Search icon

Life

22nd Oct 2014

Popular Childhood Books Set For the Big Screen

Call us big kids but we are VERY excited about this.

Cathy Donohue

We were brought right back to our childhoods this morning after hearing that Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree series is set for the cinema.

If like us, you’re a fan of the author, you’re sure to remember vivid and interesting characters such as Silky, Moonface, Saucepan Man and Dame Washalot.

The four books written by Blyton between 1939 and 1951 follow the adventures of Jo, Bessie and Fanny as they discover the Magic Faraway Tree.

The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree and Up the Faraway Tree are to be adapted into a live action film by Neal Street Productions, a company co-founded by director Sam Mendes.

The_Magic_Faraway_Tree
The Magic Faraway Tree is to hit the big screen

Pippa Harris, who founded the company with Sam, said: “The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children’s books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations. To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting”.

Neal Street Productions have previously made Revolutionary Road, an-Oscar nominated film, TV series Call the Midwife and Penny Dreadful and they are also responsible for the stage production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

One of the most popular children’s authors of all time, Enid Blyton passed away in 1968. According to The Guardian, her books have sold over 500 million copies in 40 languages worldwide.

Popperfoto. The Book. Volume 1. Page: 75. Picture: 5. Enid Blyton, Writer of children's stories. Pic; 14th November 1957.
Enid Blyton died in 1968