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The Children of Cherry Tree Farm #1
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm
"We're off to Cherry-Tree Farm! We're going to go wild!" the children shout as their train pulls out of London.
So of course when Uncle Tim tells them about Tammylan, the wild man who lives out of doors and knows all about the animals and birds, they decide to look for him. Once they meet him all sorts of wonderful things start to happen, for Tammylan introduces the children to his animal friends, and soon the ways of badgers and squirrels, rabbits and frogs, moles, otters and snakes are familiar to them, and London seems far away and unreal.
So of course when Uncle Tim tells them about Tammylan, the wild man who lives out of doors and knows all about the animals and birds, they decide to look for him. Once they meet him all sorts of wonderful things start to happen, for Tammylan introduces the children to his animal friends, and soon the ways of badgers and squirrels, rabbits and frogs, moles, otters and snakes are familiar to them, and London seems far away and unreal.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
23 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Enid Blyton
4,966 books6,299 followersSee also:
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)
Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.
Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.
Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.
According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.
See also her pen name Mary Pollock
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)
Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.
Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.
Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.
According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.
See also her pen name Mary Pollock
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 6, 2017
This book is almost always sitting on the side of my Goodreads wall as my current recommendation; little does Goodreads know that I've read it many, many times as a child. I simply haven't read it since joining the site, and hadn't added it either. So I decided to give it another quick read this morning, quick because all Enid Blyton books are a quick read. They are simple, and charming for their simplicity.
Reading this at the age of 29 I have to laugh at the almost absurd idea that in today's world parents/guardians would allow their children to spend days and nights in the woods with a 'wild' man who shuns society. Mmmm. Totally going to happen. But that is the core message of this book, that Tammylan shows the children the joys of the country so they don't have to go back to horrid London at the end, and spawns two more books in this series. Everything in the country is better, the work and the play and they don't want to go back.
Although dated in the sense that you probably don't want to give your children a book that makes them think there are wild men in the woods waiting to gift them a baby squirrel, there is still the good old Enid charm here. Children without supervision, trusted and hardworking. Learning manners and honesty, and how to be kind to one another and animals, and that's no bad thing. Producing and eating your own food, family units, all the good stuff.
Now, Goodreads, move on and start offering me a new suggestion, I've marked this one as read! Four stars.
Reading this at the age of 29 I have to laugh at the almost absurd idea that in today's world parents/guardians would allow their children to spend days and nights in the woods with a 'wild' man who shuns society. Mmmm. Totally going to happen. But that is the core message of this book, that Tammylan shows the children the joys of the country so they don't have to go back to horrid London at the end, and spawns two more books in this series. Everything in the country is better, the work and the play and they don't want to go back.
Although dated in the sense that you probably don't want to give your children a book that makes them think there are wild men in the woods waiting to gift them a baby squirrel, there is still the good old Enid charm here. Children without supervision, trusted and hardworking. Learning manners and honesty, and how to be kind to one another and animals, and that's no bad thing. Producing and eating your own food, family units, all the good stuff.
Now, Goodreads, move on and start offering me a new suggestion, I've marked this one as read! Four stars.
February 27, 2022
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm has Rory, Benjy, Sheila, and Penny moving to the countryside for their health, while their parents go off to America. It's a win-win situation for everyone. While at the Cherry Tree Farm, the children begin enjoying their stay with Uncle Tim and Aunt Bess. They put on weight and become healthier, and eventually meet Tammylan, the local wild man.
The book is an obvious attempt to teach children about the local wildlife. It was fun to see the animals being described and I learned a few things. I've never heard of a water vole before! It was rather funny how even Tammylan despised rats. I find the baby rats quite cute, let them play in my sink, and I found I could not actually kill them. I moved instead to another flat and let someone else take care of the problem. Yeah, I'm incurably weird about furry creatures, even rats!
I would have enjoyed this book immensely as a child, but I think I have outgrown it. Despite my penchant for children's books even today, I didn't really enjoy this one. Tammylan simply lectures the children about one animal after the other, but there really is not much action or character growth. Other than Benjy paying an overnight visit to the wild man, there isn't much else going on that would be exciting.
Definitely not a re-read.
The book is an obvious attempt to teach children about the local wildlife. It was fun to see the animals being described and I learned a few things. I've never heard of a water vole before! It was rather funny how even Tammylan despised rats. I find the baby rats quite cute, let them play in my sink, and I found I could not actually kill them. I moved instead to another flat and let someone else take care of the problem. Yeah, I'm incurably weird about furry creatures, even rats!
