with Nobby again because they only see the people in the mysteries once, then never contact them again?
BarneyBarney says: A couple of additional child characters appear in more than one book (namely Jo and Tinker) but in most cases Enid Blyton probably preferred to introduce new characters - especially ones who had a connection to new locations.
Posted by Virpi Koskela on March 27, 2015
Which date is the Enid Blyton Day this year?
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid there is no Enid Blyton Day this year, Virpi.
Posted by Amaya on March 27, 2015
Thank you Barney, for the quick reply on Richmal Crompton and Enid Blyton. Now I am pretty sure that J K Rowling was influenced by both. Do you agree?
BarneyBarney says: It's hard to say, though we know J K Rowling read some Enid Blyton and she would certainly be aware of "Just William" too. What shines through most in the Harry Potter books is J K Rowling's love of ancient myths and legends.
Posted by Amaya on March 26, 2015
By any chance was Enid Blyton influenced by Richmal Crompton or vice versa? I believe they worked during the same time period.
BarneyBarney says: Enid Blyton and Richmal Crompton did meet but they were both well-established as authors by that time and I doubt they influenced one another, though Horace Tipperlong in The Sea of Adventure says he supposes that Jack and the others are "playing at being Just Williams."
Posted by Irene on March 24, 2015
Hi, I am trying to trace a book of short stories by Enid Blyton which I had around 1967-69 (don't know how old the book was though). It was a book of short stories, about each month of the year I think, and two in particular were an auntie who took her bored nephew and niece out in the January snow and showed them all the animal tracks etc, plus there was a story of a very cold fairy who sewed leaves together to make blankets for her and a dormouse so it could hibernate. Does this ring a bell for anyone? I have tried trawling through the book list, but unless there is a breakdown of chapter titles I can't tell from the cover. Thanks in advance.
BarneyBarney says: Hi Irene! I think the book you want is Tales of Green Hedges, which has two stories for each month of the year. The stories you mentioned are 'The Winter Wide-Awakes' (December) and 'The Dormouse and the Fairy' (January). You'll see two listings for Tales of Green Hedges in the Cave of Books. One was published by the National Magazine Co. in 1946 and has illustrations by Gwen White. The other was published by World Distributors in 1961 and has illustrations by Joyce A. Johnson.
Posted by Anneysha on March 23, 2015
Hi Barney, Thanks for your wonderful support for making my show a success! We had added visual aids, downloaded from YouTube, and made some of our own (we enacted the play The Naughtiest Girl number 1 and that was great!) We also baked gingerbread and scones as there weren't many in the audience - parents, teachers, vice-principal and principal. Your wonderful ideas rocked and made our performance the best. Thanks a lot Barney! :)- Anneysha
BarneyBarney says: I'm pleased that your performance went so well, Anneysha!
Posted by Farwa on March 17, 2015
In answer to A, I believe you are looking for Five Go Off in a Caravan. Nobby, a circus boy friend, says the line about the torch. I hope this helps.
Posted by Anneysha on March 17, 2015
Thanks Barney for your previous reply. Could I have a few suggestions on Enid Blyton.... activities to cheer my audience and a few exciting ideas? The presentation is ready and you'll be pleased to know that I've recommended The Enid Blyton Society in my presentation as a reference and a portal where Blyton fans can log in and share their thoughts and enjoy themselves. Your co-operation will be really helpful for our project to succeed. Anneysha
BarneyBarney says: Good luck with your presentation. Visual aids always spice up a talk - e.g. pictures of the characters - and if you have time you could perhaps prepare a display of book-jackets over the years to show how the designs have changed. Or if you read a passage which mentions gingerbread and scones (for example) you could bake gingerbread and scones beforehand and hand round little pieces for the audience to taste. Of course, it depends how big the audience is!
Posted by A on March 16, 2015
This is a long shot, when I was younger my father would read the Famous Five to myself and my brother. We would laugh and joke at the stories, and it is one of our favourite past times. We all remember one time when the Famous Five were out on one of their adventures, they had someone else along with them, perhaps a cousin or something. One line we remember from the story, and which has strangely stuck around for years, is "Coo, I've never seen a torch before." We used to own all the Famous Five books, my father has said before that he has reread all the books looking for it. If anyone knows what book this is in, I would be very grateful.
