It was a monumental moment in our house today as my husband read the final chapter of the final book in the Magic Faraway Tree book to the boys. He has been reading the books to them on and off for a while now and although R is a little too old (or at least he thinks he is) L has been totally captivated by the tales of Jo, Franny, Beth, Silky, Moonface and Saucepan Man and their exciting adventures in the different lands that arrive at the top of the tree.
So it came to pass today that we came to the end. Not completely as with A only being three, I’ve no doubt that we will relive them one more time, but I was reminded how amazing these books are.
I grew up with Enid Blyton, she completely inspired me and once I discovered her books as a young girl, I wasn’t happy until I had read them all. But The Magic Faraway Tree is and always will be my favourite, there is something magical about the story and whereas some Enid Blyton books sadly seem a little dated now, I think this particular set of books is timeless.
So after the final chapter; Goodbye to the Faraway Tree, had been read we chatted about how much we had enjoyed reading the books and I asked the boys to tell me what land would they choose if the Magic Faraway Tree was real. R said straight away that he would choose the land of sport which figures as he is currently obsessed with sport and getting fit. L thought about it carefully and then agreed with his brother that sport would be good although he would quite like a land of marshmallows. A had to join in as always and said she would like the land of pink; no surprises there and I said that the land of chocolate would be good for me.
I cannot recommend these stories enough if you have children around the ages of 5 – 8. There are three books; The Enchanted Forest, The Magic Faraway Tree and The Folk of The Faraway Tree. They will always be my favourite and if you have already read them, what land would you choose?
I loved these books! I often fantasise about a land which I’m sure I remember from one of them which was a land for sleeping, with lots of comfy beds (possibly made from clouds?) Looking forward to sharing them with mine when they are bigger!
I remember reading these and loving them! I should get some copies to read with L now she is 6 and a half, thanks for the nudge x