I would have enjoyed this book immensely as a child, but I think I have outgrown it. Despite my penchant for children's books even today, I didn't really enjoy this one. Tammylan simply lectures the children about one animal after the other, but there really is not much action or character growth. Other than Benjy paying an overnight visit to the wild man, there isn't much else going on that would be exciting.
Definitely not a re-read.
June 10, 2016
I've read this a thousand times when I was younger and always has a special place in my heart. Reading it again after all these years reminded me why I fell in love with Enid Blyton's writing and brought back fond memories of trying to reenact the story by myself. I'll read this to my children in the future and hope they'll love this as much as me.
December 20, 2013
It was really good because the children got to meet Tammylan.
July 17, 2022
I loved rereading this book which was one of my favourites as a child.
April 16, 2023
No more London! No more noise of buses and trams! No more poor sooty old trees. But clean sweet bushes and woods, bright flowers, singing birds and shy little animals slipping by. Oh, what fun!
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm (1940), much like Jane’s Country Year (1953) by Malcolm Saville, which I read and reviewed last year, isn’t really a story so much as a device to take readers on an enjoyable (and painlessly informative) exploration of small and large wildlife in the English countryside. The first of a series of three books, The Children of Cherry Tree Farm was first published by Country Life in 1940 and illustrated by Harry Rountree. This was followed by The Children at Willow Farm (1942) and More Adventures on Willow Farm (1943) but more about those later.
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm opens with a set of events quite common in this genre of fiction. We have four siblings, 13-year-old Rory, 12-year-old Sheila, 10-year-old Benjy, and the youngest 7-year-old Penelope or Penny who live in grey, dreary London. The three older children are looking wistfully out of the window and lamenting having to be in London in the spring where trees aren’t even in bud yet. Benjy in particular, who loves animals and birds, wishes he could have a country cottage. And just then, little Penny who has been having an injured finger bandaged by her mother arrives with exciting news. As all the children have been ill (measles, followed the flu, and then a bout of cough) and are very weak as a result, they are to go to the country and stay for six months with their Aunt Bess and Uncle Tim for six whole months! (Talk about wishes being fulfilled instantly!) Their parents, also as is usual (and convenient), are travelling to America for that period.
And so it is that that the four children find themselves on a train and heading to Cherry Woods station and from there in a pony trap to Cherry Tree Farm. They are welcomed with a sumptuous tea and from the very next day, start exploring the farm. The children are interested in going for walks and discovering the hills and woods beyond the farm and when discussing this with Uncle Tim learn about Tammylan, a ‘wild man’ who lives in the forest, rather than in a ‘normal’ house. But Tammylan isn’t known to be good to children, having shaken one little boy and tossed two others into the river. But the children are still intrigued by Tammylan and decide to seek him out. Their attempt though turns out very different than expected, and when they do find the ‘wild man’, he isn’t ‘wild’ or fearsome but a rather kind man who almost instantly becomes their friend. And it is with Tammylan that the children begin to truly explore the woods, meeting and learning about the creatures great and small who live there. For Benjy, especially, this is a dream come true, as not only does he love birds and animals, he has an affinity with them the others don’t. But the months soon begin to pass by and it is soon time to return to London… or is it?
It was from her father Thomas Blyton that Enid acquired and developed an interest in nature (among other things), and she often accompanied him on nature walks. She had a wealth of knowledge on birds, animals, and nature and this shone through in her books, whether fiction into which she wove this in, or her nature-specific writings (on birds, animals, her seasonal-Round the Year with Enid Blyton volumes, and more). And that is the case too with this book, as through Tammylan, the children get to ‘meet’ and interact with a range of creatures from a dormouse, to a stoat, to a hare, slowworm, snakes, and even a fox—learning in the process about them and their habits—whether it is how hares can be told apart from rabbits, live in ‘forms’ and break their tracks to rid themselves of predators or how weasels can sometimes give an interesting performance to attract prey, or how red stags shed their antlers, or slow-worms their tails. There was plenty in here new to me.