Posted by Anneysha on March 16, 2015
Hi Barney, It's a long time since I visited this website. Can you recommend me the best book in the series The Five Find-Outers and Malory Towers as we need to create a presentation on Enid Blyton and recommend our audiences two great books. We have this programme in our school on the 23rd March... so we need to buck up. A nice juicy bone for you so that you can relish this one till you get another from me.. :) Anneysha
BarneyBarney says: It's all a matter of personal preference really, Anneysha. The Mystery of the Invisible Thief and In the Fifth at Malory Towers are in the lead in polls on the forums, but why don't you choose your own favourites? Thank you for the bone!
Posted by Patrick on March 16, 2015
There is an Enid Blyton Exhibition at The Beaney in Canterbury until 19th April 2015, entitled 'Mystery, Magic and Midnight Feasts...The many adventures of Enid Blyton'. Lots of original books, illustrations and drawings. Malory Towers, Noddy, Faraway Tree, Secret Seven, Famous Five... and so on.
BarneyBarney says: Yes, that exhibition was at Seven Stories in Newcastle in 2013-14 and it's now touring. It should be going to Plymouth sometime in June. Visitors will see vintage books, artwork, manuscripts, letters, diaries, Enid Blyton's typewriter, a Famous Five Timeline and lots more, all nicely displayed with activities for the youngsters too.
Posted by Easwaran on March 16, 2015
In one of the books the phrase "Cooking good; very good cook" figures often. Which is that book?
BarneyBarney says: The phrase is "Cooking good, very good cooking!" and it's found in The Ragamuffin Mystery.
Posted by Freda Knight on March 14, 2015
Hi, Barney - I now know for sure that spring is on the way... along with Easter eggs in the shops and clumps of snowdrops and crocuses in the gardens, the latest (spring edition) Enid Blyton Society Journal has just dropped through my letterbox! Please say a big 'thank you' to your master for all his hard work behind the scenes on our behalf. These lovely journals provide us with something we can keep for posterity and dip into at a later date to refresh our memories. Many thanks.
BarneyBarney says: Thank you for your kind comments, Freda - and thank you too for your articles! If my master had a tail like mine, I know your words would put a wag in it!
Posted by Gracey on March 12, 2015
Hi! I'm doing a biography on someone for school. I could choose anyone I wanted... So I chose Enid Blyton. ;) This is going to be really interesting since I know her books (and love them) but I don't really know Enid. So I'm really excited.
BarneyBarney says: That's great, Gracey! Have fun working on your project!
Posted by TG on March 11, 2015
Regarding the Noddy enquiry by Terri (March 10 2015), look in Enid Blyton's New Big Noddy Book No.5 for 'A Bag of Mixed Spells.' A picture of the cover can be seen in the Cave and it should be available in the UK for £5 - £10 depending on condition; although you can also pay an astronomical £60 if you feel like it. The strip picture story appears once again in Enid Blyton's Noddy Annual (circa 1988) but as there are others of similar ilk, look for a picture of Mr. Plod chasing Noddy and Big Ears who are in the famous car (NOD 1 number plate). The covers can be very confusing with their parallel pictures and titles so make sure the one in question also shows a bear and not the dog that appears on another edition's front. On second thoughts - should that be the only one available, ask your potential vendor if the required story is inside.
BarneyBarney says: Thanks very much, TG!
Posted by TG on March 10, 2015
This may or may not help Terri's enquiry (March 10th 2015): - There's an instance when Noddy visits his cobber Big Ears to show off a collection of spells he's bought. The first one tested has a very untoward effect so Big Ears throws the rest into the fire whereupon they explode and cause his iconic toadstool house to melt. All that's left is sticky pink goo. Blah! What's blah?
BarneyBarney says: Thanks, TG. That might possibly be the one. Do you know the title of the book?
