book review on the famous five

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The Famous Five by Enid Blyton - review

These books are the books that I couldn't put down. Each chapter ends with a "what's going to happen next?", "what's going happen next?" It's about a family with a cousin and a dog called Timothy. There are five of them altogether which make up the Famous Five. There are three boys: Dick, Julian, Timothy. There are two girls; one is Anne who is helpful, sensible and funny. One is Georgina, (she would like to be a boy so I think I should say GEORGE), sometimes she is bad tempered but then other times she is nice and 'a delight' according to Julian. My favourite Famous Five adventure is Famous Five Run Away Together. Their good cook is ill and they get a horrible replacement. They need to escape from her so they grab some water and food and run away to George's Island. When they get there they find something (I won't say what because it will give the story away). When the five think she has come to find them but they discover they are wrong!!!!

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A Brilliant Retelling: Read Our Review of Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five Graphic Novels by Béja and Nataël

The Famous Five is a world-famous adventure book series. Now, it’s retold for the first time as a graphic novel, 80 years after its first publication, ready to be read by a whole new generation.

Five on a Treasure Island is the first book in the new graphic novel series. It tells the story of Julian, Dick and Anne’s first visit to Kirrin to meet their cousin George – never call her Georgina! – and her loyal dog Timmy. Exploring together, they discover the location of an ancient family treasure marked on a hidden map. They must work quickly to find it as they’re not the only ones searching for it…

In book #2, Five Go Adventuring Again , it’s the holidays, and after bad school reports, Julian, Dick, Anne and George are stuck indoors with a tutor. But nothing can stop the intrepid young cousins from exploring. The discovery of a secret passage might help them escape their lessons – but could it lead them into more trouble? Join the adventure!

Dive into The Famous Five adventures with all the fun, danger and excitement of the original books. It’s brilliantly retold, designed and illustrated by a talented father-and-son team of graphic novel experts. This superb new edition will capture the imagination of readers of any age.

I’ve always thought The Famous Five books were ahead of their time. Reading it as a child, parts of the story felt progressive – especially the character of George. And now, 80 years later, elements of the book seem timely and relevant. This just proves how timeless this story really is and the ongoing legacy that Enid Blyton has left behind.

I think the graphic novel format is also a fun way to retell the story for fans both old and new. These graphic novels have a fast-paced format that’s perfect for reluctant readers aged 9+. Father-son duo Béja and Nataël are clear experts in their graphic novel field, and I can see both young boys and girls discussing the different panels, dialogue and which character they resonate with most. There’s also a lot of scope for comparison between this edition and the original books – teachers and librarians, I’m looking at you!

Whether you’re a long-time fan or first-time reader of The Famous Five, you have to get your hands on this graphic novel edition. Both Five on a Treasure Island and Five Go Adventuring Again are out now, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to get both so you’re not left hanging between books #1 and #2. Ideal for anyone who loves Tintin , Asterix or Dogman .

Buy book #1,  Five on a Treasure Island , here.

Buy book #2, Five Go Adventuring Again , here.

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Sunday 6 February 2022

Review: five on a treasure island / five go adventuring again.

Written by the prolific Enid Blyton , the first book in the The Famous Five series was originally published in 1942 and followed by twenty more.

Released this month for the first time in English, are graphic novel editions of the first two stories in the series. They were first published in France where another four stories have also been released.

They are somewhat abridged in their retelling, created by the father and son team of Natael and Beja, to bring the stories of the adventuresome group of children to a new lot of readers.

Five On a Treasure Island introduces readers to three siblings, Julian, Dick and Anne, who arrive to spend the summer with their aunt, uncle and cousin Georgina, whom they barely know. 

In Five Go Adventuring Again , the cousins are on holiday again, but have school work to do to improve their grades. They still manage to find time to uncover a coded message and a secret passage.

Despite the retelling, the stories remain a product of their time, with dated concepts and stereotypes. However, whether or not you think of The Famous Five fondly, these books are a chance to engage newly independent readers and build their reading confidence. They can also help connect them with the mystery and adventure genres, encouraging them to move on to read other books in those genres.

The illustrations for these graphic novel editions are fitting for the time period in which the stories were originally set, the 1940s. The style is quite reminiscent of Herge's Tintin , which is perhaps unsurprising given that illustrator Beja was passionate about Tintin as a youngster.

The Famous Five graphic novels offer a great alternative for young readers who have been enjoying classics like Asterix and Tintin , or other newer, highly illustrated stories like those by Dav Pilkey and Anh Do.

Title: Five On a Treasure Island / Five Go Adventuring Again Author: Enid Blyton Illustrator: Beja and Natael Publisher: Hodder Children's Books, $ 16.99 Publication Date: February 2022 Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781444963670 / 9781444963687 For ages: 8+ Type: Graphic Novel

Book Reviews

Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton: Book Review

Title: Five on a Treasure Island Author: Enid Blyton Illustrator: Eileen A. Soper Series: The Famous Five #1 Genre: Mystery , Adventure Audience: Middle Grade Format: Paperback

My Synopsis:

Julian, Dick, and Anne are disappointed when their parents announce plans to vacation alone in Scotland. The children quickly change their tune when they learn that they will be spending the summer at their aunt and uncle’s house on the coast with their cousin George (Don’t ever call her Georgina) and her dog, Timmy. What follows is a glorious summer of swimming, canoeing, and exploring George’s private island.

