're GrannyGravy's reference to Enid Blyton: earlier this month it was my granddaughter's 7th birthday and she asked me for some "nice books". I went into that well known high street bookshop that begins with W and searched the shelves for some of the Famous Five books. None to be found anywhere. I asked the assistant if she could point me in the right direction and she told me, rather sniffily, that they didn't have any in stock, but could order them if I wanted, but they "were promoting a better quality of children's authors than Enid Blyton". That felt like censorship to me and I said so and left the shop. Next shop was that other retailer who sells card, stationary and books. They had a good selection of Enid Blyton books and I bought 3.
I've just finished reading one of the Famous Five stories to my granddaughter and it struck me just how far seeing and ahead of her time Enid Blyton was. First written in 1942, the stories feature a girl who is clearly transgender (George); a boy who isn't the stereotypical male and isn't afraid to say he's frightened (Dick) and a girl who, despite being timid and nervous is actually as strong and determined as the others when under pressure (Ann).
So why are Enid Blytons books looked at rather sneeringly? They might not be high brow literature but they were a damned good read for avid young readers to enjoy. And ahead of their time too.