Hello Woodsy,
I don't know where Enid Blyton's books stand in the present UK scheme of things but they were still around about 30 years ago when my daughter was an early reader.
She was one of very few yanks who read The Famous Five books, bought for her by my mother. Blyton as far as I know never broke into the north American market while being the top selling UK author of children's books along with W.E.Johns.
Back in the late 40's early 50's when I was being read to and learning to read my favourite books other than Thomas the Tank Engine were either Toby Twirl, or Nicholas Thomas both published by Sampson Low. The newcomer to their children's range was Noddy.
I personally always took a dislike to the character especially when Toby Twirl & Nicholas Thomas were discontinued, somehow Noddy was more popular. The attached photo expresses my view on the subject.
Back in 1955 around Christmas instead of a pantomime we went to see 'Noddy in Toyland' on stage. Attached are scans of the programme which are interesting by virtue of the ads. Do you think Blyton made any money from merchandising?
The back page of course was before Currys made the Currys Brain of Monty Python fame.
Regards,
Terranova47
NYC
USA