Posted by Terri Oakley on March 10, 2015
Hi, I'm looking for the Noddy book where Noddy's house melts into pink blah! My sister and I are in our 50s and have fond memories of this book as children. Can you help? Terri and Kim, Australia.
Posted by Aminmec on March 9, 2015
Hi all. Thanks Princess Geniveve but the book in the link is the one I had. Thanks Barney. What an awesome feeling it is to view the pages from the book I saw years ago. I hope I can get to buy it from somewhere. Any leads?
BarneyBarney says: I'm pleased that was the right book, Aminmec! It looks lovely. There are a few copies for sale quite cheaply on Abebooks, but shipping could be expensive as it's a fairly heavy volume.
Posted by Princess Geniveve on March 8, 2015
Hi, Aminmec - the book you are thinking of might be 366 Amazing Facts by Brown Watson. It features the characters Mark and Cecilia, with many other children, family members, friends, etc. and each day they learn something new. It indeed has lovely illustrations in it, and has a fun activity at the end of each month. Does that ring a bell?
BarneyBarney says: A good suggestion, Princess Geniveve. Just in case that's not the book you're looking for, Aminmec, it has reminded me that it may be useful to search for "366 stories" as well as "365 stories", because many of these collections include an entry for 29th February. One book that comes up frequently in internet searches is 366 Goodnight Stories.
Posted by Rashmi on March 7, 2015
Susan, the Dogs Trust and maybe a Dog Shelter would complete the cause. It will surely be loved by dog and animal lovers.
Posted by Aminmec on March 7, 2015
Hello all, I just need your help in looking for a book I had in my childhood. I don't know the name but it was cloth hardbound and had a small story or poem for each day of the year with the date, with colourful drawings everywhere. Can anyone tell me the name and if at all I can find it anywhere to purchase? Thanks. Sorry if this isn't about Enid Blyton.
BarneyBarney says: Those kinds of books often have "365" in the title, so you could try searching the internet for something like "365 stories". I hope you find what you're looking for!
Posted by Susan Webster on March 6, 2015
Hi Barney, thanks for telling me that the children's home in Beaconsfield no longer exists. I have mentioned on the forum thread about deciding on a charity and that the Dogs Trust seems a good one as Enid loved dogs. We are going to raise money for the trust and hope that others will join in too.
BarneyBarney says: An excellent choice of charity!
Posted by Dan W on March 6, 2015
Hello all... We're moving homes and cities and I want to sell some of our Enid Blyton books - many of which are first editions of my mum's. Running out of space, much to my horror! Any advice? Where would be the best place to do that? I'm in Johannesburg, South Africa.
BarneyBarney says: A children's book dealer might be your best bet, or perhaps an auction house. Otherwise, you could list the books in the "For Sale" section of our forums or try your luck on eBay (or equivalent). If someone from South Africa reads your message, maybe they'll be able to suggest something more specific. Good luck!
Posted by James on March 5, 2015
Hello there, I'm trying to recall a book from my childhood, I'm 99% sure it's an Enid Blyton. It's got a yellow cover with Enid's name on the top in red writing. I know it's not a Noddy book or the Famous Five. From what I remember it's about a magical thread. The main character/villain is all in black.
BarneyBarney says: There's a short story called The Magic Silver Thread, James, but I'm not at all sure that that's what you're looking for.
Posted by Susan Webster on March 4, 2015
Hi Barney. The old Famous Five Club used to support a children's home in Beaconsfield and I was wondering if it is still there. If so, I would like to help raise money for it as the Famous Five Club did by asking members of the new Famous Five Club on the forums if they would like to help too. Anyone can join the club and the Secret Seven Club as well. Go to the forums and click on the 'Miscellaneous Blyton' section and you will find the clubs there. Do join us.
BarneyBarney says: I'm afraid the children's home in Beaconsfield no longer exists, Sue.
Posted by Susan Webster on March 4, 2015
Hi, just found a book in Waterstones called All Aboard by Enid Blyton. It's four stories in one book - The Saucy Jane Family, The Pole Star Family, The Seaside Family and The Queen Elizabeth Family. Hope it's going to be a good read as I had not heard of these stories. The pictures on the cover are awful though, like cartoons.