I’ve heard of Enid Blyton but I’ve never read any of her books before. I don’t know if she wasn’t as popular in the US in general or if my library simply didn’t have her books. Either way, I feel a bit deprived. I would have loved this book as a child!

As an adult who is more than willing to read a book for any age group, I still enjoyed it but I wish I were coming to it with a child’s innocence. Now, I find it astounding that George’s parents are like, “You want to spend a couple of nights on an island by yourselves, children? Here are your sandwiches.” I wonder what has caused that cultural shift? Smaller families and more time to worry about each child? Higher crime rates? It’s just something to ponder.

Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy are a fun little crew and their explorations feel like the stuff of childhood dreams. Anne, the youngest, is slightly timid; Dick and George are maybe a little too brave; and Julian seems to be the level-headed one. Timmy is just excited to be around his beloved pals.

If you’re looking to re-capture some childhood innocence or want to share some nostalgia with the children in your life, give this book a try. I smiled my way through it, reliving my own small summer adventures.

Recommended by:

Heather at Random Redheaded Ramblings

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If you liked Five on a Treasure Island , you might also like my reviews of

• The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, read by Susan Denaker
• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
• Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

I haven’t reviewed this series (yet?), but The Melendy Quartet by Elizabeth Enright, beginning with The Saturdays , also has a comparable feel.

Buy Five on a Treasure Island from  Malaprop’s Bookstore  in Asheville, NC.

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Phew, I had to check your star rating before I started reading to brace myself in case you hated it!! I’m really glad you enjoyed it, you’ve got twenty more to read plus ones written by other authors!! If one of my daughters asked me if it was ok to row to an island to stay by themselves for a couple of nights I would freak out! Different times…

I really did enjoy it! Thanks for the indirect push to finally read Enid Blyton!

I love to hear from you! Please contact me (menu bar, above) if you're having trouble commenting. Cancel reply

The Famous Five

The Famous Five are among Enid Blyton's best-loved creations and countless children have gone adventuring with them since the publication of Five on a Treasure Island in 1942, the first of twenty-one full-length adventures and numerous short stories.

Armed with maps, torches, packets of sandwiches and a plentiful supply of ginger-beer, Julian, Dick, Anne, their tomboy cousin George (Georgina by rights) and Timmy the dog like nothing better than to spend their holidays hiking and biking, camping and exploring by themselves, invariably falling into adventure.

Friends like Jo the gypsy girl, young Tinker Hayling, Sooty Lenoir, and even George's scientist father (Uncle Quentin to the others), often get caught up in the strange goings-on too.

And what thrilling places they visit and discover — Kirrin Island, Smuggler's Top, Owl's Dene, the lighthouse at Demon's Rocks and farms, castles, caves and secret passages galore.

Whether they're outwitting thieves, smugglers or kidnappers, seeking hidden treasure or encountering spook trains, the Five's courage and determination always wins through!

Enid Blyton's original books were charmingly illustrated by Eileen Soper but there have been numerous interpretations and adaptations of the Famous Five over the years including continuation novels written by French author Claude Voilier, cinema films, stage plays, two television series and, more recently, a Disney cartoon series featuring the children of the Famous Five.

However, the twenty-one original books have never been out of print and remain popular with readers worldwide. Long live the Famous Five!

Famous Five Books, Stories and Games

• Original Famous Five Novels by Enid Blyton
• Famous Five Short Stories by Enid Blyton
• Famous Five Omnibus Editions
• Famous Five TV Annuals
• Famous Five Continuation Novels by Claude Voilier
• Famous Five and You Continuation Novels by Mary Danby
• Just George Spin-off Novels

Hodder 2004 Collection Editions

• Famous Five Specials
• Disney's "Famous 5 on the Case" Cartoon Series
• Famous 5 Adventure Game Books by Stephen Thraves
• Famous Five Games and Puzzles

Famous Five

Over the years, a number of Famous Five short stories appeared in Enid Blyton's Magazine Annuals, Princess Gift Books and Comic, and a Weeties strip book. In 1999 a compilation book was published featuring all of the 8 short stories...

Famous Five Omnibuses

There were also four Omnibus Books, each featuring three original full length Famous Five novels...

Famous Five 70s TV Annuals

From 1977 to 1985 the Famous Five were all the rage and, along with the Granada TV series, a series of TV Annuals was produced...

One-off Annuals

A similar TV Annual was produced based on the 1990s TV series...

Famous Five Sequels

In 1981 the bookshops began to fill up with French author Claude Voilier's Famous Five continuation novels, translated into English by Anthea Bell. Voilier began writing these in the 1970s and there are 24 books in the series, but only 18 were translated into English...

The Famous Five and You

Mary Danby wrote six Famous Five continuation books between 1987 and 1989...

Just George [Famous Five]

In 2000, Hodder Children's Books produced six "Just George" novels written by Sue Welford...

In 2004, Hodder Children's Books published a set of six Collection editions. Three of these featured the Famous Five...

Miscellaneous Famous Five (by various authors)

There have been a number of miscellaneous Famous Five specials...