In this process, Tammylan rids the children (and Blyton her readers) of several misconceptions about animals and birds which often lead to the latter suffering unnecessary harm (water-voles being mistaken for rats, for instance, or every snake being thought of as poisonous, or bats not being quite as people tend to think of them and such). The children being city children—even Benjy though he knows much more than the others—end up reacting more strongly (and in what they realise later is a rather silly way) at times, showing the disconnect that they had with all things in nature (and this despite liking it), something which has only increased over time. Such othering is to a degree also responsible for the constant conflicts, and not understanding other life forms as part of a single system with ourselves, harming us, them, and the planet as a whole.
Neither such instances of mistakenly caused harm nor the more direct (and deliberate) points of conflict that arise between man and animal (or indeed between animals themselves) are glossed over. Blyton brings up the issue of moles for instance causing annoyance to farmers and having to be rid of or even the unnecessarily cruel fox hunt. While she acknowledges the practical perspectives (in terms of harm to farms and farmers which has to be addressed) which might justify such measures, she also looks at the plight of the animals concerned themselves with compassion. There is a scene where a fox is escaping the hunt (which it manages to do) but is in bad shape having had to outrun humans and dogs. From a current-day lens, when we are supposed to be more aware (and claim to be more ‘civilised’) one does wonder why only little attempt continues to be made to reach life-preserving rather than destroying solutions.
The farm in the book, though a staple in many Blyton stories, merely serves as setting and background in this one, with their chores and some of the animals mentioned in passing (though in the initial chapters, we do ‘see’ them bottle-feeding the lambs and such). It becomes the door to the country for the children, and at the end, the place where they will permanently move to as their parents decide to get a farm of their own near by—Willlow Farm.
Another Blyton staple, however, which is very much here is food. From the time the four children first arrive at the farm to a delicious tea, there is plenty of eating whether picnic lunches, birthday meals, or cake—some of it shared with Tammylan and the animals too—including a very greedy swan who claims almost their entire meal on one occasion.
Interestingly while the book was written in 1940 (and while I’m not sure of the month, around the time when children were being evacuated to the country), the book doesn’t mention or even hint at these aspects. In fact, if I remember right, Blyton wrote very few books that touched on or ever referenced the war or related events (perhaps to maintain a sense and hope of normalcy for her readers?)
The illustrations by Harry Rountree are pen and ink and complement the story. I also enjoyed the period detail standing out in their clothes, hair etc.
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm is a wonderful exploration of nature and wildlife in the country, which anyone interested in nature will enjoy, irrespective of their age. This was not a book I was familiar with as a child but it’s made me excited to explore the sequels soon.
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm (1940), much like Jane’s Country Year (1953) by Malcolm Saville, which I read and reviewed last year, isn’t really a story so much as a device to take readers on an enjoyable (and painlessly informative) exploration of small and large wildlife in the English countryside. The first of a series of three books, The Children of Cherry Tree Farm was first published by Country Life in 1940 and illustrated by Harry Rountree. This was followed by The Children at Willow Farm (1942) and More Adventures on Willow Farm (1943) but more about those later.
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm opens with a set of events quite common in this genre of fiction. We have four siblings, 13-year-old Rory, 12-year-old Sheila, 10-year-old Benjy, and the youngest 7-year-old Penelope or Penny who live in grey, dreary London. The three older children are looking wistfully out of the window and lamenting having to be in London in the spring where trees aren’t even in bud yet. Benjy in particular, who loves animals and birds, wishes he could have a country cottage. And just then, little Penny who has been having an injured finger bandaged by her mother arrives with exciting news. As all the children have been ill (measles, followed the flu, and then a bout of cough) and are very weak as a result, they are to go to the country and stay for six months with their Aunt Bess and Uncle Tim for six whole months! (Talk about wishes being fulfilled instantly!) Their parents, also as is usual (and convenient), are travelling to America for that period.
And so it is that that the four children find themselves on a train and heading to Cherry Woods station and from there in a pony trap to Cherry Tree Farm. They are welcomed with a sumptuous tea and from the very next day, start exploring the farm. The children are interested in going for walks and discovering the hills and woods beyond the farm and when discussing this with Uncle Tim learn about Tammylan, a ‘wild man’ who lives in the forest, rather than in a ‘normal’ house. But Tammylan isn’t known to be good to children, having shaken one little boy and tossed two others into the river. But the children are still intrigued by Tammylan and decide to seek him out. Their attempt though turns out very different than expected, and when they do find the ‘wild man’, he isn’t ‘wild’ or fearsome but a rather kind man who almost instantly becomes their friend. And it is with Tammylan that the children begin to truly explore the woods, meeting and learning about the creatures great and small who live there. For Benjy, especially, this is a dream come true, as not only does he love birds and animals, he has an affinity with them the others don’t. But the months soon begin to pass by and it is soon time to return to London… or is it?
