The Adventures of the Tree Children

Do you remember reading about Joe, Beth, and Fannie in The Enchanted Wood ? Well, there have may been many other children who have discovered the Woods, but this story is special because its about the only other children who climbed the magical Faraway Tree Edward, Bettie, and Miriam. I hope you enjoy reading about their adventures as much as I did.

A New Beginning
Once there were three childrenEdward, Bettie, and Miriam. All their lives they had lived in the city, but now their father had a job in the country, so they were all to move as soon as possible. The children were very excited to move. I shall climb all the trees I possibly can! exclaimed Joe excitedly, I am going to learn all I can about animals and birds, announced Bettie, And I will pick mother a vase full of flowers every single day, cried Miriam, for she was the youngest of the three, and did not know how to do many things. Soon, the day came for the family to move. Removalists helped the family load their boxes into the truck, and drove away to the country house. The children and their parents caught the train to their new house. Edward exclaimed, How wonderful it will be to live in the country, with its clean air, dark woods, bright fields, and singing birds! His father frowned and looked at him, saying, I dare say you will find it very dull and boring indeed, it wont be much different from the town. But that was where he was quite wrong indeed!

The Wishing Woods

Bettie gasped when she saw the cottage, Its so beautiful with the roses all over the walls! It looks like something out of a fairy tale book its that sweet! cried Miriam. A few weeks later after the family had finished unpacking their boxes, and their father had started his new job, their mother allowed them to explore their new town. Edward and his sisters ran outside to play, tripping in the long grass and smelling the roses all around. They had not gone far when they came to a forest, full of tall Norfolk pine trees, and the loveliest fields of flowers. The trees seemed to whisper to one another, Wish-awish-a-wish, as if they really wanted the children to wish a wish. Listen! The leaves are talking! exclaimed Miriam. They all grew quiet, and it sounded exactly like the leaves were whispering secrets to each other. Wisha-wishawisha-wisha, went the trees. This place feels like magic, said Edward. All of a sudden, Bettie tripped on a small rabbit hole. Dirt fell away inside the hole, and right away, a gnome jumped out of the hole. Oi! Watch your feet! he cried, Youre destroying my home! The children gazed back at him in terror, for they had never seen a garden gnome talk before, let alone one that lived in a hole! Whats the matter? Never seen a gnome before? he asked. Finally gaining courage enough to speak, Edward replied, No. What is this place? The gnome looked at the children in shock, What? You dont know your in the Enchanted Forest, where you can climb the famous Faraway Tree? With that, the gnome disappeared into his hole in the ground. The children shouted in vain at the hole to get him to come back. Never mind. Its no use. Hes not going to come back. Why dont we try to find this magical tree? asked Edward hesitantly.

Acquaintances
So they did. It was quite easy to find. It was surrounded by flowers of all types, and filled with cherries at the bottom. They started to climb. It was a sturdy tree, and had long boughs that were easy to climb, almost like stairs, and as they ascended, the tree grew all different types of fruit. On the bottom, it started with cherries, the next layer was strawberries, the next oranges, and the next peaches. On the way up, Bettie found a little round window in the trunk of the tree, and peeped in. An angry pixie with a water jug in his hand, stuck out his head, and threw the water jug on poor Bettie. She screamed, and the angry pixie laughed, saying, That will teach you to poke your nose into other peoples business, while slamming the window shut. That wicked pixie! cried drenched Bettie, but then forgot all about the incident as she caught sight of a small golden door in the middle of the trunk. Hidden beneath some oranges was a little window, but none of the children dared peep inside. Instead, they rapped on the little golden door with a little silver doorknocker. A sweet little voice called out, If thats Dame Washalot, I shant need any washing done this week. If its Snow White, I am quite busy, and wont be able to mind the dwarves. And if its the Saucepan Man, I do not need any more saucepans! But your deaf anywaaa., The speaker flew open the door, and to the childrens surprise, started brushing her golden hair. Oh! Who do we have here? she asked, a gentle smile on her beautiful fairy face, Did you want to visit my house? The children trooped into the fairys house, and sat down on her couch. The golden-haired fairy told the children her name was Silky, and they all exchanged acquaintances. She also asked if they planned to visit the top of the tree. What is at the top of the tree? questioned Miriam, who was forever asking questions.

