Children's Books > f Children's Books > Enid Blyton

Advantages: Goes well with the show
Disadvantages: Not the same appeal for me as the old Noddy books

***Background*** Noddy was originally created by Enid Blyton, who also gave us classics like The Famous Five, The Secret Seven and all those Tales Before Bedtime. She created a variety of books for children of all ages and I must admit to being a bit of an addict of her books when I was growing up. These days Noddy has become a bit more politically correct and certain characters have had a bit of a makeover and change of name. In the old days it ...
...it is the Goblins. I understand the need for the change in today's society, although I have to say that I didn't grow up associating this toy with people of a different ethnic background. Make Way For Noddy has become a household name with his adventures being shown daily on Channel 5's Milkshake program for younger children. ***The Book*** This book has 5 stories in it. Each one has a moral in the tale and usually shows how Noddy learns the importance ... Read review

Advantages: Exciting story ,easy and compelling reading,first of a long series
Disadvantages: A bit dated in its language

The famous 5 are 4 cousins, George 11 (really a tomboy named Georgina) and her 3 cousins , Julian 12, Dick 11 and Anne 10. George has a dog she must keep in secret as he was a quite destructive puppy and is banned from her parents house , he is a brown mongrel dog and is called Timothy. This is the first time George meets her cousins and she does not like them to begin with. She is quite happy the way her life is and doesn't want them interfering ...
...unlikely but never mind it is a story and I never questioned it when aged 11)an Island with a ruined castle and even a wrecked ship which is under the sea. A treasure map is discovered by the children and confiscated by Georges strict father who then sells the story to the papers!! The children must try to discover the treasure (if it exists) before the Island is sold (yes even though it was given to George) to developers who are really treasure ... Read review

Advantages: interesting plot; sympathetic characters
Disadvantages: fantastical scenes could detract from boy's growth

Solomon has a lot to be concerned about: his mother has left the family; his father is an alcoholic; and his (unrecognised) dyslexia means that he is bullied by his teacher and finds school difficult. When everything becomes too stressful, he escapes to the graveyard, and when plans to demolish his hiding place begin, he is forced to confront his problems. The first section of the novel focuses on Solomon's family, gradually revealing his difficulties ...
...this section, I found the subsequent fantastical section in the graveyard spoilt my enjoyment of the novel. Although the writing was descriptive I found it difficult to sustain my engagement and lost concentration. (It is worth noting that I am not the target audience for this novel and that I generally dislike fantastical tales.) Although it is tempting to interpret this section as a metaphorical account of Solomon's struggle to take positive control ... Read review

Advantages: Deals with issues real teenagers could experience and offers support
Disadvantages: mainly for older teenage readers

An interesting and absorbing book that deals carefully and delicately with numerous sensitive issues which teenagers could possibly face in todays society. I recommend it both to teenagers and parents who wish to buy it as a gift for a loved one. I would certainly read it again and my sister who is slightly younger than me has also borrowed it to read and also enjoyed it thoroughly. The storyline is interesting and thought provoking and I felt genuine ... Read review

Advantages: Fast paced, absorbing and gripping!
Disadvantages: It had to end!!!

Truely one of the best books I have ever read, this author deserves a medal! A real page turner with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter. I really found myself engrossed in the book and following the adventure as if I was a real part of it. Utterly unputdownable and a recommended read to adults and teenagers alike. This is not usually a style or genre of book I would usually go to but I was definitely pleasantly surprised, this is one book ... Read review