Enid Mary Blyton was an English children's writer who gained international fame as a pioneering author in this genre. Known under the pseudonym Mary Pollock, Blyton was one of the most successful children's storytellers of the twentieth century.

Biography: Born on 11 August 1897, Blyton's literary career began with the publication of her first book, Child Whispers, a collection of poems, in 1922. Her prominence grew with the success of early novels such as Adventures of the Wishing-Chair (1937) and The Enchanted Wood (1939). Her writing was unplanned and spontaneous, contributing to her prolific output, sometimes reaching fifty books a year. Despite rumours, Blyton denied employing ghostwriters.

Legacy and Controversy: Blyton's books have sold over 600 million copies globally and have been translated into 90 languages. Some of her most beloved works include the Noddy, Famous Five, Secret Seven, and Malory Towers series. While immensely popular, her work faced criticism for perceived simplicity and outdated themes, leading to bans in some schools and libraries. However, adapted versions of her stories continue to appeal across generations.

Blyton was a staunch advocate for animal and children’s charities, using her influence to encourage young readers to support worthwhile causes. Her life and influence were dramatized in the BBC television film Enid in 2009.