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Five Go Down to the Sea facts for kids

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Five Go Down To The Sea
FiveGoDownToTheSea.jpg
First edition
Author Enid Blyton
Illustrator Eileen A. Soper
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Series The Famous Five series
Genre Mystery, Adventure novel
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Publication date
1953
Media type Print (hardcover and paperback)
Preceded by Five Have a Wonderful Time(1952) 
Followed by Five Go To Mystery Moor (1954) 

Five Go Down To The Sea is an exciting adventure book by Enid Blyton. It's the twelfth story in her popular Famous Five series. This book was first published in 1953, taking readers on a thrilling mystery in Cornwall.

The Famous Five's Cornish Adventure

The story begins with siblings Julian, Dick, and Anne Kirrin. They are joined by their cousin Georgina, known as George, and her loyal dog, Timmy. The children are spending their holiday on a farm in Cornwall, a beautiful coastal area.

They stay with Mrs. Penruthlan and her very large husband. Mr. Penruthlan speaks in strange sounds like "aahs" and "ooohs." The children find this quite funny at first. During their stay, they meet a young boy named Yan. They also encounter a group of traveling performers called the Barnies.

Uncovering an Old Secret

The children soon learn about a dark secret from the past. Long ago, some bad people, called "Wreckers," would trick ships. They would shine lights on stormy nights to guide vessels onto rocks. The ships would crash, and the Wreckers would steal the cargo that washed ashore.

Julian and Dick notice a strange light shining at night once again. This makes them wonder if the old Wreckers' tricks are happening again. The Famous Five decide to solve this mystery.

Escaping and Discovering the Truth

The children find a hidden path called the Secret Way. This path was used by the old Wreckers. At one point, the children get locked in a cellar. They are told they've arrived at an "awkward time." Luckily, Yan knows the Secret Way and helps the Five escape.

They use the Secret Way to return to Mrs. Penruthlan. At first, they think Mr. Penruthlan might be involved in something wrong. However, they soon discover the truth. Mr. Penruthlan is actually working with the police! His strange sounds are because he doesn't have his false teeth in. Once they understand this, the children quickly become friends with him.

Catching the Culprits

Later, after a show by the Barnies, the Five learn more. They discover that the leader of the Barnies, called the 'Guv'nor,' is actually exchanging the stolen goods from the wrecked ships.

Mr. Penruthlan finds a white package hidden inside Clopper. Clopper is a funny pretend horse that is a big part of the Barnie show. In the end, the police are called. Mr. Penruthlan laughs loudly and gives Clopper to Julian and Dick, wishing them good luck with it. The mystery is solved, and the Famous Five have another exciting adventure to remember!

Characters in the Story

Main Characters

  • George Kirrin
  • Anne Kirrin
  • Dick Kirrin
  • Julian Kirrin
  • Timmy (the dog)

Other Important Characters

  • Mrs Penruthlan – The kind farmer’s wife who hosts the children.
  • Mr Penruthlan – The farmer who seems grumpy but is actually helping the police.
  • Yan – A hungry and lonely orphan boy. He is cared for by his great-granddad and quickly becomes friends with the Famous Five, especially Anne.
  • The Barnies and the Guv'nor – A group of traveling entertainers. The 'Guv'nor' is the main bad guy in this adventure.

Other Appearances

The book is mentioned in the Podcast The Magnus Archives in statement 147 Weaver.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Los Cinco junto al mar para niños

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