BarneyBarney says: Those short books are quite interesting, Sue. They're about a family who go on trips to different places. The original series had two more titles - The Caravan Family and The Buttercup Farm Family.
Posted by Lasitaja on March 2, 2015
Hi. I love Enid Blyton's books and I want to know more about her. I just know her age and lifetime, not about her books. Please write me back. ;)
BarneyBarney says: Click on our 'Author of Adventure' and 'Cave of Books' buttons (over on the left), Lasitaja, and you'll find a lot of information about Enid Blyton and her work. Have fun!
Posted by Stella on February 28, 2015
I love Enid Blyton's books like The Magic Faraway Tree and The Enchanted Wood. I'm only ten and I notice the pure English literature.
BarneyBarney says: They are indeed magical books, Stella.
Posted by Smurfette on February 27, 2015
Love Enid's books and always will. I am now 54 and still reading. Almost finished reading the Famous Five series. Book 21, Five Are Together Again, is a bit of a quandary. What has happened to George? She was adamant about not going to school without Tim so only went to Anne's school because pets were allowed!
BarneyBarney says: Sadly, errors crept into several of Enid Blyton's later books as she was beginning to suffer from dementia and her mind was no longer as sharp as it had been.
Posted by Rupsa Mitra on February 22, 2015
Hello! I just finished reading Secret Seven Fireworks. It was incredible.
BarneyBarney says: It's good to know that you enjoyed it, Rupsa. Good Work Secret Seven is another atmospheric story about Bonfire Night.
Posted by Betty on February 21, 2015
A friend gave me a copy of The Yellow Fairy Book. It has no date it was printed and I would like to know. It says Newnes on the spine and is very thick paper. The first story is about Princess Fenella. Can you help, please?
BarneyBarney says: If you look up the title in the Cave of Books you'll find lots of information about it, Betty.
Posted by Susan Webster on February 19, 2015
Hi Barney, is the Enid Blyton Exhibition coming anywhere near Birmingham? I did see it briefly in Newcastle but want to see it properly. Birmingham's new library would have been a great centre for it - it's huge! Well worth a visit. How can I find out where smaller Enid Blyton gatherings are if close enough for me to get to as I don't have transport and train fares can be pricey?
BarneyBarney says: Hi Sue, I don't yet know whether the exhibition is going anywhere else after Canterbury and Plymouth. There are no Enid Blyton gatherings planned at present, but they're usually arranged by forumites so keep an eye out on the forums.
Posted by Spotkin on February 19, 2015
Way back in May of 2009 I asked a question about the title of a story by Enid Blyton. Well thanks to the 'Cave of Books' I took a chance and ordered a book collection - The Forgotten Pets and Other Stories - and it has my story. The title is 'The Rich Little Girl'. The story is just like I remembered it from so many years ago. So once again I have to thank you for this wonderful site and all the hard work that has gone into it!
BarneyBarney says: Thank you very much for letting us know, Spotkin. I'm glad you found the story - you've put a wag in my tail!
Posted by Susan Webster on February 17, 2015
Hi Barney, loveable, lovely old dog! Re Radhika's message about the Enid Blyton Day, it's such a shame there are no Days now because you can't get speakers. Well, how about us members giving a talk? It could be about when we were in the original Famous Five Club, or about our favourite books, characters in stories, etc., the list is endless. I'm sure we could have an exciting time sharing our stories, talks etc. I know I'd like to share my Famous Five Club days - I still have my newsletters etc. - and share my favourite books. Why not give it a go and see how it works out? A big juicy bone and biccies on their way to you.
BarneyBarney says: A big wuff of thanks for the bone and biccies, Sue! They both begin with B, like my name! It's a nice thought about members giving talks, but without the well-known speakers we probably wouldn't sell as many tickets so we'd have to find a smaller venue. And that would mean we wouldn't attract as many dealers and might not be able to hire caterers either. So it would be a very different kind of Enid Blyton Day! For the moment, smaller gatherings seem to be the way forward. There have been several meetings of Blytonites at Old Thatch, and there may be some get-togethers at the Enid Blyton Exhibition which is currently in Canterbury and is due to move to Plymouth in about June.