It depends. There is a whole world up the top of the tree. The world spins around, and so there is always a different land at the top of the tree every week. Sometimes there are amazing lands, such as the Take-What-YouWant-Land where you can take as much of anything as you want, and then there are the not so pleasant ones, such as the Land of Topsy Turvy, Silky shuddered at the memory. Just be careful not to go up there this week, because its the l.and of the Merry-Go-Rounds at the moment. How about I introduce you to my friend Moon-Face? He lives in this tree too, and he would love to meet you! Everyone climbed up the tree a little way until they came to a round hollow. Silky called out in her sweet voice, Moon-face! Ive brought some new friends for you to meet! Instantly, a round face, peculiarly like that of a moon, peeked out of the hollow, followed by the rest of his body. He had a round, full moon face, and his body was fairly thin. He seemed quite happy to meet them, and welcomed them into his home, handing out sweet treats all round. Opening a container, he pulled out some sweets called Hot-Cold Goodies. Miriam, being the greediest of the three, pulled one out, and devoured it. At once she started panting, and it was almost too hot for her to handle! Suddenly it got too cold, colder than ice-cream, and she was about to fling it out of her mouth, when it finally went warm. Nearly crying with laughter at the sight of Miriams face, Moonface handed around some toffee. It was not ordinary toffee, though. Miriam grabbed a huge piece, sighing with relief of sighting something that she had eaten before. She sucked, and sucked, and the toffee grew bigger and bigger in her mouth. Moon-Face asked with a smirk on his round face, How do you like your toffee, Miriam? Oooble, ooble, OOOOBLE! said poor Miriam, tears streaming down her cheeks, for the toffee was now so big she could not talk and be understood. Suddenly, the toffee went POP! in her mouth, and she was left with nothing except a stunned expression. Poor Miriam! How she hated moon-face now!

Oh Miriam! her brother sighed, Maybe that will teach you not to be so greedy, Sweet Silky had spied the look of sorrow on Miriams face, and she, not being one for practical jokes, quickly pulled out some pleasant little cakes. She offered Miriam and the children one, and they bit into them. Honey pooled into their mouths from a little hole in the centre. Silky! I love these so much! They are the sweetest little things! exclaimed Bettie. The afternoon passed quite pleasantly for the trio. Edward asked Moon-Face who else lived in the tree, and he answered, Only myself, Silky, and Angry Pixie always have lived here. There are others, Dame Washalot, who always washes clothes, and beware of her washing up water, she tips it out of her house at the top of the tree. Then theres Mister Watzisname, and no one knows his name, not even himself! Be careful though when hes asleep to not wake him up suddenly! Soon, it was time for them to go home. I DONT WANT TO CLIMB DOWN THE TREE! screamed Miriam, who was scared of heights. Fair enough. Why dont you come down my Slippy-Slip? He explained the slippy-slip was just a nickname for his slippery dip. Sure enough, Miriam stopped crying, and was allowed to sit on one of Moon-Faces colourful cushions. Bettie and Edward chose one too, and they all chorused, Goodbye Moon-Face and Silky! Then they were off, slipping down the trapdoor, down the trunk of the tree to the very bottom.

Visit to the Top of the Tree

The very next day, their Mother told them, Since you have finished your chores, you may have a picnic in the woods. She packed them some raspberry jam sandwiches, lemonade, and a chocolate cake. Excitedly, they skipped all the way to the Faraway Tree, and climbed on the ladder at the very top. They pushed through a misty, white cloud at the top with a purple hole in the middle, and found themselves in Merry-Go-Round Land! All of a sudden, the earth seemed to spin around and around. It never stopped! Edward grabbed his sisters protectively, and they all clutched each other, determining not to let the other go. Just when Miriam began to clutch her stomach and moan, Edward found the hole that led to the faraway tree, and pulled the others down. They all let out a sigh of relief. Soon, they found themselves sitting at Silkys little table, eating chocolate cake and sandwiches. They thought it was absolutely lovely! A new land is coming tomorrow, stated Silky, Its the Land of the Saucepan Man. The Saucepan Man is a deaf little man who carries loads of saucepans on him always. The land of The Saucepan Man is a little island, surrounded by mist. You get to it by climbing little saucepans set into a cliff. He sounds like fun! exclaimed Bettie. As the children climbed down the tree, they heard a faint rumbling noise. Edward yelled, QUICK DUCK FOR COVER! Its Dame Washalots washing water! Edward ducked behind a leafy branch, and Miriam hid behind a pile of oranges hanging on the tree, but poor Bettie was not so lucky. As the water rained down on her, Bettie let out a yelp. Poor Bettie was drenched! Im so unlucky, she whined. They headed for home.

