I suspect if you asked many people of my generation (and perhaps those born a decade or so before / after) we’d say that Enid Blyton was one of the biggest influences on our reading lives.
I have VERY vivid memories of going to our former library to borrow Noddy books and I LOVED the Faraway Tree, Wishing Chair, Secret Seven and Amelia Jane (though her less so, cos she WAS naughty) but most particularly The Famous Five.
When I made my seachange six years ago I ditched a heap of Golden Books and even quite a few of my Enid Blytons, only keeping a handful.
I recently pulled out an Enid Blyton ‘Annual’ and read a couple of my favourite stories to my godson. And I must confess it was only then I realised the book was (ahem, originally) my older brother’s and not mine! #oops
In case you were wondering, my favourite stories from this collection….
All of which is kinda irrelevant but my usual long-winded way of introducing this new release….
Treasury of Bedtime Stories by Enid Blyton
Published by Hachette Australia, Hodder & Stoughton
on October 30th 2018
Source: Hachette Australia
Genres: Children's
ISBN: 9781444939941
Pages: 304
Goodreads
A stunning treasury of favourite bedtime stories from one of the world's best-loved storytellers. With gorgeous full-colour illustrations by Becky Cameron throughout, this special book is a gift to treasure forever.
Each short story stands alone and takes the reader on a brand-new adventure. From the pixie seamstress who makes dresses for the Fairy Queen, to the little boy who turns into a steam engine, meet a host of magic and memorable characters, brought to life by Becky Cameron's charming illustrations.
The stories appeared in magazines and anthologies published between 1920-1960 and some are collected here in book form for the first time!
I must admit I’d almost forgotten Blyton’s obsession with pixies, elves and spells; as well as with naughty vs nice and life lessons for kids – but reading through this reminded me that she most certainly had some strong opinions. (There’s also a story about a boy called Thomas who turned into a train….)
I also decided this hardcover book was just TOO beautiful for me to keep on a shelf. It should be read. The pages should be turned by sticky children’s fingers, torn and marked. Most importantly the book and its stories (and life lessons contained therein!) should be enjoyed.
So, I’m giving this gorgeous book away.
I made a rather scary clip (below) in an attempt to ensure you see how lovely this book really is; and I say scary because I’m yet to work out how to make / edit decent videos…
I will be picking the winner out randomly (I use a random number generator) and all you need to do to enter is leave a comment below (with an email address) so your name can go in the draw. I’d love to hear of your passion for Enid Blyton, or perhaps you lived a deprived childhood and read Dr Seuss or similar instead?
Treasury of Bedtime Stories by Enid Blyton will be published on 30 October 2018 by Hachette Australia.
I received this copy from the publisher for review purpose and a HUGE thanks to Hachette as it allows me to share it with someone deserving!
THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. THE WINNER IS: TRACEY V, A FACEBOOK ENTRY. |
October 15, 2018
Yes, I completely agree that Enid Blyton played a huge role in helping kids become avid readers. I owned a bookstore for ten years, and I especially loved seeing all the new editions of the Enid Blyton books. I have also been collecting quite a number of them and this new one sounds wonderful.
October 15, 2018
I wondered how relevant some of them would be today but know of friends whose kids enjoy Faraway Tree and Wishing Chair etc…
October 15, 2018
A great giveaway! I don’t qualify to enter but will be glad to know the book goes to eager little hands and to be opened over and over again. #lifethisweek
October 15, 2018
I felt the same. It’s lovely and I actually chuckled at a lot of the stories but then realised it should be read by someone who’d read it again and again.
October 15, 2018
I love Enid Blyton and would so enjoy introducing her to my grandchildren.
October 16, 2018
Good luck!
October 15, 2018
The Famous Five were my favourites as a kid, and then when our four daughters were young we loved reading The Faraway Tree. The Wishing Chair and all the adventurous stories to them. Now we’re ready to start reading Enid Blyton’s stories to our two grandsons.
October 16, 2018
I was wondering if they’d dated – the concept of elves and pixies and then a friend reminded me of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter etc…
October 15, 2018
What a beautiful book! Enid Blyton was my very favourite childhood author. She swept me away on incredible adventures. She sparked my imagination. She kept me occupied, which would’ve pleased Mum and Dad very much! AND she planted the seed for my love of words, reading and books. I still love reading her stories as an adult. Very impressive video too Deb – not scary at all! I love the background wall which ties in with the colouring of the book cover – very clever and effective!
October 16, 2018
Ha, yes my new background wall. I love in the colour, though in retrospect COULD have gone a bit darker…
October 16, 2018
Pickle loves The Faraway Tree Tree series. Can’t wait til he’s old enough for The Famous Five series, though I wonder if it will stand the test of time too…
October 16, 2018
It only just occurred to me last night that Dr Who is very much like The Faraway Tree series – new place / planet / land each episode… a mystery to solve and it’s all about returning home.
October 16, 2018
I loved Enid Blyton as a child, and introduced her stories and books to my sons, who also devoured her tales. I would love to own this treasury of Enid Blyton’s stories, to keep her legacy going to my neices and nephews, and as a muse to the writer in me.
October 16, 2018
Ah yes, she’s so inspirational – and I realise I know very little about her life!!! (Must rectify that!)
October 16, 2018
It’s gorgeous! I love Enid Blyton, the Faraway Tree was one of my favourites as a child and when I reread it just a few years ago, I loved it even more.
October 17, 2018
I actually had a series of videos of the Faraway Tree I’d bought for my niece to watch at my place. I don’t remember it being on TV when I was a kid though. Each episode was short and sweet but the theme music (featured A LOT as there were 6 episodes on each video and it played before and after) drove me batshit crazy!
October 17, 2018
Loved the Faraway Tree series most of all. I re-read them as an adult and they lost their magic. If I was fortunate to win, this would be going to my daughter’s school library where she is Teacher Librarian. I also don’t think Enid Blyton is “banned” anymore but she was for a while. Boooo! Thank you for joining #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is Easy Meal Ideas. Denyse
October 18, 2018
Maybe it’s time I introduced Enid to my grandson? What age range do you think this suits Deb?
October 18, 2018
It’s a mix Carol so you could read it to toddlers or older kids up to 10 or so I’d think. I suspect by the time kids get to high school they’re no longer interested in the concepts though (of fairies and pixies etc).