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Shadow The Sheepdog
"Shadow the Sheepdog" is a heartwarming and endearing children's novel written by Enid Blyton, the beloved author known for her enchanting storytelling. This delightful book follows the tale of a lovable and clever sheepdog named Shadow, whose adventures lead to exciting escapades and touching encounters. Set in the idyllic countryside, the story revolves around Joe, a young shepherd boy, and his remarkable bond with Shadow. The two form an inseparable team as they work together to tend the sheep and protect them from danger. Shadow's intelligence and loyalty shine through as he deftly navigates the challenges of rural life, earning the admiration of all who encounter him.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
9 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Enid Blyton
5,144 books6,261 followersSee also:
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)
Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.
Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.
Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.
According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.
See also her pen name Mary Pollock
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)
Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.
Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.
Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.
According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.
See also her pen name Mary Pollock
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 2, 2011
The book which got me addicted to reading- i must have read it at least 20 times and enjoy flipping pages thru it even now! also the book reponsible for my love for k9 tales! shadow, love u!
October 22, 2012
My Grand-parents gave me this book for Christmas, when I think I was about six or seven years old. My first ever to read by myself book, I loved it, so much that by the age of ten, I could repeat whole chapters off-by-heart.
March 10, 2018
This is the first book I ever remember reading and I love it. I always wanted a dog because of this book. It's loveable and endearing and full of important messages for kids growing up. Shadow and the gang are the best. Fond memories.
August 5, 2012
I adored this book as a child and read it over and over again. It was one of mum's childhood favourites too. Enid Blyton at her best.
March 22, 2017
Uma excelente história para a faixa etária para a qual foi escrita.
June 6, 2019
What a treat to read this book again for the first time in about 45 years! I was obsessed with this book as a small child, I read it over and over. I drove my parents nuts wanting a collie! And now, at the same time as reading this book I finally do have my own border collie (unlike the breed used throughout the book's illustrations). I found myself enjoying Johnny and Shadow's adventures, it's all very jolly and upbeat and even when Johnny is faced with major problems everything comes up roses. Shame about the display of outdated and intolerant views of travellers, but Blyton was said to be a bit of a bigot (not something that struck me when I was 5) and you can't help but spot these things as an adult reader. I tried to remember the innocent magic experienced the first time I read this book, and I found myself indulging in memories of a simpler time.
January 3, 2019
This was the first chapter book I ever read. Our landlady in Harrow, UK gave it to me as a Christmas gift in 1959 -- it was my favorite book for the longest time. A dear, dear friend found a copy in a London bookstore a few years ago and gave it to me as a Christmas present -- best gift I ever received.
January 11, 2022
My mother vividly remembers being read this as a child in school so she found a copy and sent it to me to read to the kids. The story of the relationship between dog and kid is great but be warned, the depiction of travellers is totally outdated. Some of it is also quite matter of fact about death occurring in a farmyard environment.
March 18, 2008
this was my first chapter book and i have read it many times. it never looses excitement and i will love it forever.
November 23, 2012
My English Grandma gave me this book for my birthday in the 60's. I still have it. Very sweet story and helped me along the road to my love of reading. Nothing like getting lost in a book.
January 9, 2014
Childhood favorite. Read it a gazillion times and never tired of it.
February 3, 2022
Excellent old fashioned dog story. Great relationship between dog and boy, each has the opportunity to save the other. Can't go wrong with Enid Blyton.
April 6, 2022
This was Michael's favourite childhood book. I'd never read it before as I was more a fan of Famous Five as a child. I've really enjoyed it though!
January 9, 2025
An old childhood favourite.
February 6, 2024
It's anthropomorphic, and if you don't like talking dogs it's not for you. (Perhaps you should stay away from the movie Strays as well.)
It's a wonderful, well-written story about Shadow the Sheep-dog on a farm (around the Borders judging by the scenery such as Cogill Mountain, and the language such as 'bonnie') living with other sheep-dogs who teach him how to behave. As does Johnny his owner. The emphasis is on obedience, bravery and being good as the primary virtues.