Barn Owls Letter

The children had not visited the faraway tree in two weeks, because they had to help with the gardening. I wish we could go back to the tree. Moonface will wonder whats happened to us, thought Edward. Silky and Moonface indeed were wondering what they were up to. They decided to send a note by the Barn Owl that lived in Silkys rafters. Oh look! cried Bettie, as the Barn Owl dropped the note, Its the Barn Owl! Quick, open the window. Its dropped a note for us, said Edward, trying to restrain the excitement in his voice. He unfolded the note, fumbling. This is what he read: Dearest Edward, Miriam, and Bettie, We are wondering if everything is all right, since you have not visited the tree in a few weeks. There is a new land at the top of the tree, and it is quite pleasant! Its the land of Fairy Tales! Please Come Soon! Love Moonface and Silky xox I say! shouted Miriam, for she loved Fairy Tales of any kind, That sounds perfectly lovely! When can we go? Hmmm, well have to see, replied Edward.

Land of Mad Fairy Tales

That night at around midnight, Edward crept out of his room, followed by the girls, and they walked silently to the Tree. The Tree was alive with happiness! For once, the Angry Pixie seemed to be in a happy mood, for he was busy talking with three owls as the children climbed up. They dared not talk to him though, in case he remembered them as the children who had peeped inside his house! The children climbed higher and higher, and Bettie picked a plum to have whilst she climbed. It tasted delicious, and she enjoyed every mouthful. Mmmm, she thought to herself, The fruit that grows on the Faraway Tree is so much tastier than the fruit we grow at home, The children reached the top of the tree, and went through the hole. Oh good, youre here! cried Silky ecstatically, Weve been waiting for ages! Just beware of wishing in the fairy tale land, because as soon as you wish something in your thoughts, it will come true! But quick, come meet my good friend, Tinker-Bell! The children waved hello, and Tinker-Bell sprinkled fairy-dust all over them in return. All of a sudden, they lifted off their feet into the air! They were flying, higher and higher they went, over Sleeping Beautys castle, over the Seven Dwarves diamond mine, over Aladdins hidden cavern, and over Captain Hooks pirate ship! They observed and loved the whole of Fairytale land. Finally, after what seemed like a whole evning, but was only in reality ten minutes, the children, Silky, and Moonface landed, but Tinker-Bell kept flying, all the way calling over her shoulder sweetly, Goodbye! Goodbye! After walking for a fair way, the company caught sight of a tall tower. I wonder if this could be the infamous tower of Rapunzel? wondered Edward, I wish I could see if I could set her free, Soon, he found himself

separated from the rest of the party, and at the foot of the tower. He found a rabbit hole and a small cake at the bottom of the tower that said Eat Me. Before he could eat it, however, a small white rabbit bounded into the hole. Im late! Im late! it cried worriedly, and jumped through the hole. Intending on following the rabbit, Edward nibbled on the cake, and jumped in too. Meanwhile, the rest of the party walked along cheerily, and didnt even realize Edward had gone. Eventually, they came across a huge castle covered in red roses, with a large rose at the castle doors. A heavily-built man with sandy coloured long hair tied up in a ponytail led a mass of men to the castle gates, while some men were using a battering ram at the castle walls. Beast! cried the leader, whose name appeared to be Gaston, Show your face you coward! Its the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast! gasped Bettie, Hes about to die! Without another word, Bettie had run through the castle gates, and into the castle. A young girl with silky brown coloured hair, wearing a beautiful yellow dress was weeping on the stairwell. Belle! exclaimed Bettie, Wheres Beast? The girl did not answer Bettie, only wept silently. After a few minutes of silence, Belle answered, Gaston has killed him! Gaston has killed my love! and then she lapsed hysterically into another fit of crying. No, he hasnt! I know this story! Beast will be lying in the garden in his former body, and then when you see him, you will run to him, and kiss him, then he will transform himself into a princes body. You see, the Beast used to be a magnificent prince, but then he had a spell cast on him. When he receives true loves kiss, he will be changed into his real self, said Bettie excitedly, Quickly, let us go into the garden now, and you can see for yourself! Edward was having the time of his life. He had slipped down the rabbit hole as if he were a rabbit, and he landed on top of a giant spiders web. Finding a small cake that said Eat me, he ate it, and grew until he was his normal size. Happily, he climbed a tree, and soon found he was in a wonderful place. There were mountains, and beautiful looking palaces. Then he looked closer, and

