Monday 16 November 2009

The Beeb banned Blyton??!

Enid Blyton
Image credit: Here


As a pint-sized bookworm I read whatever I could get my hands on but majority of what I cut my literary teeth on as a nipper were the many and varied works of the one and only Enid Blyton. I fantasized about being in the Secret Seven, I wished I went to school at a boarding school and I have a vivid idea of what Toffee Shocks, Pop Biscuits and Google Buns taste like. I absolutely worshipped Enid Blyton. 


So when I read this article on Stuff.co.nz I was agog. The BBC banned Enid Blyton?! Apparently it was because her books didn't "have enough literary value". Literary value? Seven year olds were reading this, not uni students! Her books were ripping good reads and gave many a child an outlet for their "let's get away from the parents and roam the moors" daydreams (or was that just me?) At least, according to the article, some of her work was eventually featured on the BBC - a mere 5 years before her death. It's a little too late but it's something, I guess. 


I suspect that if I were to revisit some of these childhood faves now they will have lost some of their magic (blast being an adult!) and apparently dear old Enid wasn't exactly the nicest person alive, but all the same. These books have shaped not only my childhood but the childhoods of millions of children all over the world.


Did you read Enid Blyton? If so, what was your favourite book/ series from her? Vote in the poll!


I'm throwing my hat in for Malory Towers. 


Image credit: Enid Blyton Society

5 comments:

  1. I'm not sure if I read her or not, but I loved all boarding school books (and always wanted to attend). Something very romantic about the whole idea.

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  2. I loved Mr. Pinkwhistle Interferes! I read it again and again! :-)

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  3. I was a big fan of Enid Blyton when I was a child. I loved all her books but my favourite was probably The Valley of Adventure.

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  4. I was a big fan of Enid Blyton.
    In the 1970s I was a well read and, supposedly, intelligent child and many people were surprised at my love for Enid Blyton's books.

    Several people advised my mother to steer me towards 'more suitable' books. And suggested that as a teacher she shouldn't allow me to read such 'unsound' books.

    My favourites were the Famous Five and the Adventure Series and Noddy when I was younger.

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  5. Well the BBC was like that back then, kids authors weren't exactly top of the list with them - Grimms or nothing. I second your vote for Mallorey Towers, but also must mention 'The Faraway Tree' and that one about the flying armchair.

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