It was from her father Thomas Blyton that Enid acquired and developed an interest in nature (among other things), and she often accompanied him on nature walks. She had a wealth of knowledge on birds, animals, and nature and this shone through in her books, whether fiction into which she wove this in, or her nature-specific writings (on birds, animals, her seasonal-Round the Year with Enid Blyton volumes, and more). And that is the case too with this book, as through Tammylan, the children get to ‘meet’ and interact with a range of creatures from a dormouse, to a stoat, to a hare, slowworm, snakes, and even a fox—learning in the process about them and their habits—whether it is how hares can be told apart from rabbits, live in ‘forms’ and break their tracks to rid themselves of predators or how weasels can sometimes give an interesting performance to attract prey, or how red stags shed their antlers, or slow-worms their tails. There was plenty in here new to me.
In this process, Tammylan rids the children (and Blyton her readers) of several misconceptions about animals and birds which often lead to the latter suffering unnecessary harm (water-voles being mistaken for rats, for instance, or every snake being thought of as poisonous, or bats not being quite as people tend to think of them and such). The children being city children—even Benjy though he knows much more than the others—end up reacting more strongly (and in what they realise later is a rather silly way) at times, showing the disconnect that they had with all things in nature (and this despite liking it), something which has only increased over time. Such othering is to a degree also responsible for the constant conflicts, and not understanding other life forms as part of a single system with ourselves, harming us, them, and the planet as a whole.
Neither such instances of mistakenly caused harm nor the more direct (and deliberate) points of conflict that arise between man and animal (or indeed between animals themselves) are glossed over. Blyton brings up the issue of moles for instance causing annoyance to farmers and having to be rid of or even the unnecessarily cruel fox hunt. While she acknowledges the practical perspectives (in terms of harm to farms and farmers which has to be addressed) which might justify such measures, she also looks at the plight of the animals concerned themselves with compassion. There is a scene where a fox is escaping the hunt (which it manages to do) but is in bad shape having had to outrun humans and dogs. From a current-day lens, when we are supposed to be more aware (and claim to be more ‘civilised’) one does wonder why only little attempt continues to be made to reach life-preserving rather than destroying solutions.
The farm in the book, though a staple in many Blyton stories, merely serves as setting and background in this one, with their chores and some of the animals mentioned in passing (though in the initial chapters, we do ‘see’ them bottle-feeding the lambs and such). It becomes the door to the country for the children, and at the end, the place where they will permanently move to as their parents decide to get a farm of their own near by—Willlow Farm.
Another Blyton staple, however, which is very much here is food. From the time the four children first arrive at the farm to a delicious tea, there is plenty of eating whether picnic lunches, birthday meals, or cake—some of it shared with Tammylan and the animals too—including a very greedy swan who claims almost their entire meal on one occasion.
Interestingly while the book was written in 1940 (and while I’m not sure of the month, around the time when children were being evacuated to the country), the book doesn’t mention or even hint at these aspects. In fact, if I remember right, Blyton wrote very few books that touched on or ever referenced the war or related events (perhaps to maintain a sense and hope of normalcy for her readers?)
The illustrations by Harry Rountree are pen and ink and complement the story. I also enjoyed the period detail standing out in their clothes, hair etc.
The Children of Cherry Tree Farm is a wonderful exploration of nature and wildlife in the country, which anyone interested in nature will enjoy, irrespective of their age. This was not a book I was familiar with as a child but it’s made me excited to explore the sequels soon.
July 23, 2019
I want to make it clear that I enjoyed this book, and I wish all kids today had the interest in and opportunity to experience the woods the way the four siblings in this book did.
That said... oh, my, have things changed since 1940.
Let's talk about the Wild Man. First of all, the cover art of the edition I've chosen to append this review to is hilarious. So, this wild man wears a suit, and keeps his beard nicely trimmed. Perhaps his woodland friends gnaw it off and use the hair to line their nests. At least he's not wearing a bowler and carrying a black umbrella hooked over one arm. He looks a bit like the original Jonny Quest's dad.