Enid Blyton is a very proficient story teller. Yes, she comes from a non-pc era. Yes, she uses words from another vintage (Bother!, Gracious!, Hark!, Golly!, My word!, Well well!, piteously, pheee, tramps, hallo, hie).
Yes, there are exclamation marks after every paragraph! after every sentence! after every word!
Yes, her expressions are dated (I like it awfully, You jolly well know it is, Please mayn't I go to the gypsy camp first..., and so on). But what do you expect of a book written by a middle-class, middle-aged lady in 1942?
A few other things struck me. Firstly the illustrations show a farm boy wearing a tie and gaiters. So old-fashioned. Secondly Johnny's crowning achievement in the last chapter is when Shadow helps him kill a beautiful eagle who is taking lambs but really only trying to feed its young. So sad. Thirdly the punishment meted out was saying "your six times tables" and if you get it wrong you will have to say "your seven times tables".
Fourthly, Dinner was shortly after twelve o'clock (p136). It was called 'dinner' not lunch. No wonder from then on I was always confused about the times for lunch, tea and dinner.
Fifthly, by the way, I almost forgot to mention that they were complaining about daylight saving even back then. "[The shepherd] grumbled about the new summer-time and said it put him right out of his reckoning!" p148.
If you want to really understand the flavour of the book read p101 and p102 where Johnny and Shadow confront the gypsies. It's hilarious.
Having said all that, I enjoyed reading this book. It was the first book I ever read, and I still love it.
It's a wonderful, well-written story about Shadow the Sheep-dog on a farm (around the Borders judging by the scenery such as Cogill Mountain, and the language such as 'bonnie') living with other sheep-dogs who teach him how to behave. As does Johnny his owner. The emphasis is on obedience, bravery and being good as the primary virtues.
Enid Blyton is a very proficient story teller. Yes, she comes from a non-pc era. Yes, she uses words from another vintage (Bother!, Gracious!, Hark!, Golly!, My word!, Well well!, piteously, pheee, tramps, hallo, hie).
Yes, there are exclamation marks after every paragraph! after every sentence! after every word!
Yes, her expressions are dated (I like it awfully, You jolly well know it is, Please mayn't I go to the gypsy camp first..., and so on). But what do you expect of a book written by a middle-class, middle-aged lady in 1942?
A few other things struck me. Firstly the illustrations show a farm boy wearing a tie and gaiters. So old-fashioned. Secondly Johnny's crowning achievement in the last chapter is when Shadow helps him kill a beautiful eagle who is taking lambs but really only trying to feed its young. So sad. Thirdly the punishment meted out was saying "your six times tables" and if you get it wrong you will have to say "your seven times tables".
Fourthly, Dinner was shortly after twelve o'clock (p136). It was called 'dinner' not lunch. No wonder from then on I was always confused about the times for lunch, tea and dinner.
Fifthly, by the way, I almost forgot to mention that they were complaining about daylight saving even back then. "[The shepherd] grumbled about the new summer-time and said it put him right out of his reckoning!" p148.
If you want to really understand the flavour of the book read p101 and p102 where Johnny and Shadow confront the gypsies. It's hilarious.
Having said all that, I enjoyed reading this book. It was the first book I ever read, and I still love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2020
“Shadow The Sheepdog” was my favourite stand alone novel by Enid Blyton. Originally published in 1942 it is the tale of young farm boy and his faithful sheepdog.
A typical Blyton story with lots of adventures full of life lessons and values for young readers (and probably a few older readers also) to learn such as being honest, respectful, working hard to achieve your goals, the strong bonds of friendship, and being humble.
Even though this book is nearly 70yrs old it’s still a lovely book for parents to read to their kids, younger readers to read for themselves, and even older readers to reminisce fondly a favourite book from their childhood.
“Shadow The Sheepdog” gets 5 wonderful trips down memory lane out of 5.
A typical Blyton story with lots of adventures full of life lessons and values for young readers (and probably a few older readers also) to learn such as being honest, respectful, working hard to achieve your goals, the strong bonds of friendship, and being humble.