Famous Five On the Case

In 2008, Disney commissioned a series of TV cartoons featuring the children of the Famous Five. These modern characters bear little resemblance to Blyton's except that they go by the title "Famous 5" and occasionally make references to original adventures or characters...

Famous 5 Adventure Game Books

From 1984, Stephen Thraves wrote eight Famous 5 Adventure Game Books series...

Games and Puzzles...

There have been a number of Famous Five board games, jigsaw puzzles and card games over the years, including the jigsaw puzzles produced by BeStime as part of their numbered series throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and those by Whitman in the 1970s...

BeStime Numbered Jigsaws

Whitman famous five jigsaws, whitman famous five tv jigsaws, enid blyton board games, enid blyton card games.

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The Famous Five review: This isn’t Enid Blyton made ‘woke’ – it’s enchanting

Cbbc's remake of the classic - but much-debated - stories manages to improve on the original.

For a simple straightforward author of children’s books, Enid Blyton can’t half cause some trouble. Two authors had quite the dingdong about her on Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday. She has been accused of being racist, too middle-class, not woke enough, not a demanding enough read. There are calls for her to be censored, updated, banned – is it time for her to be forgotten?

Or, instead, maybe a famous auteur should make a full-on, high-end version of a Famous Five book to entertain us on the BBC this festive season? It’s that last one, as it turns out.

Nicholas Winding Refn is a highly-rated director of very grown-up and violent films (eg Oscar-nominated Drive ) – though he has also made a Miss Marple for TV. Apparently he and writer Matthew Read turned to the Famous Five because they wanted to make something their own children would watch – and also wanted to show kids having adventures, away from their parents, no phones and no internet.

The Curse of Kirrin Island is set in the 1940s (the original book, Five on a Treasure Island , was published in 1942) so hasn’t needed the awkward changes made to modern versions of the books, where the children are put into jeans, and questions of literary inadequacy are irrelevant.

Has it been made more woke? Not specially, although the casting reflects racial diversity, as you would expect and hope in 2023. Those of us who read the books 50 years ago did notice that they were middle class, and bore no resemblance to our everyday townie lives.

We may not have spotted some of the other problems but most certainly we were annoyed about the way girls were seen and treated. But here we had George, the tomboy with short hair and boys’ clothes – not perfect but at least she made a change. (As all good pub quizzers know, the Famous Five consists of two boys, Julian and Dick, two girls, Georgina/George and Anne, and the dog Timmy.)

The new film looks gorgeous – the production values are incredible, and it is tremendous fun. The level of jeopardy and adventure is startling, and outdoes the original book. A dead body turns up very early on, and then it just goes completely mad: “the curse is real”, “the treasure is real”, secret passages found by Timmy the dog, a hidden cave. Then here come the Knights Templar, an 800-year-old ruined castle, an underground chapel. There are nods to Swallows and Amazons , Indiana Jones, King Arthur, Moonfleet , Treasure Island .

There appears to be no end to the number of times the children can say “there must be another way out of here” and crawl through some tunnels. There are some unexpectedly dark and heavy moments near the end – the book is set during the Second World War, though there is little other reference to it.

The 32 best books to give as presents this Christmas

It’s a proper, 90-minute film (there will be two more, though each stands up alone), with first class location filming, great shots of the four children running with the dog, and a most excellently creepy villain. There is a light reference to the famous feasts of the books, and some ginger beer. The children attack ancient monuments, break into tombs (“what’s that crunching sound?” as they walk over bones), help themselves to ancient and sacred artefacts, and occasionally act like idiots. And, as promised, no phones and very little parental supervision. While it has departed a long way from the original plot, that doesn’t grate at all.

Enid Blyton famously said that she didn’t care about the critical opinion of anyone over the age of 12: and what child wouldn’t be enchanted by this crazy adventure? Their parents may still be arguing about Blyton’s merits, but they might as well give in and just enjoy this TV event as a family.

‘The Famous Five: The Curse of Kirrin Island’ is on CBBC and BBC iPlayer and on BBC One on New Year’s Eve. New episodes will follow in the new year

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‘The Famous Five’ reviews round-up: ‘Enchanting’ adaptation is ‘tremendous fun’

The brand new version of The Famous Five is now streaming!

Based on the classic children’s novels  by English author Enid Blyton , a trio of feature-length episodes were filmed across the UK’s South West this summer.

The first of these three films recently premiered on BBC iPlayer and the CBBC channel in the UK ahead of its New Year’s Eve broadcast on BBC One .

‘The Curse of Kirrin Island’ follows cousins George, Julian, Dick, Anne and Timmy the dog as they set out to investigate Kirrin Island, an uninhabited island that belongs to the family, after a body washes up on the beach, apparently the victim of a local curse.

Guest starring in the adventure is Jack Gleeson , who Game of Thrones fans will recognise as the evil Joffrey Baratheon.

