First edition. 8vo. Two-tone blue pictorial boards in the pictorial dustwrapper. The half title contains a printed "This book belongs to" box which is inscribed by Enid Blyton, "Happy Birthday! Sian Baverstock much love from Granny". There is also a later signature of "Mrs Baverstock". Black and white illustrations throughout, some with a single colour overlay, by Burgess Sharrocks. A very good copy of the book in a good dustwrapper, some general wear and tape strengthening to the rear. A delightful association, inscribed by Blyton to her Granddaughter.

Born in 1931, Gillian Baverstock (née Pollock) was Enid Blyton's first child. In an article for "Teacher's World" Blyton wrote, "...I am so pleased that a baby has come to live with me, because you all know how much I love boys and girls - and it is lovely to have one that really belongs to me and not to some other mother and father...". Four years later Imogen was born and Enid's family was complete. As the girls grew up Enid Blyton wrote stories that appealed to children of her daughters' age. She would test out plots and ideas on the girls and ask them to proof read the books. Her own children's favourite stories would usually prove to be those most popular with other young readers. Many of Enid Blyton's stories were based on her own or her daughter's experiences, with school stories featuring snapshots of daily life gleaned from Gillian and Imogen, "games of hockey, lacrosse and tennis, the little spites and deceits of school life, the loyalty and generosities of friendship".
The birth of Sian, Gillian's daughter and Enid Blyton's first grandchild, coincided with the publication of this book and hence the touching dedication.
After Enid Blyton's death in 1968, Gillian took a great interest in her mother's estate and writings. She became curator of many of her mother's belongings, including typescripts and books.
When Gillian died in 2007 her collection was auctioned in Ilkley, Yorkshire. This book comes from Gillian's estate.

PROVENANCE: From the library of Sian Baverstock (1958-2006); then the collection of Gillian Baverstock (1931-2007)

Stock ID: 28051