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Enid Blyton (1897 to 1968) wrote well over 500 children's books in her long writing career, selling over 600 million copies in 40 languages and becoming one of the most popular children's authors of all time. She is most famous for her adventure stories about the Secret Seven and Famous Five, her school series about Malory Towers, and Noddy.
Enid grew up in London. At school she was bright, sporty and musical, and from a young age she excelled at writing. She loved children and became first a teacher and then a governess, writing in her spare time. Her first book, a collection of poems, was published in 1922 - and that was the beginning of a wonderful career! Enid worked very hard on her writing, producing as many as 50 books one year. She also published books under the pseudonym Mary Pollock.
Enid was married twice and had two daughters with her first husband. She also found time to be very involved in a number of children's charities during her lifetime. Sadly she developed dementia in her mid-60s and died in a nursing home aged 71.
Despite their popularity, Enid's books have been criticised over the years for being racist, xenophobic and sexist, as well as unoriginal and limited in their vocabulary and ideas. That hasn't stopped children from reading them and loving them and in the UK more than one Enid Blyton book is sold every minute!
You can find our standard "famous person" activities below for Enid Blyton - poster, colouring page, worksheet, writing page, story paper and "learn to draw" activity. We've also created a selection of fun activities inspired by some of our favourite Enid Blyton books, like The Faraway Tree, the Five Find-Outer books (the Mysteries), the Secret Seven, and of course, the Famous Five, which you can find below.
Enid Blyton Books
"I think people make their own faces, as they grow."
Enid Blyton, The Naughtiest Girl Again
"The best way to treat obstacles is to use them as stepping-stones. Laugh at them, tread on them, and let them lead you to something better."
Enid Blyton, Mr Gallliano's Circus
“You're trying to escape from your difficulties, and there never is any escape from difficulties, never. They have to be faced and fought.”
Enid Blyton, Six Cousins At Mistletoe Farm
We've made two of these quotes into posters, which you can find below.
This challenge is great if you're learning about Enid Blyton and her books as a topic, but it's fun to try anytime. Try and think of a word related to Enid Blyton's books for each letter of the alphabet. You could try setting a timer and play against friends or classmates...
Here's a fun colouring page of popular children's author, Enid Blyton, complete with one of her Famous Five novels in hand!
Here's a fun cartoon-style poster of beloved children's author, Enid Blyton, complete with one of her wonderful Famous Five novels.
"The best way to treat obstacles is to use them as stepping-stones. Laugh at them, tread on them, and let them lead you to something better." So said Enid Blyton, in her book Mr Gallliano's Circus. And wise advice indeed it is!
Although these words are spoken by one of Enid Blyton's characters in a story, they are well worth sharing with children. "I think people make their own faces, as they grow." from The Naughtiest Girl Again.
Write about Enid Blyton - or about some of her wonderful stories - using one of the story paper printables below.
Find out some simple facts about prolific children's author, Enid Blyton, and use this little worksheet to record them.
This writing page is perfect for recording your child's research about Enid Blyton, for writing a short biography, or perhaps for writing down your favourite books!
Just for fun, children can practise their people-drawing skills with this step by step lesson on how to draw Enid Blyton, creator of the Famous Five, Secret Seven, Noddy and other wonderful children's stories.
