Enid Blyton... What can you say about her that hasn't been written a thousand times? One of the classic authors (in the sense that her books are considered classics of the genre) that made growing up in England a singular experience (along with Captain W. E. Johns, author of the Biggles series of WWI flying adventures). I believe that while the wording may appear a little stilted these days, with humorous expressions such as "You are such a brick Julian" (a very good thing by the way...), being almost too English for many folks to truly appreciate; these books transmit something quintessentially English... moral standards. These books were written at a time when people knew right from wrong, and "doing the right thing" and keeping your word really mattered. They are a flash back to another time, a time we could use a little bit of today...I have most of this series of books, and read a chapter to my 8 and 5 year olds every night. In fact, they sit on the bed buzzing with anticipation for the next chapter each night (because Enid nicely ended each chapter either with a cliff hanger, or a question to be answered... a brilliant strategy for parents reading to their children!:-))))I can't recommend these books enough. And when you have read through these, they there is the Secret Seven series, and the "Naughtiest Girl" series (which gives you a brilliant look into the Boarding Schools of yonder year in England) which is especially of interest if you have daughters, who just love Elizabeth (the key character).So, buy with confidence because whether or not you are an Anglophile, or are just looking for adventure stories for your kids, you just can't go wrong with one of the most popular authors of her genre in the history of English literature... I grew up loving them, and you and your children will love them too.BrianB.