Take a look behind the scenes with a fun preview here:

We’ve rounded up a selection of spoiler-free reviews here to help you decide if it’s worth a watch:

“The new film looks gorgeous – the production values are incredible, and it is tremendous fun. The level of jeopardy and adventure is startling, and outdoes the original book… There are nods to Swallows and Amazons , Indiana Jones, King Arthur, Moonfleet , Treasure Island …

“While it has departed a long way from the original plot, that doesn’t grate at all…

“Enid Blyton famously said that she didn’t care about the critical opinion of anyone over the age of 12: and what child wouldn’t be enchanted by this crazy adventure? ” ★★★★ – iNews

“Blyton purists will be relieved that the new show is set in the 1940s and contains enchantment and adventure.” – The Guardian

“Forgettable Enid Blyton update is an awfully boring adventure…

“The director of this adaptation may be – unexpectedly – Nicolas Winding Refn but the result is a mostly traditional, rather dull 90 minutes.” ★★ – The Telegraph

“It’s a solid, quaint adaptation imbued with a quintessential British innocence without the brashness or insistence of an American children’s movie…

“There is nostalgia here for those who know the stories well and while it’s been modernised with a diverse cast, the story and characters feel timeless.

“Even though, sure, probably no parent in 2023 will let four kids go off camping by themselves for a week. But that sense of discovery, adventure and righteousness, that rings true for any era.” – Perth Now

“It’s a Christmas treat for the whole family, a really enchanting family film, with very high production values, and top class writing and direction.” – Clothes in Books

We’re still waiting to hear where and when American viewers can watch the show, but in Germany it’ll be airing on ZDF , and in France it’ll be on TF1 .

The complete collection of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books is available on Amazon .

• ← ‘Murder is Easy’ trailer: BBC’s new Agatha Christie mystery confirms air date
• ‘Wolf Hall’ reveals new cast members as Season 2 filming begins →

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As her cousins are arriving, George is far from the house, playing on a beach with her dog Timmy. Her father had forbid her to keep Timmy, but little did he know George had kept her loyal friend. Suddenly a man appears, asking lots of questions about nearby Kirrin Island. George doesn’t like the look of him and neither does Timmy, letting the stranger know.

The cousins finally meet and after some time together, George softens towards them. They are keen to explore and they too are interested in Kirrin Island. A storm makes them wait a day, but what they discover when George guides them out through the ocean swells kicks off their very first adventure.

Secret tunnels, maps, treasure and lots and lots of beans are swirled up in a mystery on Kirrin Island. They aren’t the only ones looking however and the Famous Five find themselves at gunpoint with not one stranger but two! Will they escape? How will they stop the men stealing the treasure? And can they remain as the Famous Five?

80 years after its original publication, The Famous Five – Five on a Treasure Island has been reproduced as a Graphic novel. All the action and adventure we know and love with these cousins and a dog, is alive on the page in full colour.

The style and language of the era is kept, taking the reader back to a time full of outdoor escapades and independence. Danger awaits them and working together brings an exciting ending.

A fantastic way to introduce classic stories for children to a whole new audience.

Author – Enid Blyton

Illustrator – Béja

Graphic Novel text – Nataël

Age – 7+

Read a review for another Enid Blyton Graphic Novel Adventure (Click on the Cover)

(2022, Hachette, Hodder Books, Action, Adventure, Animals, Courage, Family, Historical, Mystery, Secret, Cousins, Classic, Greed, Danger, Island, Castle, Gold, Shipwreck, Series)

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The Famous Five Series - Enid Blyton

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The Famous Five Series - Enid Blyton Reviews

Enid Blyton's Famous Five series is a beloved classic of children's literature that has been captivating readers for generations. The series follows the adventures of four cousins, Julian, Dick, George and Anne, and their trusty dog Timmy, as they solve mysteries and uncover secrets in the idyllic English countryside.

Blyton's writing style is simple yet engaging, drawing readers into the world of the Famous Five with ease. Her vivid descriptions of the lush landscapes and quaint villages of rural England transport readers to a bygone era of innocence and adventure.

What sets the Famous Five series apart is its timeless appeal. Despite being written over 70 years ago, the stories remain as fresh and exciting as ever, appealing to both young and old readers alike. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the themes of loyalty, bravery, and friendship are universal.

Furthermore, the Famous Five series provides an excellent introduction to the mystery genre for young readers, as the stories are full of clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Overall, Enid Blyton's Famous Five series is a true classic of children's literature that has stood the test of time. Its charming characters, thrilling plots, and timeless themes make it a must-read for any young reader looking for adventure and excitement.

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The Famous Five Series by Enid Blyton is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of generations of readers around the world. The series follows the adventures of a group of four children, Julian, Dick, Anne, and George(who is actually a girl), and their dog, Timmy. What makes this series so enjoyable is the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and friendship. Each book is a thrilling tale of the Five's escapades as they solve mysteries, uncover secret hideouts, and foil the plans of devious villains. Along the way, they learn the value of teamwork, loyalty, and bravery, while also having lots of fun. Enid Blyton's writing style is simple and engaging, making the books easy to read and perfect for children of all ages. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their interactions and relationships are heartwarming and realistic. Overall, The Famous Five Series is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure and mystery. Enid Blyton's timeless tales of friendship and exploration will capture the imagination of readers young and old, and leave them eager to join the Famous Five on their next adventure.

I loved The Famous Five when I was a kid, so I had to read it again. And I liked it just as much the second time around. The book is really well written, just like the other books in the series. It kept me interested throughout and I found myself rooting for George and his friends.