Even though this book is nearly 70yrs old it’s still a lovely book for parents to read to their kids, younger readers to read for themselves, and even older readers to reminisce fondly a favourite book from their childhood.
“Shadow The Sheepdog” gets 5 wonderful trips down memory lane out of 5.
September 24, 2008
Feel good story about intelligent loyal English Sheepdog (like Lassie) and his sheep-farm boy owner Johnny. Shadow gets up to all sorts of adventures and incurs the jealousy of his fellow working dogs but continues to save Johnny from nasty gypsies and his bravery culminates in saving newborn lambs from vicious Golden Eagles which he kills thereby making this magnificent species extinct in England, incurring a £5,000 fine from the RSPB and being put down. Oh well c'est la vie. (only joking)
December 2, 2018
I may turn 26 in just over a week, but I can still enjoy a good children’s story. This was my first time reading Shadow the Sheep Dog, I found it on a second-hand bookshelf at work and thought it was worth trying. Having read a number of Enid Blyton books growing up, this one was just as fun. Easy to read, full of adventure and a happy ending.
November 30, 2014
it not true what Missis Blighton said what we kilt the eagle no we never Shadow just find it with super strong nose show Johhny Johhny say let take eagle home it die natral corses dont care wot Orris Peaby say was true about gypsies mind Shadow see gypsy Shadow bite
January 30, 2024
A very enjoyable read aloud, I'm more than halfway in love with sheepdogs now! I loved Shadow and his little master Johnny. The end of chapter 12 with the older bully and how Shadow and Johnny stand up to him had my husband chuckling and he rarely laughs at things.
The dogs "talk" to each other in this book (not to humans). It didn't bother me and really helps the story.
Note: This was published in 1942 and chapters 13-15 use the term "gypsies/gypsy" defined in chapter 15 as "people that look awfully dark...they live in houses on wheels." These gypsies do not have redeeming qualities and are portrayed very negatively.
"So the boy was strict with his puppy, because he loved him and wanted him to grow up into a well-trained and good dog." pg 24
"That was a hard lesson to learn," thought the little puppy. "But I'm jolly glad I wasn't afraid to learn it!" pg 50
"Good dogs!" shouted Johnny to the two dogs. "Good Dandy! Good Shadow! You did that very quickly." Both dogs wagged their tails. They always enjoyed their work, and would have done it even without orders from Johnny or the shepherd--but it was nice to have a word of praise. Johnny's father had told him that all creatures like a word of praise when they had done well, and should get it." pg 249
The dogs "talk" to each other in this book (not to humans). It didn't bother me and really helps the story.
Note: This was published in 1942 and chapters 13-15 use the term "gypsies/gypsy" defined in chapter 15 as "people that look awfully dark...they live in houses on wheels." These gypsies do not have redeeming qualities and are portrayed very negatively.
"So the boy was strict with his puppy, because he loved him and wanted him to grow up into a well-trained and good dog." pg 24
"That was a hard lesson to learn," thought the little puppy. "But I'm jolly glad I wasn't afraid to learn it!" pg 50
"Good dogs!" shouted Johnny to the two dogs. "Good Dandy! Good Shadow! You did that very quickly." Both dogs wagged their tails. They always enjoyed their work, and would have done it even without orders from Johnny or the shepherd--but it was nice to have a word of praise. Johnny's father had told him that all creatures like a word of praise when they had done well, and should get it." pg 249
January 24, 2023
I read this book over and over as a child and loved it. I recently borrowed the book from my mother (it is an early edition that she bought with her pocket money when she was a child) and read it with my eight year-old son. It was a complete delight to revisit this story and my son throughly enjoyed it too. It is like stepping back in time to a quintessential rural England, to simple farm life, to the work of sheepdog, to the love of a boy for his dog. My son was particularly curious about sheepdog trials so we ended up watching some videos of present day sheepdog trials on YouTube. Yes, there are parts of the story that are no longer politically correct - mostly surround the chapters about the travelers - but, for the most part, this is a gorgeous tale of love, loyalty and adventure.
