'Lost' book by children's author Enid Blyton found

[February 23, 2011]  LONDON (AP) -- Experts say a previously unknown novel by prolific children's writer Enid Blyton has been discovered, more than 40 years after her death.

The fantasy tale "Mr. Tumpy's Caravan" was among a collection of Blyton manuscripts bought at auction in September by the Seven Stories children's book center in Newcastle, northern England.

Its title is similar to that of a published book, "Mr. Tumpy and His Caravan," but the Enid Blyton Center confirmed Tuesday it was a previously unpublished work.

Blyton, who died in 1968, wrote almost 800 books, including the "Famous Five" and "Secret Seven" adventure series, which have entertained generations of British children.

Seven Stories hopes to put the manuscript on display but does not hold publishing rights to Blyton's work.

[Associated Press]

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