observed a little tea party not too far from him. Hastening, he climbed down the tree and started walking to the very spot of the tea party, for Edward loved tea parties and did not want to miss out on this opportunity! Soon, he found his much longed after tea party. There was a tall, skinny looking man with a moustache, wearing a taller still hat on his head. There was also a girl about Edwards age with blonde hair and a blue dress. Edward thought she looked quite pretty. Ahhh, here we are. Youre finally here Edward. WE thought youd never arrive, said the moustached man. Dont be so hard on him Mad-Hatter! cried the girl, in a very sweet voice, Its only his very first mission, after all. Oh Alice, Alice, Alice, replied Mad Hatter, You are too easy on these young ones. Anyway, let us get down to business, or should I say A (Alice) and M (Mad Hatters) T (Tea) P (Party) I (Investigations). Edward, you do know why you are here, dont you? We needed a boy from the real world to come to Wonderland and save the princess in the tower who is being kept there by the sandman, Fair enough, answered Edward. What else do I need to know? Belle and Bettie were soon with the Beast in the garden. Belle leant in to give the Beast a quick kiss, and restore him to life. At once, the Beast vanished, and in his place, a handsome prince remained. Flinging herself in his arms, Belle fainted from happiness to be with her prince. The prince spoke for the first time, Thank you my dear, for helping Belle realize what she needed to do to have happiness. We are forever in your debt, he stated grandly. Oh! You are very much welcome! beamed Bettie, and she skipped happily all the way back to her friends who were waiting for her.

Sleepanzel
Meanwhile, Edward galloped courageously across Mermaids Cove bridge, while planning his exhibition of courage. His goal was to save the prisoner of the castle (the princess), and restore her to life by cutting off all her hair. The princess had been a slave to sleep by a spell the Sandman had put on her when she was a baby, for her parents had not invited him to Sleepanzels Christening. The only way to break the spell was to cut off Sleepanzels beautiful golden, braided hair, which was braided to a chair she sat on, with magic scissors, and that would awaken her out of her slumber. Sandman would then not have any power over her. Edward galloped on while thinking these thoughts. Finally, he came to the tall tower where the princess was held captive. He wished himself inside. At once he observed the princesses long, golden hair, braided protectively around her and the chair. Seizing his scissors, he started snipping. An hour later, he finished. The princess started awake, and Edward held his breath. Fluttering open her eyelids, Sleepanzel opened her eyes for the first time in one thousand years. Thank you for rescuing me! Cried Sleepanzel, I am forever in your debt! Edward galloped away to Wonderland with Sleepanzel holding on to his waist, the horses blonde mane streaming in the wind. Oh Edward, you are so brave! giggled Sleepanzel, I must find a way to repay you! Sleepanzel and Edward had arrived safely in Wonderland, to find Alice and Mad Hatter enjoying yet another Tea Party in his absence. Of course he must! shrieked Alice, Mad Hatter must appoint him a chivalrous knight! Mad Hatter twisted his ginger moustache, and seized the tea pot lying on the table. Kneel oh courageous of knights.

I give you Edward, Knight of the Order of the Tea Table! With that, Mad Hatter knighted Edward with the tea pot. Meanwhile, the rest of the party were climbing down the tree, when all of a sudden Edward popped out of the cloud above. Hello! he cried, You didnt forget me, did you? Bettie and Miriam flung themselves at him, all the while asking him questions about where he had gone. I had a pretty mad tea party, answered Edward, I will tell you all about it later.

The Saucepan Man

The next day dawned bright and clear, and the children finished all their chores. Mother said, Since you have been wonderfully behaved this morning, you may spend the rest of the afternoon doing what you please. The children were so excited, they could not concentrate during lunch. They practically ran the whole way to the Tree, then Moonface let down the basket, and pulled all three of them up to the very top. Oh children! I really need your help! Silky is caught at the top of the tree by the Saucepan Man! He believes that Silky said his mother is fat, when in fact she asked if his mother has a cat! Moonface was spluttering with rage. Of course we will help, only who is the Saucepan Man? questioned Bettie, puzzled, as she had never heard of him before. The land at the top of the tree changed just this morning to the land of the Saucepan Man. Silky and I wanted to visit our friend, Saucepan Man. So we did. We were having a pleasant time, as Saucepan said that he was planning on staying with Mr. Watzisname until the next land swings around, because that is where his mother lives. So Silky asked politely, does your mother like cats, for Mr. Watzisname has a cat, and Saucepan Man went as red as a beetroot, and had steam coming out of his ears. He is very deaf, and thought Silky had said his mother is fat. He chased Silky and I down to the ladder, but Silky didnt

