The best Enid Blyton books to share with kids
Much-loved author Enid Blyton published 800 titles over 40 years before passing away in 1968.
Still being printed today, the references in her books to golliwogs and gypsies have been erased and clothing has changed from shorts and short-sleeved shirts to jeans and anoraks.
As her books continue to be enjoyed by children transfixed in plots where young characters get the better of baddies - often with the help of hidden passages and pet dogs - as an author she remains unrivalled.
In honour of the popular author’s extensive repertoire, here are the top five Blyton books to share with the little ones in your life.
1. Adventures of the Wishing Chair
Revisiting The Wishing Chair stories will not disappoint. Mollie and Peter’s adventures on their flying chair – the Grabbit gnomes! Chinky their pixie friend! – should be an essential part of everyone’s childhood.
The Famous Five has to be on this list. Timmy is a great canine companion. Despite stiff competition from Five Go to Smuggler’s Top, this one has always been a favourite. When Julian, Dick and Anne visit George for the summer, Aunt Fanny is taken ill and they are left with the nasty Stick family in charge.
While all the Adventure series was great, it was Philip’s legendary gift with animals that resonated with many. From taming angry bears to kidnapping and rescues, this one is full of wild adventure.
4. First Term at Malory Towers
Did you know that Heroine Darrell Rivers was named after Blyton’s second husband, Kenneth Darrell Waters? It’s kind of romantic. From midnight feasts of ginger cake and sardines to swimming in a pool hollowed out of the rocks, this book is a great read. Especially the sharp-tongued Alicia and the awful Gwendoline Mary.
5. Shadow the Sheep Dog
While this might be considered a lesser-known Blyton book by some, in the Shadow the Sheep Dog, is a little less adventuresome but great nonetheless. Centred around various sheepdog trials, a temporary blinding, and portraying a great sense of loyalty makes this one a great one to share with little ones.