My First Book as a Child

I never expected a book to change everything. At ten years old, I wasn’t a reader—at least, not in the way other kids were. My bedroom was filled with posters of old movie stars, all of them frozen in time, staring down at me as I sat on my bed, wondering what else the world had to offer. I didn’t know it yet, but that book—the one my friend raved about—would be the key to unlocking everything.

She had already read it, her eyes wide with excitement as she spoke of the adventures inside. The Famous Five, she called it by Enid Blyton, and her words were laced with something I hadn’t heard before. Passion. She insisted it was the best thing she’d ever read.

I was skeptical, but I could never resist a good challenge. I had to know what all the fuss was about. So, I borrowed the book from her, bringing it home, where the quiet of my bedroom wrapped around me like a blanket. I hesitated for a moment—books had always been a bit intimidating to me—but something in the air seemed to whisper that this would be different.

I opened the first page, and from there, everything changed.

The world of The Famous Five unfolded before me like a treasure chest. Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog—so bold, so daring. Their adventures felt like they could have been mine. I devoured each page with the hunger of someone who had just discovered a new, untapped world. They weren’t just characters. They were friends, and their bravery made me believe that anything was possible.

Each winter afternoon, as the cold crept in and the days grew shorter, I would rush home from school. My black shoes clattered against the pavement, and I couldn’t wait to get inside. As soon as I was through the door, I’d slip off my coat, put my bag down, and hurry to my bedroom. The posters of old movie stars on my walls didn’t even register. I had a new world to enter, and nothing else mattered.

I’d settle on my bed with the book in hand, the chill of the room hardly noticeable as I became absorbed in the lives of the Famous Five. I was no longer just a girl sitting in a room; I was a part of their adventures. I felt their courage, their excitement, their curiosity. With every page, I was swept away, living vicariously through their exploits, wishing I could be as bold, as brave, as clever.

Here's a quote from Five on a Hike Together, one of the books in the Famous Five series:

"'Oh, I do like adventures!’ said Anne, with a happy smile. ‘But I do wish they didn’t always have to be so dangerous!’"

This captures the spirit of the Famous Five—the thrill of adventure, mixed with a bit of hesitation and the charm of Anne’s character.

From Five on Treasure Island:

"'I say,' said Julian, ‘this is the best kind of holiday we’ve ever had!’"

From Five Go to Smuggler’s Top:

"'We’ll just have to take things as they come,’ said George, 'and make the best of them!'"

I didn’t stop at one book. The moment I finished, I was already reaching for the next. The Famous Five became my world. With every book, I grew more immersed, more certain that this was my path—that reading and writing would one day be my escape, my home. It wasn’t just the stories that captivated me; it was the feeling of possibility they sparked within me. I went on to read more books written by Enid Blyton. Her stories had given me hope for the future, excitement, and much more.

In the years that followed, I carried those adventures with me, and though the world outside my window grew more complex, challenging, I always had The Famous Five to remind me that there was magic in the ordinary. That adventure wasn’t just something you read about—it was something you could live, if you dared to dream.

The History of The Famous Five

Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five series is a beloved collection of children’s adventure books that has captivated generations of young readers since the first book, Five on a Treasure Island, was published in 1942. The series follows the exciting escapades of four children—Julian, Dick, Anne, and their cousin George (short for Georgina, who prefers to be seen as a boy)—and George’s loyal dog, Timmy. Together, they form the "Famous Five," a group of curious, brave, and fiercely independent children who repeatedly find themselves caught up in thrilling mysteries during their school holidays.

Set primarily in the English countryside, the stories are filled with secret passages, smugglers’ caves, ruined castles, and mysterious islands. These richly imagined settings provide a backdrop for fast-paced plots that combine danger, detective work, and the triumph of good over evil. Each book presents a standalone mystery, yet the consistent group dynamic and recurring themes—freedom, exploration, justice, and loyalty—create a strong sense of familiarity and continuity.

Blyton’s writing is straightforward and engaging, perfectly tailored for young readers, though modern audiences sometimes critique the series for outdated social norms and gender roles. Nevertheless, the books remain enduring classics due to their spirit of adventure, the strength of the friendships portrayed, and the nostalgic depiction of a simpler time.

What makes The Famous Five particularly compelling is its ability to empower young readers. The children solve problems without adult interference, make their own decisions, and navigate danger with courage and cleverness. This autonomy is both exciting and affirming, making young readers feel capable and brave.

With twenty-one books in the series, Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five has left a lasting impact on children’s literature, inspiring countless readers to embrace imagination, independence, and a love for mystery.

The Author

Enid Blyton was a prolific and beloved British author best known for her children's books, which have been translated into more than 90 languages and sold over 600 million copies worldwide. Born on August 11, 1897, in East Dulwich, London, Blyton showed an early interest in writing and storytelling. She began her career as a teacher before becoming a full-time writer in the 1920s.

Her work spans a wide range of genres, including adventure, mystery, fantasy, and school stories. Some of her most famous series include The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, Malory Towers, and The Faraway Tree. Blyton’s storytelling is known for its fast pace, imaginative plots, and strong sense of morality, often highlighting themes such as friendship, courage, and justice.

Despite immense popularity, her work has faced criticism for dated language and stereotypical portrayals, yet she remains a significant figure in children’s literature. Her books continue to be reprinted and adapted for television and radio, introducing new generations to her stories.

Enid Blyton died on November 28, 1968, but her legacy lives. Her stories have shaped childhoods for decades, including my own, encouraging a love of reading and a spirit of adventure in many young minds around the world.

Looking back now, it seems almost impossible that such a simple thing—borrowed book, a friend’s excited recommendation—could set me on a journey of discovery. But it did. In the pages of that first book, I found not just adventure, but the beginning of my own story. It was bliss for me, and it didn't just end there because I went on to read more engrossing books as I grew older.

What was the first book you read as a child?