Little Noddy Goes to Toyland

by Enid Blyton
Little Noddy Goes to Toyland cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 3224
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
independent.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
nostalgic 4.50

The reviewer reflects on the enduring appeal of Enid Blyton's books, particularly the Famous Five and Secret Seven series, which have captivated generations of readers. They highlight the nostalgic value and the sense of adventure these books provide, making them timeless classics.

Enid Blyton's books, especially the Famous Five and Secret Seven series, have left an indelible mark on generations of readers. The reviewer recalls the sense of adventure and the nostalgic value these books hold, making them timeless classics that continue to captivate young readers. The enduring appeal of Blyton's stories lies in their ability to transport readers to a world of excitement and mystery, fostering a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. The reviewer also notes the cultural impact of these books, which have become a staple in many childhoods, inspiring a sense of wonder and imagination.

Quick quotes

    Enid Blyton's books have captivated generations of readers

    The sense of adventure and nostalgia these books provide is unparalleled

    These stories have become a staple in many childhoods, inspiring a sense of wonder and imagination.

thriftbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
engaging 4.50

The reviewer found David Mitchell's 'Unruly' to be an engaging and intimate exploration of England's monarchs, blending historical facts with personal insights and humor. The book effectively connects past events to contemporary relevance, making it feel current and relatable.

David Mitchell's 'Unruly' offers a unique and engaging look into the history of England's kings and queens. The reviewer appreciates Mitchell's irreverent yet intimate approach, which makes the vast period of history feel current and relevant. Mitchell's ability to communicate complex historical events in an accessible way is highlighted, making the book feel like a conversation rather than a lecture. The reviewer also notes that Mitchell's personal insights and humor add a layer of depth to the historical narrative, making it more relatable and enjoyable. The book's exploration of the monarchy's enduring influence and the idea of 'who England is' is particularly noteworthy, as it invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of historical events.

Quick quotes

    I’m not a professional historian so I don’t have to pretend I haven’t picked a side. In fact, I’d argue that historians telling themselves they haven’t picked a side are more misleading in an insidious way, because they definitely will have done, even if they don’t know it.

    Like the Kings and Queens he writes about, David Mitchell is sometimes more persona than person.

    For a review of such a vast period of history, the book never fails to feel current in its discussions of English political changes.

enidblytonsociety.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
engaging 4.00

The review discusses David Mitchell's book 'Unruly', which humorously and profanely recounts the histories of England's monarchs. The reviewer appreciates Mitchell's unique approach, blending historical facts with comedic commentary, and highlights the book's critical perspective on the monarchy.

David Mitchell's 'Unruly' offers a refreshing and irreverent take on English history, focusing on the often appalling behavior of its kings and queens. The book is part historical account, part comedic romp, with Mitchell using profanity to underscore the absurdity and cruelty of many monarchs. The reviewer finds this approach engaging and effective, particularly in highlighting the flaws of the monarchy as a system. Mitchell's narrative is not just about recounting historical events but also about debunking myths and exposing the often brutal realities of royal rule. The book ends with the death of Elizabeth I, though the reviewer notes there are many more fascinating and terrible monarchs that could have been included. Overall, the review suggests that 'Unruly' is a worthwhile read for its humor and insightful critique of historical and contemporary power structures.

Quick quotes

    They were both twats. They may not have been able to help being twats — the mores and values of their times and of their class may have made them twats. But they were twats and terrible things happened as a result.

    Perhaps this is how history should be done: not by patient scholars, nor by the telegenic likes of Olusoga or Worsley but by free-swearing actor-comedians.

    Mitchell admits to checking what Battle looks like on Google Maps. When the Battle of Hastings took place, Battle, which is outside Hastings, didn’t exist, he notes. Otherwise it would have been called the Battle of Battle.

walesonline.co.uk · Unknown · 2013-03-28
refreshing 3.50

The reviewer finds David Mitchell's 'Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens' to be a refreshing and humorous take on British history, though it lacks depth in certain areas. The book's comedic approach is engaging, but it falls short in exploring the themes it initially promises and in giving adequate attention to female historical figures.

David Mitchell's 'Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens' is a humorous and irreverent take on British history, likened to 'Horrible Histories with added swearing'. The reviewer appreciates the book's grown-up approach to historical comedy, focusing on the humor in the British monarchy rather than cheap gags. The book's broad scope and self-awareness are commendable, but it fails to delve deeper into the promising themes introduced in the beginning, such as the concept of British nationhood and the role of female figures in history. Despite these shortcomings, the book's charm lies in Mitchell's unique voice and his ability to make historical figures and debates accessible and entertaining. It's a refreshing departure from traditional history books, leaning into the absurdity of historical events.

Quick quotes

    The book’s take on the historical comedy genre is refreshingly grown-up.

    Yet, Mitchell does not use this to explore the meaning of Britishness, nor to try to understand where the boundary of the nation lies, and I found myself craving further elucidation of this promptly abandoned idea.

    _Unruly_ isn’t good history, it doesn’t claim to be. It is, however, excellent comedy.

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