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?

Oh my fucking god! There's a golliwog in the book? Burn it I say burn it now.

Why not just read them all and use the dodgy bits as opportunities to have a discussion? That way they get the enjoyment and a bit of an education at the same time.
I still think they're great books because they're sheer escapism. I just at the politically incorrect bits and remind myself how we've changed.

What wrong with jill- aside from her love of hunting!

This thread has made me want to read some Enid Blytons again now!

Concerning their influenceon children, I'd like to point out that we all read them as children and managed not to turn out racist/ sexist/ snobbish, so I think their influence is not as great as some may think. In a way, they are a good conversation opener to who we were in the past and who we are now.

zwellers I hated the hunting, but it was more the superior attitude that being 'horsey' made her an infinitely better person and the dismissive attitude towards anyone who was not into horses.

She was also pretty vile to poor kids.

I think using the social differences as a discussion point and a great way to talk about how things change. I had a children's bible that I loved as a child, but it certainly hasn't made me grow up religious! I think I should probably give my children's understanding, and my ability to explain they are just old stories a bit more credit. Good to see so many people still love and read Enid blyton to their children!

She doesn't stand up to re-reading as an adult but when I was 8 years old Enid Blyton was my crystal meth.

One of the pictures I found questionable.... the gollywogs sidekick is a monkey

I think Judith Kerr is such an absolutely incredible woman that I'm prepared to forgive her a spot of of-its-time sexism.

Me too. Love the Imagine programme they did on her life. It was very moving to see her re-visit her childhood home in Germany.

We teach our kids about all sorts of things that aren't considered acceptable in 2017. That's part of history. Ignoring it doesn't make it go assay.

@Gingerandgivingzerofucks

I also want to go to Mallory Towers. Been waiting to go for 30 years now! ❤️