“Auntie, may I go to the woods and spend the night with my friend the Wild Man in his tree house?”
“Of course, dear. Take him a piece of cake.”
There's a conversation that doesn't happen any more.
The Wild Man, of course, is the most civilized person in the book, and I'm sure that was the entire point. But we don't even get a hint of back story to reassure us that the story isn't going to take a sudden turn into Stephen King territory. Not that Enid would ever go there, but it's nearly impossible for a 21st century first-time reader not to conjure those kinds of visions.
I think Tammylan's name should be in the title of the book. We barely hear about the farm, other than as the place the kids go back to after visiting Tammylan in the woods, and the place where they talk about wanting to go back and visit him again. Let's promote him from Wild Man, and call it Tammylan the Wise and the Children of Cherry Tree Farm.
August 8, 2021
I read Willow Farm first and really enjoyed it. They all talked about how wonderful Cherry Tree farm was, so I couldn't wait to read it. What a dismal comedown! I can't in good conscience give more than one star to a book that perpetuates the myth that snakes can be charmed by whistling, especially putting it in the mouth of a natural-born naturalist who supposedly knows it all. Particularly since this book was published in 1940, when the fact that snakes are deaf was well known. A snake some distance away is NOT going to respond to a "soft whistle." Blyton prided herself on knowing so much about "our animal friends"...yeah right. Tammylan is creepy anyway.
February 1, 2025
I knew I would like this but I wasn't expecting to adore it so much that I would call it my favourite Enid Blyton book of all time. It was so heartwarming and lovely. Benji has become one of my favourite characters of all time and several others captured my heart as well, including Penny Tammylann. I love animals... I love nature... I love the countryside... I think this book was written for me.
To everyone who tells me I only end up living miserable books, this book disproves that theory. It's a little bundle of joy and I am so glad I read it. A new favourite.
To everyone who tells me I only end up living miserable books, this book disproves that theory. It's a little bundle of joy and I am so glad I read it. A new favourite.
May 6, 2020
I've been reading this every night to my nature-obsessed five-year-old who honestly cried when we got to the end.
She's thrilled to find out that there's a sequel!
She's thrilled to find out that there's a sequel!
April 18, 2024
Read this with Mr Nearly 8 and we both loved it! Beautifully written and definitely for your little animal lovers - lots to learn!
Fantastic!
Fantastic!
September 30, 2020
Yet another three-in-one book, read on my Kindle - the books are "The Children of Cherry Tree Farm", "The Children of Willow Farm" and "More Adventures on Willow Farm". And yet again, a set of books I remember devouring, almost 30 plus years ago! The usual Blyton beginning in "Cherry Tree Farm" with four sickly children (two girls,two boys) who are miserable living in London, when their mother and father get a offer to travel to America. It seems in every Blyton book, America was "the land of opportunity". The four children are sent to live in the country with their Aunt and Uncle, and love it, of course. They immediately make friends with a "wild man", Tammylan, who lives in the wild, and knows more about the wild animals than anyone. I think I enjoyed the first book far more than the other two, wild animals of the country are far more interesting than the farm animals. In book two "Willow Farm". the four children and their parents run their very own farm, and you learn more about animals - but this time farm animals - and the work you have to do to have a successful farm. Perhaps "More Adventures on Willow Farm", was a book too far, as it stretched the farming life a little too far. an enjoyable read, however, although the newer generation would probably find it very old-fashioned.
December 26, 2008
Enid Blyton books are notable for their 'life is perfect and nothing goes wrong that can't be fixed' tales. Sadly this is one of those. While I enjoyed it as a child, even when I was 12 I began to rant about the improbability of the perfection of this world. It's a good book for kids, interesting enough to hold their attention yet sedate enough to ensure they aren't inspired by the book's contents to go forth and perform crimes etc.
January 7, 2011
Such a quiet, cosy little book! Simply, the children are sent to live with their aunt and uncle on Cherry Tree farm, and there they meet Tammylan, the "wild man", who teaches them about animals. No rip-roaring adventures - I kept expecting there to be smugglers or poachers hiding in the woods that the children would have to beat, but no! And still, it was a charming, delightful read.
September 1, 2021
Reading this as a psychiatrist was very interesting as opposed to when I read it as a kid.
January 13, 2009
the best books ever....children of cherry tree farm and children of willow tree farm!!!
