Neal Street Productions have announced they are to bring Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree to the big screen.

The production company of Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Skyfall, Penny Dreadful and former hubby to Kate Winslet) will deliver a live action movie based on the four stories written by Enid Blyton between 1939 and 1951.

It is the first time the beloved stories leave the pages of books to become what I'm anticipating will be a visual delight. I, for one, cannot wait to see which "lands" arrive at the top of the Magic Faraway Tree and what adventures await Jo, Bessie and Fanny. Hopefully we'll get to see plenty of Silky the Fairy, Moonface, Mister Watzisname, Dame Washalot and the Saucepan Man too.

Pippa Harris, who co-founded Neal Street Productions with Sam Mendes, said: “The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children’s books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations. To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting.”

Enid Blyton died in 1968 and left an outstanding legacy of children's literature that millions of kids (and big kids) continue to enjoy every day.

There's no release date yet so there's plenty of time to get yourself and your kids acquainted with these whimsical stories full of fantastical characters before the movie hits the theaters. The sooner the better, please Neal Street!

Are you as excited as me? Tempted to acquaint or reacquaint yourself with the magic of Enid Blyton?