November 12, 2023
Another 'nostalgia' one. I never owned this book: my grandmother did, and I would re-read it every time we went to stay with her (long distance).
Since then, I've read I dunno how many of EB's books -Famous Five, Adventure series (was never keen on Secret Seven for some reason), the Naughtiest Girl, Malory Towers and St Clare's school sets, Faraway Tree.
I'm only adding this one because it was "my first" - and only giving it a 2 star because it really hasn't stood the test of time in terms of attitudes (gypsies, ouch). I found it recently online and regretfully decided after a few chapters that the writing was far too childish for me to enjoy even a nostalgic re-read.
Since then, I've read I dunno how many of EB's books -Famous Five, Adventure series (was never keen on Secret Seven for some reason), the Naughtiest Girl, Malory Towers and St Clare's school sets, Faraway Tree.
I'm only adding this one because it was "my first" - and only giving it a 2 star because it really hasn't stood the test of time in terms of attitudes (gypsies, ouch). I found it recently online and regretfully decided after a few chapters that the writing was far too childish for me to enjoy even a nostalgic re-read.
October 4, 2021
Wzruszająca opowieść (chociaż bez fabuły) o życiu na farmie z perspektywy psa. Bardzo dobrze opisane etapy nauki do przygotowania do życia przy pilnowaniu owiec szczeniaka o imieniu "Shadow". Cudowny psiak i bardzo inteligentny, od razu przypada do serca każdemu miłośnikowi zwierząt.
Książka napisana jest w bardzo przyjemny i lekki sposób, jednak, u mnie nie trafiła na odpowiedni czas, chyba ten styl jest już daleko za mną... niemniej jednak polecam, język prosty i lekki, szczególnie dobry dla dzieci.
Książka napisana jest w bardzo przyjemny i lekki sposób, jednak, u mnie nie trafiła na odpowiedni czas, chyba ten styl jest już daleko za mną... niemniej jednak polecam, język prosty i lekki, szczególnie dobry dla dzieci.
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March 13, 2022I've loved this book since I was a child, and my dad managed to get the book back for me after years! Aside from one chapter which had very dated ideas and it was very horrible to read. But aside from those chapters then it was still amazing. They did continue to use a word that shouldn't be said, but that can of course be expected for old books. As long as you ignore those parts it's still a good book, and it fills me with nostalgia.
June 2, 2017
My boys (6&3) absolutely loved this one! A 1952 version of the book was being passed around my wider family and all the nieces and nephews ended up talking like dogs when recounting the tales and adventures of Johnny and Shadow.
It is a little dated (like most Enid Blighton books these days) but I am not sure why this one hasn't been re-printed like all the others.
It is a little dated (like most Enid Blighton books these days) but I am not sure why this one hasn't been re-printed like all the others.
June 2, 2019
I am 68 yrs.
I had this book when i was 7yrs old.
I read and read it 20 times or more.
Drove my mum mad reading same book. Loved it.
A lovely story.
Often think of it especially if i see a w Welsh Collie dog. Thought the book would have been long forgotten by people
Recomend children reading it.
Would read again if i had a copy.
Well worth reading.
I had this book when i was 7yrs old.
I read and read it 20 times or more.
Drove my mum mad reading same book. Loved it.
A lovely story.
Often think of it especially if i see a w Welsh Collie dog. Thought the book would have been long forgotten by people
Recomend children reading it.
Would read again if i had a copy.
Well worth reading.
February 10, 2022
Oh how I love this book. Shadow is what made me love dogs so much. I even have a cuddly toy dog named Shadow that I’ve had since I was very small. Johnny’s adventures with his clever collie are just lovely, and I come back to this story again and again. One of the best stories about the love between a person and their best friend.
October 2, 2021
A great tale of a dog and his boy master. It did feel as though the story ended mid-stride and left me feeling I’d missed the last chapter. Other than that it was yet another Blyton adventure well worth reading.
June 8, 2018
Remember being read this one at school. then I liked it so much that I went and bought it from a 2nd hand book shop. Was probably the first Blyton book I ever read.
September 4, 2022
Very good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews