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The first new 'Noddy' book in 46 years is published to delight another generation of readers. "Noddy and the Farmyard Muddle" was commissioned to mark the 60th anniversary of Enid Blyton's classic children's character.

In celebration of Noddy's 60th birthday, Enid Blyton's best-loved wooden elf returns to print for the first time in 46 years in "Noddy and the Farmyard Muddle." This latest adventure is written by Blyton's granddaughter Sophie Smallwood and illustrated by Robert Tyndall, who has drawn the character since 1953.

The 24 original books, written between 1942 and 1963, have sold over 200-million copies and been translated into 27 languages including French, German, Spanish, and Icelandic.

While Noddy's friends Big-Ears, Tessie Bear, Mr. Plod and Bumpy Dog are back, the golliwogs will not be around.

Smallwood decided that the black-faced characters based on a popular doll of the time would be too controversial for the new story.

In the original books Mr. Golliwog, who lived in Golly Town, ran the Toyland garage and was one of Noddy's best friends, although the 1951 book "Here Comes Noddy Again" featured a group of golliwogs who were rude to his friends and stole his car.

The golliwogs have often been at the center of controversy and were replaced in reissues of the series as well as the BBC's television adaptation.