The Famous Five series is an English children's novel series by English author, Enid Blyton. It follows the adventures of five pre-teenage children who live in the fictional town of Kirrin, near London. These include George; a lively and individualistic boy, brilliant with engines and repairs but less so with schoolwork; his sister Anne; a clever girl who dreams of being an author; their dog Timmy.

YOUR RATING ON

This is the wonderful book . This book is written by Enid Blyton the world famous adventure writer . There are five main characters in this two boys Julian , Dick one dog Timothy and two girls Anne GlorgiaThere are 21 adventures there names are five on treasure Island , five fall into adventure , etc

I will suggest you toread this book you will enjoy it too .

This series of famous Five is my very loved collection.They really takes us into the story, makes us feel it.It is a really good book for teenagers

Well this book was written by the famous Enid Blyton ( enid mary blyton)

Her books have been among the world's best sellers since 1930s selling over 600 million copies.

Enid wrote children stories.

Well the idea and theme is mostly around the early and mid 20th century.

Not a great theme these days as the time frame is a lot different

The series famous five mostly revolves around a group of friends and a dog.

These group of ruffians go around solving mysteries and what not.

A mosr common plot in todays time. Though even kids becomes detectives thats stupid.

Famous five is not according to the standards of todays time

The biggest fault would be the english speech written in original series which is way behind modern day slangs and speech.

In the end I would recommend not trying this series, even if you have to give it a try go with the reprinted version.

The book named The famous five series was written by Enid Blyton in the year. 1942 The story is about a family with a cousin and a dog called Timothy. There are five of them all together which make up the famous five.

There are three boys named as Dick, Julian, Timothy. And there are two girls named as Anne and Georgia. Anne is a person with helpful mind, sensible and funny. Georgia likes to be a boy, sometimes she is bad tempered but then other times she is nice and delight according to Julian.

Their good cook is ill and they got a horrible replacement. They need to escape from her so they grab some water and food and run away to George's Island.

When they get there they find something. I will not reveal that "Something" because that opens the suspense of the story. We will be eagerly waiting for what will be happening in the next chapter.

I could consider this book for the author's imagination in creating various situations, plans, and ideas which make us to know what happens in the next upcoming chapters.

This book is completely very suitable for children who can adopt themselves as the characters in those stories. It will help them to create a sense of right or wrong, introduce them with the world of various criminals and troubles we meet unexpectedly find ourselves in.

This book is especially about the importance of joy of friendship whose significance is presented excellently. I will strongly recommend everyone especially children to read this book.!

It is most adventurus series of stories.It has five main characters who tolerate whole story.I like this series most.It is famous all around the world. This series of stories have lots of adventure. Everyone who reads the stories of this series enjoys a lot.As its name is Famous Five, like its name it is really very famous all around the world. It is most sutibale for teens, child group between 12 to 16.

Famous Five  Series is one of my favourite book written by Enid Blyton which has interesting adventurer story for kids.

The story contains mainly four characters George, Julian, Anni, Dick and Timmy(Dog).

It is an adventure novel which is about the problems and challenges faced by these five characters during adventures, Julian is the main character who takes care of his cousins. This book is full of emotions and adventure experience as it move on to next.

The authors is my favourite  from my childhood which is famous for his adventure stories and recall my childhood memories.

It makes you read completely once you start reading the book.

Even children can read this book and understand easily due to simple english.

Adventure story lovers can read and feel the real experience of the characters in this book. I guarantee you this book will fulfil you by its story and adventures.

Hope my review will help you to make to read this book to feel real adventure.

The Famous Five series is one of my most favorite series written by Enid Blyton. Its main

characters are four kids Julian, Anne, Dick, George and the dog Timmy. It is an adventure novel describing all the troubles

and mischief the kids get into and how they deal with all these problems. It has a lot of mystery,

adventure, treasure hunting all written in a very easily readable manner and you just can't keep the book down before

finishing it.

The author Enid Blyton has given an adventurous series novels for young kids.

It is very interesting.

It was written from the perspective of children.

It is in a simple language that can be understood by everyone.

The story has lots of twists and mysteries which enhances our curiosity,

The series revolves around five characters, how they solve different mysteries related to different crimes and lost treasures .

These stories are very creative.

It is a good gift not only to young children but also to adults.

It is very adventurous and while we read, we feel like sitting at the corner of the seat.

Every character was portrayed very well which attracts our hearts.

This book can be gifted to anybody irrespective of any age groups.

The famous Five is Enid Blyton's one of the famous book.

These stories makes expecting what next while reading. It is very exciting and thrilling.

The adults and kids both enjoying the story.The author makes the story more adventures and interesting.

You can't close the book without reading the climax.The kids characters are narrated so good.

I also involve into the character while reading.This is the best mystery book I recomand.

This book famous five series written by one of my favourite author enid blyton.these book is full adventegers.it is one of the greatest adventegous book I have ever read.it is adventegous and great experience.this book revolves about the five characters namely julian, dick, anne and george and the dog.julian the most and the main character in this story who takes cares of his cousins and siblings.