Posted by Rhona on February 16, 2015
Hi, I'm trying to locate a book I purchased around 1992, a collection of fairy and brownie stories. One story was about a little boy who didn't look after his dog properly and one of the brownies turned him into a dog to teach him a lesson. Another story was about fairies using white nettle flowers for shoes.
BarneyBarney says: Are you the person who posted as Adelle yesterday? Maybe the early 1990s date will help someone identify the book.
Posted by Radhika Ghose on February 16, 2015
Hi there Barney, I believe you have celebrated 'Enid Blyton Day' in the past? Has it stoppped? Is there one for 2015? Can we revive the day if there isn't one? I am planning an Enid Blyton festival this Mat in Bangalore, India. What do you suggest If I could choose just five books to introduce Enid Blyton to children here? I'm conducting a story session on Adventures of the Wishing-Chair and The Wishing-Chair Again in the middle of March.
BarneyBarney says: You wrote "this Mat", Radhika. Did you mean "this May"? I'm afraid we haven't had an Enid Blyton Day for the last few years as we haven't been able to get speakers. I hope your story session goes well, and your Enid Blyton festival in Bangalore. Regarding the five books, it would be good to choose five different kinds - e.g. nursery toys, fantasy, mystery/adventure, school, family...
Posted by Adelle on February 15, 2015
Thanks, Barney. I think the cover was a dark blue one. It was actually a little boy that was mean to the dog and a brownie turned him into the dog to teach him a lesson. It had lots of stories in the book.
BarneyBarney says: I'm glad the boy was taught a lesson, Adelle! I hope someone can identify the book for you.
Posted by Adelle on February 15, 2015
Hi. I've been looking for an Enid Blyton book from my childhood for years now, all I can remember is that it had lots of stories about brownies and pixies in it. It also had a story about a little girl who was mean to her dog, and one about fairies who kept their shoes in stinging nettles. Have you any idea what this book was called?
BarneyBarney says: The story about fairies keeping their shoes in stinging nettles might possibly be 'A Fairy Secret', Adelle. Books containing 'A Fairy Secret' are listed here - maybe one of them will jog your memory.
Posted by Alexandra on February 15, 2015
Does anyone know who holds the rights to Enid Blyton's work and who I could contact if I wanted to develop a performance? I am a student of puppetry and we have been looking into an interactive production but need to look at the legalities. Thanks!
BarneyBarney says: The copyright for most of Enid Blyton's work is held by Hachette UK but the copyright for Noddy is held by DreamWorks Classics. You can contact them through their websites. Good luck with your project, Alexandra!
Posted by Aditi on February 13, 2015
Hello. Please could you tell me if there are any Enid Blyton tourist attractions, e.g. where she lived and where she wrote her books, etc? Also, please could you tell me more about the Enid Blyton Day 2015? Thank you.
BarneyBarney says: Some Blyton-related locations are mentioned here, though the museum in Poole has now closed down and the Old Thatch gardens are no longer open to the public. I'm afraid there is no Enid Blyton Day planned for 2015, Aditi, though there is currently an Enid Blyton Exhibition at the Canterbury Beaney which is due to move to Plymouth some time in June.
Posted by Liz on February 13, 2015
I love the Secret Seven series! I think Enid Blyton is an awesome novelist.
Posted by Hilary on February 12, 2015
I am seeking a copy of a poem, title and author unknown. This is from childhood memory, "There was a naughty golly and what do you think he did..." I would very much like to know the name of the book and poem title. Thank you.
Posted by Farwa on February 6, 2015
I sure do agree with you, Naveed! It is indeed a pity that Enid Blyton is not alive today, Rew.
Posted by Rew on February 6, 2015
Enid Blyton the famous British writer is my favourite writer. She writes many interesting good books. I feel she should be alive now.
BarneyBarney says: The best of Enid Blyton lives on in her books and she continues to bring joy to many.
