St Clare's The First Year

When I was a girl, I used to read voraciously. I burned my duvet because I had my light on underneath it. Even now I read every night. I can't go to sleep unless I've relaxed, by reading. If I'm tipsy, I still read; I just have to re-read it the next night.

I love buying books for children as presents. You can have too many toys, but you can never have too many books.

Elf is off to a girl's party tomorrow from his class and as I don't know her very well, I tried to find a book that would suit her. I know she's girly and very good at reading. I found this... St Clare's - The First Year by Enid Blyton. I am unashamed in my love of all books by Enid Blyton. The Famous Five, Five Find Outers, Secret Seven, Adventurous Four, Mr Pink Whistle, Pat and Isabel the twins in St Clares (remember the two Mam'zelles?), Darrell in Malory Towers (with the glint in her eye), The Wishing Chair, The Faraway Tree (Silky and Moonface!), Naughty Amelia Jane ... and not forgetting dear old Noddy.

Yes Enid Blyton might have been out of fashion and banned by the BBC at one point, but she still stands strong. She got me into reading, and then in my teens, I discovered Agatha Christie (and a naughty book, Lace by Shirley Conran).

I can't wait to read some Enid Blyton books to Elf. I hope that the birthday girl tomorrow enjoys reading about the two French teachers, midnight feasts and Carlotta from the circus!

Does anyone else remember Musty, Fusty, Dusty?

What were your favourite books when you were young?

Would I Lie To You board family game review

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A Humdrum Mum

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