The Famous Five are 70!

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Enid Blyton's much-loved Famous Five series, five of the most illustrious children's illustrators of today have teamed up with Hodder Children's Books to present new special anniversary covers for the first five adventures in the series.

Former Children's Laureate Quentin Blake, and celebrated fellow illustrators Helen Oxenbury, Emma Chichester Clark, Oliver Jeffers and Chris Riddell have all offered up their own spin on Enid Blyton's classic characters - Julian, Dick, George, Anne, and of course, Timmy the dog.

Quentin Blake said:

It is always a wonderful challenge for illustrators to create new images for iconic words, and it is fascinating to see how Helen Oxenbury, Chris Riddell, Emma Chichester Clark and Oliver Jeffers have risen to the challenge. In doing so, they have breathed new life into favourite stories for those who know them well, and those who are discovering them for the first time.

These 70th anniversary editions will benefit the House of Illustration charity, the world's first dedicated home for the art of illustration. Quentin Blake developed the idea for the House of Illustration during his time as the first Children's Laureate, and today the charity put on exhibitions, run competitions and organise events with some of the UK's leading illustrators, as well as working in schools and acting as a hub for emerging and established artists working in every aspect of illustration. Their ambition remains to create a permanent home to celebrate the past, present and future of illustration. A percentage of royalties from each of the 70th anniversary edition books will go to the House of Illustration.

The original artwork will be displayed at the Illustration Cupboard gallery in London from 20-30 April, where there will also be a silent auction of the works. All proceeds from the sale will go to the House of Illustration.

If you're a fan of the Famous Five, why not have a go at our fiendishly difficult Famous Five quiz?