Posted by Naveed on February 6, 2015
I grew up reading the Famous Five stories and some other Enid Blyton series but came across her for the first time with the Adventurous Four and the Galliano's Circus books. I really think she was an author who had a good command of language and also can be savoured by adults. Her empathy for and about animals (domestic and otherwise) is also one of many reasons I love Enid Blyton stories. I feel Blyton is very much misunderstood by some folks - she is an author who (in some books) was attuned to adults as well as children.
BarneyBarney says: A lovely message, Naveed. I'm sure many would agree with you.
Posted by Catherine on February 4, 2015
I am now 86 but I remember as an infant at school the teacher reading us a weekly letter from Enid Blyton? As a teacher later and as a mother I used her books as an inbetween for children learning to read as they were easy and interesting enough to get them actually reading books.
BarneyBarney says: It's lovely that you remember the letters being read to you, Catherine. Enid Blyton (and her dog Bobs!) used to write weekly letters for Teachers World at that time. Tony Summerfield has been putting the letters up each week for about a year - we've covered 1930 and we're now into 1931. There's a forums thread about the letters here.
Posted by Cake Decorator on February 3, 2015
Thank you Barney for responding to my request, I have written to DreamWorks and await their response.
Posted by Cake Decorator on January 31, 2015
Hi, I am a cake decorator and have downloaded images of Noddy and Big Ears from the internet. I intend using these images to demonstrate a technique at an exhibition. I would like to know if I use these images am I in violation of copyright issues? I am not selling these only showing a technique, because these figures are famous it draws a crowd.
BarneyBarney says: I'm not sure, but to be on the safe side you could check with DreamWorks Animation who own the copyright to Noddy. Good luck at the exhibition.
Posted by Darren Wolverson on January 29, 2015
My mother had a short story published following a competition in one of the magazines and/or Magazine Annual. Her name was Maureen Whiting and we believe it was published in the 40s - early 50s. We would really like to track down the story and the magazine/book. How would we find which magazine it might be in, etc? Please can someone help?
BarneyBarney says: If you look in the Cave of Books you can see the dates of Sunny Stories and Enid Blyton's Magazine, Darren, but I'm afraid there are a lot of them and they're not very easy to obtain.
Posted by Farwa on January 27, 2015
Hi Tonya, I suggest that you make an account on the forums on this website - there is an entire section there called Book/Story Search. If you ask your question there, you are bound to get more replies. Good luck in your search!
Posted by Tonya on January 26, 2015
Hi, does anyone know the title of the story or name and year of the book that had a queen who lost weight by doing exercises to a radio that someone hid behind a curtain in her bedroom? (Well, I think that's how it goes according to my childhood memory!) Many thanks.
Posted by Courtney Binda on January 14, 2015
I read this as a schoolboy in Jamaica. In which of Enid's books can I find this? See below - I remember calling it 'The Shepherd': "I know a man who's old and wise,/ He reads the wind and reads the skies,/ He knows when storms will plough his way,/ He knows what rain will fall each day./ He will take you where the primrose shines,/ He knows the early celandines,/ He names each bird that by him flies,/ His eyes are very blue and wise./ All day and night he tends the sheep,/ He hears them bleating in his sleep,/ There's not a lamb upon the farm/ He hasn't carried in his arm./ I wish I knew the things he knows,/ The night time skies, the wind that blows,/ The singing of birds, the bleating cries -/ I wish I were a shepherd wise."
BarneyBarney says: You've remembered the poem almost word for word, Courtney! Very impressive. I've added slashes to mark the ends of the lines, because the Message Board format turns messages into one paragraph. The poem is indeed called 'The Shepherd'. It appeared in The Enid Blyton Poetry Book (Methuen 1934) and was reprinted in other collections. If you click on "Cave of Books" and put 'The Shepherd' into "Search the database...", you can see what books it was in.
Posted by Paul on January 11, 2015
Hi Barney. Someone has made themselves a Facebook profile under the name "Angela Favorleigh". They'll have a bit of trouble if they want to pass themselves off as a real person, as most of the Google results on the first page are related to the St Clare's character.
BarneyBarney says: I'm not really a Facebook dog, though I often have my face buried in a book!
