Tag Archive | Hodder Childrens

Second Form At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Mar20

Of Lessons & High Jinx

Second Form At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is a delightful children’s novel and just perfect for the over tens. It is the second book in the Malory Towers series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order.

I first read the series fifty years ago in my childhood and when there were only six books in the series. Reading it again now, the story has lost none of its’ charm. I still picture myself as Darryl Rivers as I read!

This book was first written in 1947 and it has lost none of its’ original charm. There are elements that ‘age’ the book – high tea, dorms, etc – but the story has a timeless appeal to new audiences today.

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Five Go Off In A Caravan by Enid Blyton

Mar16

A Timeless Adventure

Five Go Off In A Caravan by Enid Blyton is an exciting children’s adventure. It is the fifth book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Written in 1946, the book has withstood the test of time, and is sure to entertain another generation of children. There are elements that ‘age’ the tale but some of them just add to the charm and nostalgia.

It was a quieter time. Children had the freedom to roam.

This time the famous five meet up with a travelling circus. They become friends with, and aid, a young boy and his ape.

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First Term At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Mar8

Just As Entertaining As In My Childhood

First Term At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is an entertaining children’s novel and perfect for those aged ten years or over. It is the first book in a thirteen-book series. For those of us, who remember Malory Towers from our girlhood reading, it is a chance to walk down memory lane. I enjoyed it just as much as an adult as I did as a child. I am excited to read the first six books again, and to read the new final seven.

Enid Blyton first penned Malory Towers in 1945. Girls would have needed something to bring them joy as the war was finally over and so far, six years of childhood would have been terrifying. Malory Towers is as entertaining today as it has always been. There are some obvious differences that date the book including references to Churchill, but putting that aside, the book is an engrossing tale.

I originally read the books fifty years ago as an eleven-year-old. This book entertained me then and now, as I still pictured myself in the lead role of Daryll Rivers.

There are an eclectic mix of girls in Malory towers as one would find in any school. We ‘hear’ of lessons, friendships, dormitories etc as the various personalities shine through. Interestingly all the teachers were female and unmarried.

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Five Go To Smuggler’s Top by Enid Blyton

Mar5

Adventures Of Dering Do

Five Go To Smuggler’s Top by Enid Blyton is a marvellous tale for the over eights. It is the fourth book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a sand-alone.

Despite being written in 1945 this is a story with the power to entertain generations of children. The books in The Famous Five series have a timeless appeal.

The children are brave as they investigate strange goings on – but it is Timmy the dog who is the real hero of the tale.

There were some highly amusing scenes which definitely made me snigger.

Times were simpler. The children were free to roam. They were plucky in following clues to catch those involved in illegal activities.

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