Enid

[whothefudge]

I've recently purchased an old Enid blyton book from a 20p shop. It was published in 1966 and smells divine. Problem is I'm not sure it's suitable for children in this day and age? AIBU in thinking people don't read old stories to their children?

Why wpuld it be inappropriate? Is it porn?

My sisters son aged 6 is reading them. Whats wrong with them

Some of my books are worse than others. Which one do you have?

No it's just one of the stories is called 'funny little mankie' and it features a gollywog and things that certain people would deem inappropriate these days. Porn?! Have you heard of Enid blyton ffs?!

Enid Blyton is fab. I want to go to Mallory Towers and ride a pony called Merrylegs, only I'd be a pony squisher. I also want to live near the Faraway Tree.

Mum recently found all of my childhood Blyton books. I've asked her to keep them for me.

They are perfectly suited to this generation of children, IMO, although you may have to explain some bits.

What inappropriate things?

Why not?

Most older stories are perfectly accessible for children of today.
In fact 2 of my dc will go for them above most modern stories. Enid Blyton was loved by all of them.
Yes, occasionally you do end up explaining something (Gay Dolphin Adventure being one) that has changed meaning. Or something (eg shillings) which has fallen out of use. But dd2's choice of books are The Chalet School (published 1920s- 1960s) and ds' favourite set were the Lone Pine (published 1940s - 1970s).

whothefudge I was quite obviously joking about the porn, calm down.
And yes with the extra detail I would say that is extremely inappropriate and I'm surprised that anyone would want to buy that let alone give it to a child

Some Enid Blytons are fine - my DC enjoyed the Faraway Tree and Famous Five. Not sure about a golliwog story though. I'd probably steer clear of that one tbh.

Loved Enid Blyton, and so did DDs.

I bought copies of "Burglar Bill" and "The Tiger who came to tea" last week-both are books i love but I do cringe a bit when reading certain parts of them.

As much as I loved the Enid Blyton books, there are a few I would hesitate to pass on for racism/sexism reasons.

The easiest way to find out though, is probably to read them yourself first. Not difficult really.

I loved Enid blyton, especially the faraway tree books, I didn't study it properly upon buying, but it just seems a bit inappropriate.

I would like to chip in and say I reckon it will only take another dozen posts before we get to "but my granny had a golliwog", "my black friend loves her golliwog" and "it's just a doll".

I rather enjoy these threads as it really shows up who is a twat.

OP: don't read the racist story but go for the others?

Well don't give it them then. Why would you need to ask?

Just don't read the "Golly Wog" stories to children or if you do explain how things have changed but yeah I wanted to go to Mallory Towers too and swim in a pool that had waves and seawater I also wanted to go to the enchanted wood and go u0 the faraway tree too.

Unfortunately I would say yes they are inappropriate in the modern era. The books are a throwback to an outdated colonial racist past. Golliwogs are vile.

Cheers!
MJD

Pantplot in just gauging others opinions.... isn't that the point? Why feel the need to comment?

I think you are worrying needlessly.
But some of my short stories are a bit dull. That would be a better reason to give them a miss.
I'd go for the Faraway tree and then move on to Secret Seven and Famous Five.

There's updated versions of a lot of her books now. Jo in the faraway tree is joe now, fanny is Frannie and dame slap a lot just shouts at people.

Make some cucumber sandwiches, pour lashings of lemonade and get reading.

Yeah alright. Course you were.

Do you struggle with everyday decision making often?

Decision making? Hardly..... I'm sorry you misunderstood me but I understand the internet isa berycold place. I have no struggles I just like to chat. Not with argumentative fuckwits though.... you can leave now.

Give the golly story a miss but there are plenty of other harmless stories you can use.

I found an old EB book of mine at my DM's, 'Naughty Amelia Jane'. I loved it as a kid but, I couldn't read it all on my DCs - followings, talk of 'wicked children', hitting as punishments.

I can't speak for all of them but that one has certainly had its day and is no longer appropriate in my opinion