It is all about the problems and challenges faced by this five during the advantageous.the follow this author from my childhood.she has written many books which are full adventegous and this one is the best among all of them.I recomment everyone to read this book its great experience and you will feel nice and enjoy a lot.

Enid Blyton was an awesome writer.

She wrote a series of adventurous novels which helped us to grow up into very imaginative individuals. As a child I was always eager to read her novels. She was best known for her Famous Five series.

This series includes four kids named Julian, Dick, Anne and George and a dog named Timmy. The series is full of adventures and how the famous five deal with all the problems while on the adventure. Julian being the oldest of them takes care of his cousins and siblings. Enid Blyton has actually endowed us with a boon for childhood.

Famous five is an all time favourite of mine and a million other adventure lovers who have experienced the endless joy of reading.This book has a special place in my heart specially because of it's author who reminds me of my childhood days when I would have died to read a book of the first favorite author of my life.Though I have a lot of authors in my favorite list today, Enid Blyton continues to be my best.maybe because of the joy that this name used to stir in me as a child.Similar to all his books that I have come across, the famous five series takes the reader to a completely different world of mixed up emotions and experiences as we move on from one adventure to the next.the book within seconds completely owns the reader's mind and he transforms to one among the characters of the story.If you are an adventure lover, this book can guarantee you the complete adventurous experience you have been looking for.

Enid Blyton has done a wonderful job penning down these books. The Famous Five is a series of many books each with a very interesting story. It is a wonderfully staged book and you get completely engrossed reading it. The set up of the story and flow is very good. It feels as though you are one of the characters. It is a suspense thriller for kids. The stories are so addictive that you cant sleep without finishing the story. I am an adult and still some times I pick up this book to read!

First the story of the book there are thrilling stories the book is a big time killer the characters and scenes are magnificent the story is very nice while reading you will be so curious to know what happens next the famous five have a mystery to solve the book is so nice that I cant say with words please buy the book and enjoy it . first time when I saw the book I thought that the book good but after reading the book my suggestion is that it is really really goos

One that not lets you sleep at night without reading the climax of the story.

It is pretty good the way the author keeps you engrossed in the tale. A Must read novel.basically I like the concept of the five going on a vacation and never failing to find an adventure and exploring other worlds.

I did recommend this book for kids as these were my favourite as a kid and I can't imagine never having them as a part of my life.

With all the secret passages and treasure hunts, the book has a real power to keep a 12 year old on his study table eager to finish the story.

In comparision to other mystery thrillers it does not hold the "best in lot" title but it does give you a good entertainment.

This book gives the true essence of adventure and mystery. The four kids and the dog have a mind blowing time on the whispering island, A place which was forgotten long ago, now has the treasure of the nation . The children are in the middle of an unwanted adventure.The author has been successful in creating suspense through out the book.This is a must read book for all of us.and has no age limit.i experienced immense pleasure while reading this book and I think you all should experience the essence

The Famous Five is the name of a series of children's adventure novels written by English author Enid Blyton. I loved this series as a child devoured several books in a row each holiday. I couldn't wait to go to the Library and exchange one stack of books for another . This series is an oldie but a goodie. Some elements of the story may be a bit dated now, especially technology, but the adventures more than make up for it. You can't resist the boyish charm of George /Georgina, her stubborness and courage. No that other children aren't competent or ingenious, but she's my favourite.

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Our famous five were not fond of eating any junk food. They liked to eat healthy food. How do you know this?

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The Famous Five: Is Uncle Quentin Based on a Real Inventor?

Hulu’s ‘The Famous Five’ is an adventure show centering around a group of kids who seek out mysteries to solve over the course of a holiday. The narrative follows young siblings Dick, Anne, and Julian Barnard, who visit their cousin, George, for summer vacation and pick up on her knack for landing in troublesome scenarios. Consequently, the kids, accompanied by George’s ever-curious dog , Timmy, find themselves constantly crossing paths with one puzzle or the other.

While the story shines heightened focus on the young characters, charting their thrilling tales of mystery-solving, a few older characters still manage to retain narrative significance. George’s father, Uncle Quentin, is one such character whose penchant for inventions ends up delivering the Barnard family to a villain’s tightly woven nefarious plot. Thus, considering the in-universe relevance of Quentin’s invention, one can’t help but wonder if the inventor possesses a basis in reality. SPOILERS AHEAD!

Quentin Barnard-Kirrin: A Literary Character Brought to The Screen

Due to the literary roots of ‘The Famous Five’ in Enid Blyton’s eponymous book series from the 1940s-60s, the Hulu show inherits most of its characters from the author’s various works. As a result, Quentin Barnard-Kirrin, George’s father and uncle to the Barnard siblings, possesses similar origins in Blyton’s mystery stories. Much like the show, Quentin also plays a secondary role in the novel as one of the mundane adults best left undisturbed by the kids. Within the books, the character also sees mentions as Quentin Kirrin— sharing his wife, Aunt Fanny’s last name.

Even in Blyton’s work, the character remains defined through his eclectic science-related profession, wherein he dedicates his time to various inventions. The same becomes an instrumental plot point within the series’ second novel, ‘Five Go Adventuring Again,’ which revolves around an outsider’s ploy to steal one of Quentin’s inventions. The show borrows a similar plot point for the mystery spanning episodes 2 and 3. In the show, Quentin invents a device capable of solving high-level problems, including complex arithmetic operations.

