Our guide to Noddy books and their value

For many of us, Noddy was a childhood companion, a little wooden boy in a red and yellow car, jingling along through Toyland with Big Ears and Tessie Bear by his side. Dreamed up by the legendary Enid Blyton in 1949, the world of Noddy has remained a firm favourite for generations. But beyond the memories and bedtime stories, Noddy books have also become highly collectable and in some cases, surprisingly valuable.

Nostalgic book lovers, seasoned collectors and people wondering what those old books in the loft might be worth, can use this guide to take you on a gentle journey through Toyland to explore Noddy’s books and the world of collectables surrounding them.

What is a Noddy book?

The first Noddy book, Noddy Goes to Toyland, was published in 1949 and introduced readers to a colourful, imaginative world where toys came to life. The stories were simple but charming, designed to help young children build confidence in reading. The early books were illustrated by Dutch artist Harmsen van der Beek, whose bright and expressive drawings brought Blyton’s characters vividly to life.

The books follow Noddy as he settles into Toyland, earns his own little house, and zips around in his trademark car, helping others (and occasionally getting into scrapes). It’s that comforting mix of kindness, friendship and gentle adventure that has made Noddy a favourite for children for over 70 years.

How many Noddy books are there?

There are 24 books in the original Noddy Library, all written by Enid Blyton between 1949 and 1963. These numbered books, from the first Noddy Goes to Toyland through to the last Noddy and the Aeroplane, are the core of any serious Noddy collection. But they’re just the beginning.

Over time, Noddy branched out into a much wider range of publications. There were larger-format Big Noddy Books, designed with bold illustrations for younger readers. Noddy Picture Books came along too, offering shorter stories with even more focus on the artwork. For those who liked their stories in comic-strip form, there were Noddy Strip Books, while themed sets like Noddy's Shop of Books and Noddy's Castle of Books were packaged to appeal to children’s imaginations.

Themed collections such as Noddy’s Ark of Books introduced animal stories and moral lessons, blending the world of Toyland with gentle education. And then there were the novelty tie-ins; miniature books tucked inside cereal boxes, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, board games, toys, and colouring books. For us, Noddy was never just a book series, it was an entire childhood experience.

Which Noddy books are worth money?

Like with most collectable series, the value of a Noddy book can vary widely depending on edition, condition, and rarity. First editions of the earliest books, especially those with their original dust jackets, tend to be the most desirable. A clean copy of Noddy Goes to Toyland from 1949, with its dust jacket intact and no scribbles or loose pages, is always going to draw attention from collectors.

Some titles are harder to find than others. Noddy and the Magic Rubber, for instance, became controversial due to character portrayals and was withdrawn from some later printings, making earlier versions more collectable. Complete, consistent sets of all 24 original titles in good condition are also sought-after and can fetch impressive sums.

As always, condition plays a huge part. Books that are clean, undamaged and free from marks are worth more, especially if they’re first printings.

That said, Noddy books were made to be read and loved by children, so even if your copy has been scribbled in, dog-eared or thumbed through a hundred times, it likely brought joy to your family along the way. These well-worn pages carry memories, and that’s a kind of value you can’t put a price on.

What age were Noddy books written for?

Noddy books were aimed at children aged around 3 to 7. Blyton’s storytelling was deliberately repetitive and easy to follow, making her books ideal for emerging readers. While some older children might have outgrown the simplicity of Noddy, the friendly tone and comforting world made these books a mainstay of many childhoods - including ours.

Which books were turned into TV series?

Noddy was one of the earliest book characters to make the leap to television. A puppet-based version aired on the BBC in the 1950s, and in the 1990s, Noddy’s Toyland Adventures brought the stories to life in stop-motion. This version closely followed the original books and introduced the world of Noddy to a whole new generation.

Later adaptations included Make Way for Noddy in the early 2000s, which used CGI animation, and more recently Noddy, Toyland Detective, which reimagined Noddy as a sleuth solving mysteries in his classic little car. Despite the changing styles, the heart of the stories of friendship, problem-solving and kindness remain firmly intact.

Which are the rarest Noddy books?

Among the rarest items are first editions from the early 1950s in excellent condition. The first few books in the Noddy Library, particularly with their dust jackets, are especially hard to come by. Then there are the lesser-known spin-offs and tie-ins, like miniature books given away in cereal boxes, early jigsaw puzzles, and foreign-language versions like the French Oui-Oui editions.

Some of these rarities rarely make it to market, but when they do, they’re snapped up quickly, especially by collectors who are trying to complete their sets or find those elusive oddities that most people haven’t even heard of.

But it’s not just nostalgia. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain’s most successful and enduring children’s authors, with over 600 million books sold worldwide. Alongside Noddy, she created other much-loved series like The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, Malory Towers, and The Faraway Tree - stories that have shaped generations of readers. Noddy is one of her most recognisable and enduring creations, and that lasting cultural impact in books and TV gives extra weight for collectors.

Selling your Noddy books online for the best price

If you’ve got a collection of Noddy books, or even just a few early editions, you might be surprised at their value. At PM Antiques & Collectables, we’re always on the lookout for quality vintage children’s books, including Noddy. Whether you’re selling a single book or a full 24-volume set, we offer fair, expert appraisals and friendly, hassle-free service: Sell your Noddy books online.

And if you’re a collector looking to expand your Toyland treasures, don’t miss out on future arrivals. You can sign up to our email alerts and be the first to hear when new Noddy books or vintage children’s collectibles land on our shelves.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just reminiscing, Noddy remains a joyful piece of British literary history. And at PM Antiques & Collectables, we’re proud to help keep that joy alive - one jingly hat and red-and-yellow car at a time.