Enid Blyton's "The Magic Faraway Tree" is a beloved children's book series that has captivated readers for generations. The series follows the adventures of three siblings - Jo, Bessie, and Fanny - as they explore the magical world of the Faraway Tree. The tree is located in the Enchanted Wood and is home to various fantastical creatures and lands. The Faraway Tree is an enormous tree that reaches into the sky, its branches filled with different lands that change as the tree rotates. Each land has its own unique theme and inhabitants, making each visit to the tree an exciting and unpredictable adventure. The children are joined in their escapades by their friends Moon-Face, Silky, and Saucepan Man, who add another layer of fun and mischief to their journey.
I read this book with an intermediate ELL student. They actually introduced me to the series, as I somehow had never heard of it. It was a dated, yet charming little tale of children who have a magic tree in their backyard that has rotating lands at the top, like The Land of Presents and the Land of Do-As-You-Please. Some parts were slow and some parts were simply enchanting, and now I want to visit a little market in the sky with a tiny man who has the moon for a face.
A side note: it'll be super fun to try to explain that we shouldn't say 'queer' or 'dick' quite as loosely as they do in this book.
I also previously questioned whether there was anything that the adults would have seen in the Enchanted Wood, but in both stories we do have characters from the wood coming out to the cottage. The Magic Faraway Tree might not be a literary masterpiece, but Blyton s sure, confident storytelling builds worlds of enchantment that are quite irresistible.
The children are joined in their escapades by their friends Moon-Face, Silky, and Saucepan Man, who add another layer of fun and mischief to their journey. Throughout the series, the children encounter characters such as Dame Washalot, Mr. Watzisname, and the Angry Pixie, who each have their quirks and often create amusing situations.
The Magic Faraway Tree
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
They also visit magical lands such as the Land of Magic Medicines, the Land of Topsy-Turvy, and the Land of Do-As-You-Please, where the inhabitants do exactly as their hearts desire. Enid Blyton's storytelling captivates readers with her vivid descriptions of the magical lands and characters. Each chapter is filled with excitement and wonder, as the children unravel the mysteries of the Faraway Tree and its inhabitants. The books emphasize the importance of friendship, bravery, and imagination, with the children facing challenges and working together to overcome them. "The Magic Faraway Tree" series has been praised for its ability to transport readers into a world of endless possibilities and imagination. The books have remained popular over the years, allowing new generations of children to enjoy the enchanting tales of the Faraway Tree. In conclusion, Enid Blyton's "The Magic Faraway Tree" series is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its magical world and endearing characters. Through the adventures of Jo, Bessie, and Fanny, children are encouraged to embrace their imagination, cultivate friendships, and embark on their own magical journeys..
Reviews for "Finding Inspiration in Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree"
1) Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Enid Blyton The Magic Faraway Tree". The writing felt very simplistic and the characters were one-dimensional. I also found the plot to be lacking in depth and creativity. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2) John - 1 star - I couldn't understand the hype around "Enid Blyton The Magic Faraway Tree". The story felt disjointed and the dialogue was unrealistic. The illustrations were also quite poor, which made it hard to fully picture the events in the book. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3) Emily - 2 stars - "Enid Blyton The Magic Faraway Tree" left me feeling underwhelmed. The plot seemed to drag on without any real excitement or suspense. The writing style was also quite repetitive and lacked originality. Overall, it just didn't captivate my interest like I hoped it would.
4) David - 2.5 stars - "Enid Blyton The Magic Faraway Tree" was a bit too simplistic for my taste. I found the language to be very basic and the characters lacked depth. The plot felt predictable and didn't offer any surprises. I think it would be better suited for younger readers who are just starting to explore chapter books.