Thus, within the story’s pre-World War II narrative, Quentin’s device becomes the object of military interest, bringing British Intelligence Agents and German villains to the family’s doorsteps. In reality, there isn’t a record of an inventor named Quentin Barnard/Kirrin, who created a device that ended up aiding British forces in the Second World War. Therefore, the show’s plot line about Quentin’s invention, which brings the central characters on an international adventure, remains confined to the fictionality of ‘The Famous Five.’ For the same reason, Quentin, the inventor, similarly becomes a fictional element in the story.

Through Quentin’s addition, the show presents a unique aspect of childhood, depicting the contrast between the kids’ imaginative world and the adults’ lack of belief. Furthermore, his parental concern often becomes a hurdle in George and her cousins’ paths, compelling them to break a few rules to undertake their increasingly dangerous missions. Therefore, Quentin’s character adds an authentic element of challenging authority within the kids-driven show. While the same leaves Quentin to fulfill a stereotypical role, it allows a sense of realism within the young characters’ narratives.

Interestingly, James Lance’s Unce Quentin isn’t the first on-screen rendition of the character to feature in a ‘The Famous Five’ television show. Out of the three television adaptations of Blyton’s novels, two of the live-action series, the 1978’s ‘The Famous Five’ and 1995’s identically titled show, both include Uncle Quentin’s character in varying degrees. Thus, the character ends up retaining notable connections in literature and other media. Nevertheless, Uncle Quentin’s storyline as an inventor lacks a basis in reality, rendering him an entirely fictitious character.

Read More: Is Timmy The Dog a Real Dog? Is He CGI?

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How to watch The Famous Five? All viewing options explored

The Famous Five , based on the iconic book series by Enid Blyton, premiered on May 31, 2024. The series brings viewers back to the adventures of Julian, Anne, Dick, George, and their dog Timmy. They are known to be a brave group of kids who solve mysteries that even the adults can't figure out. Kids have loved these stories as they are full of exciting adventures and mysterious events.

The Famous Five on Hulu stars Diaana Babnicova as George, Elliott Rose as Julian, Kit Rakusen as Dick, and Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne, alongside a talented supporting cast. The series reimagines Enid Blyton's classic children's books.

The first season consists of six episodes that are available on Hulu, each a new mystery, exploring themes of bravery, friendship, and teamwork. The show is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and produced by Sophie MacClancy among other co-producers.

Where can you stream The Famous Five ?

As mentioned, the series premiered on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. ET in the US. All six episodes have been released simultaneously.

The series is available to stream on Hulu, where viewers can enjoy all six episodes of the children's mystery and adventure. People require a subscription to the streaming site to watch.

The six-episode long series will be featured on Hulu as per their contract with the streaming site. There are no other streaming platforms offering to view this series currently.

Hulu offers an ad-supported streaming plan for $7.99/month or $79.99/year, with a special rate for students at $1.99/month. Their no-ads version is available for $17.99/month. Hulu also provides Live TV options, starting at $75.99/month for Live TV only, up to $89.99/month for a bundle that includes Hulu (No Ads), Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads).

Cast of The Famous Five

The cast for this series has been picked to match the personalities of these well-loved characters. Diaana Babnicova, who plays George, is known for her role in Little Darlings . She is set to bring spirit and a touch of toughness to George, which in turn will make her a key part of the group's adventures.

Elliott Rose, who was featured in The Northman , plays Julian. He will be taking on the role of the group's leader. As per his past roles, fans are confident that he can bring out Julian's brave and bold nature.

Kit Rakusen, seen recently in Consecration , will be Dick. Kit has shown he can play a variety of characters, and as Dick is expected to add some humor and quick thinking to the mix.

Flora Jacoby Richardson, who appeared on The One Show , is Anne. She's expected to explore Anne's practical side, important for keeping the group focused and on track.

The show also includes a strong supporting cast with Ann Akinjirin, James Lance, Diana Quick, Ed Speleers, and Nora Arnezeder. Each of these actors brings their unique style to the show and adds richness to the world of The Famous Five .

What is The Famous Five about?

The Famous Five on Hulu brings to life the classic tales written by Enid Blyton about a group of four kids- Julian, Dick, Anne, and George- and their dog Timmy. The characters are a daring bunch who aren't afraid to tackle mysteries.

Every episode takes them to beautiful places where they find a new mystery waiting, filled with a mix of danger, secrets, and laughs.

The series shows how the children and Timmy use their courage and clever thinking to dig up secrets wherever they go. They pick up valuable lessons on friendship, trust, and teamwork along the way, alongside cracking cases.

With its modern twist, Hulu's version of The Famous Five updates the setting and style but keeps the heartwarming and adventurous spirit of the original stories. It features a new group of actors who bring these beloved characters to life for today's audience. The show is made for both fans of the books and newcomers, which in turn, could make it perfect for family viewing.

The Best Books of the Year (So Far)

The nonfiction and novels we can’t stop thinking about.

