Enid Blyton's Storytime Book
Enid Blyton
📚 Genre
Children's Fiction, Short Story Collection
🏢 Publisher
Dean & Son Ltd.
📅 Publication Year
Circa 1963 (Original edition published in 1963)
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-dates ISBN system)
About This Book
A collection of short stories for young children written by the prolific British author Enid Blyton. The stories typically feature themes of childhood adventure, morality, and magic. The cover art depicts a young boy and girl walking down a street with a dog, reflecting the wholesome mid-century aesthetic characteristic of Dean & Son publications from this era.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
Approximately 180-190 pages
Edition
Hardcover, Illustrated Edition
Series
Standalone story collection; similar in format to the 'Dean's Reward' or 'Gold Star' series of Blyton books.
Target Audience
Children (approx. ages 5-9)
Collector Information
Condition
Good/Fair. Significant shelf wear on the edges and corners. The laminate on the cover is peeling and shows surface scratches. Spine leaning slightly with bumping at the head and foot.
Estimated Value
$10-$20 USD
Rarity
Common. These Dean & Son editions were produced in massive quantities during the 1960s and 1970s and are frequently found in second-hand shops.
Historical Significance
Enid Blyton remains one of the world's best-selling children's authors. Books like this were staple reading for British and Commonwealth children in the mid-20th century, though some titles have since faced scrutiny for dated social attitudes.
Collector Notes
Collectibility is limited due to the mass-produced nature of Dean editions. Value is heavily tied to the condition of the pictorial boards, which are prone to laminate peeling (as seen here). To preserve, store away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading and avoid humid environments to prevent foxing of the acidic paper typical of this publisher.
Similar Books
The Enid Blyton Book of Bunnies by Enid Blyton, The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton, Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley
Notable Features
Includes numerous black and white illustrations throughout by various artists; features the iconic Dean logo on the lower spine corner.