Discover the Magic: Read our Review of The Magic Faraway Tree series

In the middle of an enchanted wood stood a tree that reached to the clouds – the eponymous Magic Faraway Tree. It’s a home for fairies, pixies, and other magical creatures. The wood and tree are discovered by three children named Jo, Beth and Frannie, who move into a house nearby. They go on many adventures to the top of the tree in the Faraway Tree series.

First published in 1939, The Faraway Tree is a series of popular children’s books by British author Enid Blyton. Moonface’s Story and Silky’s Story are two new wonderful stories set in the enchanted world of the Magic Faraway Tree. They are the perfect introduction to Blyton’s classic series, ideal for younger readers aged 3+.

In Moonface’s Story, it is Moonface’s birthday and he is planning a party in his special round house in the Faraway Tree. His friends and the children who live near the Enchanted Wood are invited too. But a party must have a cake and he is having great trouble getting one – he even tries to bake a cake but burns it! With the help of his friends and his travels to one of the lands at the top of the tree, he might just get his birthday cake after all.

And Silky’s Story continues to explore the Enchanted Wood with Joe, Beth and Frannie who meet with their very special friends, Silky the fairy, Moonface, and Saucepan Man. But when a runaway elephant visits the tree, there’s a lot of mess for the friends to sort out…

These two brand-new stories are written by bestselling picture book author Jeanne Willis, and illustrated by the author of all the classic Faraway Tree books, Mark Beech. Beech’s fabulously vivid illustrations coupled with Willis’ captivating storytelling had me immersed in all the magic, allowing me to feel like I was at the Enchanted Wood with all these classic characters too.

Complete as full-colour picture books, I recommend these stories for readers aged 3+. It makes for a great read-aloud – and if my four-year-old niece could chime in, she’d tell you just how much we enjoyed reading it together. I grew up with these books, and it was nostalgic and sweet to share it with a new generation first-hand.