September 4, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I decided to make a 'childhood favourites' shelf for those books I grew up enjoying.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I decided to make a 'childhood favourites' shelf for those books I grew up enjoying.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 9, 2020
Probably most suitable 6/7+
Very typical Blyton (traditional gendered roles etc.) but what I loved about this book is that it introduces children to wild animals in a fictional context rather than factual book.
My daughter and I learnt quite a lot and are going to follow it up with a project book on the animals.
The ‘odd’ thing about this book is the children going off with the wild man. This is not to say that all strangers (or people who live in the woods!!) are a danger to children, but I think children need to be told that it’s probably not a good idea to go off on your own with wild men in the woods!
I’m not sure if this would have ever been normal - but how times have changed!
My daughter enjoyed it, I thought lacking in plot. She is keen for me to read ‘the children of willow tree farm’ next.
Very typical Blyton (traditional gendered roles etc.) but what I loved about this book is that it introduces children to wild animals in a fictional context rather than factual book.
My daughter and I learnt quite a lot and are going to follow it up with a project book on the animals.
The ‘odd’ thing about this book is the children going off with the wild man. This is not to say that all strangers (or people who live in the woods!!) are a danger to children, but I think children need to be told that it’s probably not a good idea to go off on your own with wild men in the woods!
I’m not sure if this would have ever been normal - but how times have changed!
My daughter enjoyed it, I thought lacking in plot. She is keen for me to read ‘the children of willow tree farm’ next.
July 23, 2018
I was a voracious reader as a child having entire series of "The Baby Sitter's Club", "Sweet Valley Kids", and "Sweet Valley High School", but nothing sparked my imagination like Enid Blyton. There were a few books of hers in circulation in the 1980's Pakistan, and I was probably the only girl (or maybe there was another) who knew about her. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone who liked reading and asked what I was reading. The way her short stories sparked my imagination impacted me more than I let on. They were parables like Disney animated movies in printed words and I would get lost in them for hours until my mother would call me for dinner. I would put Enid Blyton to the level of Roald Dahl and Dr. Suess. Check her out!!
November 23, 2018
‘”We’re off to Cherry-Tree Farm! We’re going to go wild!” the children shout as their train pulls out of London.
So of course when Uncle Tim tells them about Tammylan, the wild man who lives out-of-doors and knows all about the animals and birds, they decide to look for him. Once they meet him all sorts of wonderful things start to happen, for Tammylan introduces the children to his animal friends, and soon the ways of badgers and squirrels, rabbits and frogs, moles, otters and snakes are familiar to them, and London seems far away and unreal.’
This book was beautiful.
I have absolutely loved making my way through Enid Blyton’s classics recently, and I was over joyed when I picked this book up and realised I had never read it before. Reading this book for the first time as an adult was a wonderful experience. I was filled with wonder and hope from start to finish.
I loved the relationship between the siblings in this book. It was pure and realistic. They argued and squabbled yet they really loved and protected each other. I loved loved the respect and love the children showed their Aunt and Uncle.
My favourite thing about this book was getting to see the children grow and build a relationship with Tammylan and the animals. This book really helps the reader to remember not to judge someone because of what other people believe. I truly believe that is something everyone should remember.
The writing in this book was perfect, but that shouldnt be a surprise. The lyrical writing and captivating descriptions really added an extra layer to the wonderful story that was unfolding. This is definitely a book that I could read a hundred times and never tire of.
The Children Of Cherry Tree Farm by Enid Blyton is a must read for all young readers and all readers who are young at heart.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
So of course when Uncle Tim tells them about Tammylan, the wild man who lives out-of-doors and knows all about the animals and birds, they decide to look for him. Once they meet him all sorts of wonderful things start to happen, for Tammylan introduces the children to his animal friends, and soon the ways of badgers and squirrels, rabbits and frogs, moles, otters and snakes are familiar to them, and London seems far away and unreal.’
This book was beautiful.
I have absolutely loved making my way through Enid Blyton’s classics recently, and I was over joyed when I picked this book up and realised I had never read it before. Reading this book for the first time as an adult was a wonderful experience. I was filled with wonder and hope from start to finish.
I loved the relationship between the siblings in this book. It was pure and realistic. They argued and squabbled yet they really loved and protected each other. I loved loved the respect and love the children showed their Aunt and Uncle.