Posted by Sudarshan on January 10, 2015
Thanks for your offer of help Aminmec, but I'm not sure of how to message through the forums. I think Barney can guide me through this.
BarneyBarney says: You need to register to use the forums, Sudarshan. Registration is free of charge - scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "join in" to see what to do. Aminmec is registered as "Aminmec", and if you look at one of his posts on the forums you can see a "PM" symbol beneath his name. Click on that to send him a private message. Please let me know if you have any further problems.
Posted by Melody on January 10, 2015
Hey Barney, can you tell me how to be successful in every Enid Blyton monthly quiz?
BarneyBarney says: Read nothing but Enid Blyton books (and books about Enid Blyton) morning, noon and night!
Posted by Paul on January 7, 2015
Did Gillian ever write memoirs, like Imogen did?
BarneyBarney says: Gillian Baverstock didn't write a detailed book about her life with Enid Blyton, as Imogen Smallwood did, but she did write two short books for children about her mother's life and work: Tell Me About Writers - Enid Blyton (Evans Brothers, 1997) and Gillian Baverstock Remembers Enid Blyton (Telling Tales series, Mammoth, 2000).
Posted by Shruti on January 6, 2015
Finally after a long time, I got an Enid Blyton book - The Wishing-Chair Again. It's been a year since I read any and I had almost given up hope of finding any in the used shops again.
BarneyBarney says: I bet your tail is wagging nineteen to the dozen, Shruti! Enjoy the book - it's a good'un!
Posted by Farwa on January 4, 2015
Thank you for your reply, Barney - I'll check those stories out!
BarneyBarney says: Happy Reading, Farwa!
Posted by The Biggest Fan on January 3, 2015
Hi Barney, a big juicy bone and a nice bowl of water for you! I have over 200 Enid Blyton books. What kind of dog are you?
BarneyBarney says: A wuff of thanks to you! I'm a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and some people describe me as a bit of a wag. You're lucky to have such a large collection of Enid Blyton books.
Posted by Enid's Biggest Fan on January 3, 2015
Enid Blyton's books are the best! Who agrees with me? Nothing's better than reading one of her books! My favourite book of hers is Goodbye Malory Towers.
BarneyBarney says: I'm sure many here would agree that Enid Blyton is one of the best authors, but Goodbye Malory Towers is a follow-on book written in 2009 by Pamela Cox!
Posted by Ana Asif on January 2, 2015
Oops, I'm late! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Another year for our favourite website and doggie! Yay! I hope 2015 is another AMAZING year for the Enid Blyton Society! Rest in peace forever, Enid!
BarneyBarney says: Thank you, Ana! I've been enjoying festive games of 'Chase My Tail', 'Hunt the Bone' and 'Chew the Bounce out of the Rubber Ball'. I expect you play rather different games, but I hope you've been having fun anyway! Happy New Year to you and to all Blyton fans!
Posted by Susan Webster on January 2, 2015
Hi, Happy New Year. I hope it will be a good one for Blyton fans this year. You can join the Famous Five Club and the Secret Seven Club on the forums if you like. No charge.
BarneyBarney says: A wag of the tail and a Happy New Year to you, Sue!
Posted by Farwa on January 1, 2015
Hi! A very Happy New Year to all! I wonder what Enid would have written for this occasion?
BarneyBarney says: Happy New Year to you Farwa, and to all who visit the website! Enid Blyton wrote a number of stories about the New Year, including 'New Year's Party', 'One New Year's Eve', "Father Time and His Pattern Book' and 'Mr. Twiddle Forgets'. She said in letters to her readers that she made the same resolution each New Year - "to be kind".
Posted by Becky on January 1, 2015
Anyone got old Jack and Jill annuals? I only want a picture of one of the elves in an annual. Maybe 1958 or around that time. The elf was called Daffy and lived in a tree trunk. If anyone can help I would be eternally grateful.
Posted by JJays on January 1, 2015
Hi, it's JJays. Hey, was the 1970s Famous Five TV show made in German? Thanks, J.
BarneyBarney says: No, the 1970s Famous Five TV show was made in English but it was also shown in Germany with German dubbing.