LEARN TO READ ABOUT ANIMALS WITH NODDY

 

Created by Enid Blyton and Beek

 

 

 Ok, Enid was drunk when she wrote this one. Or already cashed up enough as an author that she didn't care any more. Or she didn't even write it, her publishers just whacked it together for a bit more mulla.

 

There is no story. At all. There is no learning about animals. Eelco Martinus ten Harmsen van der Beek [yeah, swallow that name] was the illustrator behind the Noddy series but as he passed away in 1953 and this book was published in 1963, it could have been the next generation illustrator,  Peter Wienk, who illustrated this book. 

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All pages begin with : Here are the whatever [type of animal]. Noddy is obviously involved. On the sheep page, the sheep run to a tree. I have no idea of the significance of this. Later on in the book, after a few more animals, the tree features again. I'm thinking it's the same tree but being run at by the other side as it is 'the' tree, rather than the 'a' tree of the one before. Then no mention of it again. This is THE only link besides the presence of Noddy in the whole book. Yes, that could be Enid Blyton behind the fence in this image, thinking 'book-buying sucker'. 

 

I grew up wishing I had a Wishing Chair, a Faraway Tree, parents who provided you with picnic baskets full of junk and were happy to not see you for days on end and fairyfolk who did your every selfish wish without questioning. So I do have a soft spot for Enid and her knowledge of secret wishes. I am aware that beyond the great ideas, the actually literary craft of Blyton is highly questionable but I don't think that has to be the be all and end all when you are trying to get a child to read something...anything. Saying that, the words in this book are just ridiculous. 

 

And so I treasure it, of course.

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Where to buy: Looks difficult, can't even see it online. Op-shop is your best bet or else come to my place for a cup of tea.