The Enchanted Wood

Enid Blyton

First published: 1939

Joe, Beth and Frannie move with their family to a new home in the countryside. Near their house they discover an enormous and mysterious forest called the Enchanted Wood.

Deep inside the wood stands the Faraway Tree, a gigantic magical tree whose branches reach high into the clouds. The children soon discover that the tree is home to many unusual characters, including Moon Face, Silky the fairy and the Saucepan Man.

At the very top of the tree is a ladder leading through the clouds to strange magical lands. A different land arrives at the top of the tree from time to time, and anyone visiting must be careful to leave before the land moves away or they may be carried away with it.

The children visit a succession of extraordinary places, meeting both friendly and troublesome characters and frequently finding themselves in unexpected adventures.

The Enchanted Wood introduces the Faraway Tree and the magical world surrounding it. It is the beginning of the childrens friendship with Moon Face, Silky and the other inhabitants of the tree.