London, May 27 (Reuters): One of Britain’s best-known children’s book series, the Famous Five, is to made into a cartoon ? more than 60 years after Enid Blyton first published the jolly adventures of Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog.

Critics have branded her books sexist, racist and overly simplistic, but Blyton’s stories still sell some 10 million copies a year, drawing readers into a bygone world of carefree kids, “beastly” grown-ups and “lashings” of ginger beer.

Chorion Plc, which also has the television rights to Blyton’s Noddy, plans to harness that enduring appeal. Chairman Waheed Alli said the Famous Five would go into production this year.