Enid blyton biography bbc news

Enid Blyton's work contained too many pixies, BBC memos revealed

Children's author Enid Blyton was banned from the BBC for nearly 30 years because her work was considered "small beer", archive documents have revealed.

The best-selling writer unsuccessfully approached the corporation several times to get her material on the radio.

Executives considered the Famous Five and Noddy creator "second-rate" and lacking literary value, according to 18 newly released letters and memos.

She first pitched ideas in 1936 but did not appear on Woman's Hour until 1963.

'Pinky-winky-Doodle-doodle'

A memo about a short story stated: "Not strong enough.

Her books of rather upper class children who somehow managed to get away for a hiking or caravan holiday on their own, and solve mysteries usually involving secret passages are exquisitely written.

It really is odd to think that this woman is a best-seller. It is all such very small beer."

Another simply said "reject".

Head of the BBC schools department Jean Sutcliffe said in an internal memo dated 1938: "My impression of her stories