The Famous Five

Story

Julian, Anne, Dick, Georgina, and Timmy (the dog) explore the countryside during their school holidays. They ride their bikes, swim and hike to places like Kirrin Island, Smuggler’s Top, and Owl’s Dene. Their expeditions take them on thrilling adventures as they track down criminals, solve mysteries, and discover treasure!

Why we chose it

Although dated now, the Famous Five stories are fondly remembered by many and still read by children today.

Where it came from

Enid Blyton (1897-1968) grew up in England and enjoyed playing imaginative games and gardening outside. Blyton fell in love with Dorset after visiting in 1931, and many of the Famous Five adventures are set here.

Where it went next

The books have inspired television and film adaptations, video games, theatre productions, comic series, and audio productions.

Associated stories

Enid Blyton wrote another series called The Secret Seven, a fifteen book series about children detectives.