Bulldog to Rep Enid Blyton

British children’s author adds agent ahead of The Famous Five’s 75th anniversary.

Bulldog Licensing has been appointed to represent the estate of children’s author Enid Blyton.

A new licensing program will launch next year and will initially focus on The Famous Five, which celebrates its 75th anniversary next year, using a style guide including the original illustrations by Eileen Soper. Bulldog will then look to expand The Secret Seven and other titles in the estate.

“Enid Blyton occupies a very special place in British culture and her work is familiar to millions across all age groups,” says Rob Corney, managing director, Bulldog. “This gives us a very strong platform and we’re looking to develop ranges that appeal to adults who grew up with the books, as well as children discovering them for the first time.”

Blyton is regularly featured in the top 10 list of best-selling authors in the U.K. and, according to UNESCO, is the most translated children’s author in the world.

“Working with Bulldog, we intend to extend the charm, friendliness and magic of Enid Blyton beyond her classic books to other licensees,” says Katie Price, licensing director, The Hachette Children’s Group. “Next year’s 75th anniversary of The Famous Five provides the perfect moment for Bulldog to launch an initial range of nostalgia products for the adult gift market using Eileen Soper’s iconic artwork, which naturally lends itself to categories including vintage gifts, stationery, greeting cards, calendars and homeware.”