My favourite thing about this book was getting to see the children grow and build a relationship with Tammylan and the animals. This book really helps the reader to remember not to judge someone because of what other people believe. I truly believe that is something everyone should remember.
The writing in this book was perfect, but that shouldnt be a surprise. The lyrical writing and captivating descriptions really added an extra layer to the wonderful story that was unfolding. This is definitely a book that I could read a hundred times and never tire of.
The Children Of Cherry Tree Farm by Enid Blyton is a must read for all young readers and all readers who are young at heart.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
September 30, 2024
An enchanting frolic through the countryside, complete with descriptions and adventures involving most wild animals of English forests. Good writing and pace makes the story enjoyable, though the name of the book is somewhat deceptive as to its contents. The story is less about a farm as about the countryside, and scant attention is given to farm animals - as opposed to those of the forest. The frequently recurring character of Tammylan (‘The Wild Man’) makes the book rather episodic, and a certain chapter formula becomes apparent midway through. Despite these things, the book is still charming, and a snapshot of 1940s idylls of childhood and rural life.
January 18, 2024
This has been my favourite of the latest lot of enid blyton books I've acquired and contains some lovely descriptions and information about animals. I've knocked a star off for some misinformation such as how to feed hedgehogs and for the purposeful removal of a wild animal to tame and keep as a pet even though it wasn't injured or in danger. Considering it was written over 80 years ago it manages to hold up well for the most part.
September 30, 2024
4 children are sent to stay with their uncle and aunt in the country whilst their parents visit America. They soon take to country life growing stronger and healthier. They meet a wildman called Tammylan who teaches them about all the country animals. Sad to go back to London on their parents return their father decides to buy the farm next door so they can stay.
Nice story, for kids it would teach them a lot about animals. Nice illustrations and full of wonderment of a different era.
Nice story, for kids it would teach them a lot about animals. Nice illustrations and full of wonderment of a different era.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
Brilliant story. I loved the time in nature, the fact that the children went to the country to be in nature and learned about all the creatures and things there.
Tammylan is very knowledgeable and I wish we still lived in a time when it wasn’t weird or dangerous to send kids out to an elder to learn from them. What an experience.
My (5yo) daughter enjoyed listening to the story over many nights at bedtime.
We’ll no doubt revisit this book in years to come.
Tammylan is very knowledgeable and I wish we still lived in a time when it wasn’t weird or dangerous to send kids out to an elder to learn from them. What an experience.
My (5yo) daughter enjoyed listening to the story over many nights at bedtime.
We’ll no doubt revisit this book in years to come.
December 30, 2017
i hate you enid. I was always hungry after reading this book because i didn't find all the things those children ate when I was a kid and then I grew up and things stopped being wonderous and instead started being labelled with calories, diabetes and heartattacks.
Don't give this to a kid.
Unless there are pastry chefs around
Don't give this to a kid.
Unless there are pastry chefs around
November 21, 2023
Proof you really can't go home again. This was the only EB we were ever allowed to read (only because an auntie we were staying with had started it and we clamoured for the end) and in my mind it was delightful but god almighty what a bore and also so much YIKES for things that would not fly today
(also don't give milk to hedgehogs)
(also don't give milk to hedgehogs)
August 16, 2024
Just read this to our 7 year old and he loved it! :-) He can't wait for the next instalment. :-) I must have missed this one, as.I only discovered it latterly as an adult, having read Willow Farm. Then I also bought, 'More Adventures at Willow Farm.' It's a lovely series, although a bit dated. But I really don't see the need to modernise it, as some do.
June 23, 2025
A change from reading about kids solving mysteries or catching criminals - this is about 4 siblings moving to the countryside for a while to get over their childhood illnesses.
They learn all about living on a farm and all the animals that live in the woods.
Lovely story especially for nature loving children. I wish I'd read it when I was younger.
They learn all about living on a farm and all the animals that live in the woods.
Lovely story especially for nature loving children. I wish I'd read it when I was younger.
September 11, 2017
One of the best children's novel by Enid Blyton. This is the first book of the 3 book series followed by The Children of Willow Farm and More Adventures at Willow Farm. The book revolves around four children learning and enjoying the farm life.
February 24, 2018
I am not an animal person so this book bored me after awhile. I was impressed that Blyton knew so much about her environment and stressed the importance of conservation. She seems ahead of her time but just not for me.
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