make it, and now she will be stuck there until the next land swings around! Moonface now collapsed on a wispy branch that looked peculiarly like a pillow. We will go and find Silky, and bring her back, chorused the children. Oh, I know! yelled Moonface, The Land of Sweets is coming soon, and Saucepan loves gingerbread. Perhaps you could bribe him with all he can eat gingerbread. He is such a greedy pig. They trooped up the ladder, only to find a roundfaced little old man covered in saucepans, sitting on the ground above, and Silky tied to a nearby tree. Hullo! hollered The Saucepan Man, Have you come for a visit? No need to shout, Saucepan Man, replied Edward, And no, we havent come for a visit. We want to know if you will come and get some gingerbread. Im not going to bed. I just got up! cried Saucepan Man hysterically. No, we want to know if you want to come with us! said the children together. Miss the bus? asked Saucepan Man puzzled, You dont need a bus to get some gingerbread! NO! We want you to come down the tree! Wheres the bee? with that, the Saucepan Man ran around like a madman, clanging his saucepans together, trying to avoid an imaginary bee. COME DOWN THE TREE! Edward shouted loudly. No need to shout, answered Saucepan Man, If thats what you wanted, why didnt you say so? Never mind, said Miriam. What did you find? asked Saucepan Man I SAID NEVER MIND! Miriam shouted at Saucepan Man Edward cut Silkys ropes, while Saucepan wasnt looking, and they all climbed down the tree happily.

Gumballs and Gingerbread

During the next few days that followed, Saucepan lived with Mr. Watzisname. Finally, the Land of Sweet Treats arrived, and Silky took Saucepan Man and the children up the tree. All at once, Saucepan Man caught sight of a huge gingerbread house, covered in candies of all types, and before Bettie could say, Stop! he had run off to take a huge bite of the roof. NO SAUCEPAN! shouted Silky, That is where the wicked witch lives! Edward ran after Saucepan Man, and managed to stop Saucepan from taking a second bite, but the harm was already done. The witch marched out of her home, seized the funny old man by one of his saucepans, and cackled with laughter. Who dares eat of my house will be eaten themselves, she announced, and stomped back inside, muttering under her breath. Oh no! What are we going to do now? asked Miriam, We need to rescue Saucepan Man. I have the perfect plan, announced Edward, and they all gathered round. An hour later, Miriam crawled through the chimney of the gingerbread house. She could see Saucepan Man tied to a chair in the kitchen, and the witch was humming, busily mixing up herbs and stirring an iron cauldron. She cant be thinking of cooking poor Saucepan, can she? thought Miriam to herself as she climbed steadily down the chimney, but at that moment, the witch untied Saucepan and pushed him into the hot oven. She is going to eat him! Miriam was horrified! Shrieking noisily, Miriam leaped off the chimney face, brandishing a bucket of water. Before the witch could even turn around, Miriam had thrown the water all over her. Im melting! screamed the witch, Im MELTING! With that, she promptly evaporated, leaving in her place a pile of green goo.

Im so glad youre all right! said Miriam, throwing her arms around Saucepan. Yes, you did give me quite a fright, Saucepan Man answered grumpily. Oh Saucepan! laughed Miriam, helping him out of the oven. Together, they walked outside to meet the others. The rest of the day they spent walking around the Land of Sweet Treats. As they walked around a wall made out of rocky-road, they saw a strange looking man with a top hat ordering around some green-haired dwarves. The most interesting thing though was the huge sea of chocolate right next to them. Friends! cried the top hat man, May I show you around my chocolate factory? Of course! shouted Bettie, and the man held out his arm for Silky to take, and off they went. Inside the chocolate factory, the top-hatted man introduced himself as Mr. Willy Wonka. The green haired, orange-faced dwarves were Mr. Willy Wonkas servants. He gave them a tour of the factory, and showed them a batch of gumballs he was making. OOOOh! Can I try one? asked Moonface, and before Willy Wonka could say no, he had taken one and popped it into his mouth. All of a sudden, Moonface started to lift off the ground and into the air. He flew all the way to the top of the ceiling, while the others were screaming at Mr. Wonka to get Moonface down before he hurt himself with all the chocolate manufacturing machinery. Meanhile, Mr Wonka gave an order to one of his Oompa-Loompas, and he scurried back with a curious oblong lolly in his palm. He chucked one up to Moonface, who popped that one into his mouth too. Suddenly, he zoomed down and landed on the ground. Wow, what an adventure, said Moonface shakily, I suppose we had better get back to the tree now. Thank you for showing us your wonderful factory. The others all chorused their thank yous, and Mr. Wonka chuckled, and said, Youve been wonderful guests, now how about some special Wonka hot chocolate before you go?

These were the many amazing adventures the children had in the Enchanted Woods. When the children grew up, they would take their own children to the faraway tree.

The Enchanted Woods

Moonfaces Toffee

The Gingerbread House