Pure Nostalgia - Rated 
This has to be one of the best books I ever read as a child and I'm so glad to have re discovered it. Even now, reading Secret Island again, I'm making my plans with Jack, Peggy, Mike and Nora. (Sorry, but nowadays, I'd have to pack more blankets!) Today's children are cocooned in a fast food, overtly safety conscious, politically correct, hi-tech virtual reality culture. Let's break free and sail across the lake unsupervised, explore caves, construct a shelter from willow branches, grow our own vegetables, build a fire and eat wild strawberries. This story is gloriously free not only of greenfly, but also of the deep psychological insights, tragedy and trauma that seem to have tipped the scales of worthy children's literature. There is a place on the shelves for adventure stories which, although idealistic, evoke a 'never-never land' time of innocence, the joy of making do and simple human decency in the face of wrong. Pure childhood nostalgia.
Inspiring children's book - Rated
My 8 year old daughter loved this book. Enid Blyton manages to make the utterly unrealistic seem completely plausible. Four children manage to live in secret on an island when they escape from their cold-hearted relatives. They even bring over a cow and some hens! They have the most wonderful time, build a house and plant their own crops. They eat the strangest meals but they always sound delicious. They stay one step ahead of the grown-ups and are endlessly resourceful. Complete escapism for children.
Read this one to your kids! - Rated
I started by reading my kids my favourite childhood Enid Blyton book 'The Faraway Tree' - it was such a hit with them that I have been going through all the books I remember by her.
The Secret Island was one that I never read as a child so I have had as much fun as them reading it.
The best thing about her books is that one chapter a night is the perfect length to read out loud to your kids.
I have a 7 yr old boy and a 3 yr old girl and they both enjoy her books.
Don't think that a book like this is irrelevant to todays kids either - The Secret Island is about a group of kids surviving on an Island alone - what could be more relevant today than self sufficiency, recycling and eco - living?????
I reccomend this one - as well as The Faraway Tree series and Wishing Chair series - I guarantee you that Mummy and Daddy will be fighting over who's turn it is to read the next chapter!!!!
My favourite childhood book. - Rated
I read this book obsessively when I was younger. I enjoyed the others in the series (although Paul got on my nerves) but this is undoubtedly my favourite. I've looked everywhere for it for years, having somehow lost my (admittedly battered) copy, and I was delighted to find it on Amazon. We'll just have to see if it lives up to the nostalgia.
The best book ever! - Rated
This is the very best book I've ever read. This book shaped and developed and encouraged my love of nature, wilderness, survival and escapism. It is truly a wonderful book.
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