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By The New York Times Books Staff

• May 24, 2024

Fiction | Nonfiction

We’re almost halfway through 2024 and we at The Book Review have already written about hundreds of books. Some of those titles are good. Some are very good. And then there are the following.

We suspect that some (though certainly not all) will be top of mind when we publish our end-of-year, best-of lists. For more thoughts on what to read next, head to our book recommendation page .

James , by Percival Everett

In this reworking of the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River, is the narrator, and he recounts the classic tale in a language that is his own, with surprising details that reveal a far more resourceful, cunning and powerful character than we knew.

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Good Material , by Dolly Alderton

Alderton’s novel, about a 35-year-old struggling to make sense of a breakup, delivers the most delightful aspects of romantic comedy — snappy dialogue, realistic relationship dynamics, funny meet-cutes and misunderstandings — and leaves behind clichéd gender roles and the traditional marriage plot.

Martyr! , by Kaveh Akbar

A young Iranian American aspiring poet and recovering addict grieves his parents’ deaths while fantasizing about his own in Akbar’s remarkable first novel, which, haunted by death, also teems with life — in the inventive beauty of its sentences, the vividness of its characters and the surprising twists of its plot.

The Hunter , by Tana French

For Tana French fans, every one of the thriller writer’s twisty, ingenious books is an event. This one, a sequel to “The Searcher,” once again sees the retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper, a perennial outsider in the Irish west-country hamlet of Ardnakelty, caught up in the crimes — seen and unseen — that eat at the seemingly picturesque village.

Wandering Stars , by Tommy Orange

This follow-up to Orange’s debut, “There There,” is part prequel and part sequel; it trails the young survivor of a 19th-century massacre of Native Americans, chronicling not just his harsh fate but those of his descendants. In its second half, the novel enters 21st-century Oakland, following the family in the aftermath of a shooting.

Headshot , by Rita Bullwinkel

Set at a women’s boxing tournament in Reno, Nev., this novel centers on eight contestants, and the fights — physical and emotional — they bring to the ring. As our critic wrote: This story’s impact “lasts a long time, like a sharp fist to your shoulder.”

Beautyland , by Marie-Helene Bertino

In 1970s Philadelphia, an alien girl sent to Earth before she’s born communicates with her fellow life-forms via fax as she helps gather intel about whether our planet is habitable. This funny-sad novel follows the girl and her single mother as they find the means to persevere.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder , by Salman Rushdie

In his candid, plain-spoken and gripping new memoir, Rushdie recalls the attempted assassination he survived in 2022 during a presentation about keeping the world’s writers safe from harm. His attacker had piranhic energy. He also had a knife. Rushdie lost an eye, but he has slowly recovered thanks to the attentive care of doctors and the wife he celebrates here.

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis , by Jonathan Blitzer

This urgent and propulsive account of Latin American politics and immigration makes a persuasive case for a direct line from U.S. foreign policy in Central America to the current migrant crisis.

The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook , by Hampton Sides

By the time he made his third Pacific voyage, the British explorer James Cook had maybe begun to lose it a little. The scientific aims of his first two trips had shifted into something darker. According to our reviewer, the historian Hampton Sides “isn’t just interested in retelling an adventure tale. He also wants to present it from a 21st-century point of view. ‘The Wide Wide Sea’ fits neatly into a growing genre that includes David Grann’s ‘ The Wager ’ and Candice Millard’s ‘ River of the Gods ,’ in which famous expeditions, once told as swashbuckling stories of adventure, are recast within the tragic history of colonialism .”

The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon , by Adam Shatz

This absorbing biography of the Black psychiatrist, writer and revolutionary Frantz Fanon highlights a side of him that’s often eclipsed by his image as a zealous partisan — that of the caring doctor, who ran a secret clinic for Algerian rebels.

Fi: A Memoir , by Alexandra Fuller

In her fifth memoir, Fuller describes the sudden death of her 21-year-old son. Devastating as this elegant and honest account may be — it’s certainly not for the faint of heart — it also leaves the reader with a sense of having known a lovely and lively young man.

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

John S. Jacobs was a fugitive, an abolitionist — and the brother of the canonical author Harriet Jacobs. Now, his own fierce autobiography has re-emerged .

Don DeLillo’s fascination with terrorism, cults and mass culture’s weirder turns has given his work a prophetic air. Here are his essential books .

Jenny Erpenbeck’s “ Kairos ,” a novel about a torrid love affair in the final years of East Germany, won the International Booker Prize , the renowned award for fiction translated into English.

Kevin Kwan, the author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” left Singapore’s opulent, status-obsessed, upper crust when he was 11. He’s still writing about it .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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The Famous Five - Miniseries

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Streaming, rent, or buy The Famous Five – Season 1:

Currently you are able to watch "The Famous Five - Season 1" streaming on Hulu.

S1 E1 - The Curse of Kirrin Island

S1 e2 - peril on the night train, s1 e3 - the eye of the sunrise, where does the famous five rank today the justwatch daily streaming charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. this includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. this includes data from ~1.3 million movie & tv show fans per day..

Streaming charts last updated: 1:16:13 AM, 06/03/2024

The Famous Five is 1217 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The TV show has moved up the charts by 83 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than Case Histories but less popular than Our Flag Means Death.

Streaming Charts The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

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