It’s taken years to read this trilogy to my children and tonight we have finished the final volume. They loved the adventures of the children and the Folk of the Faraway Tree. Given that my father read it to his children, and now I’ve read it to mine, I can safely say that it’s stood the test of time!

Some of the vocabulary is a little outdated but it hasn’t been a problem. If nothing else, it has helped my children to learn new words. The characters are quite static and predictable, and most chapters have their own narrative arc and finished fully resolved—making it the perfect bedtime story, and suitable to reading over a long period of time.

The Folk of the Faraway Tree was first published in 1946. The paperback edition that I read was published in 1951.

In this, the third story of the 'Faraway Tree' series, Jo, Bessie and Fanny are concerned when a little girl called Connie, visited them for a while. You see, the three children had met Connie before, and they knew she was awfully stuck-up, curious, and extremely spoilt... however, they were adamant that Connie wouldn't spoil their fun and adventures, in the magical Faraway Tree!

At first, Connie didn't believe in the Enchanted Wood and the Faraway Tree, but her strong curiosity forced her to explore and visit the magical land that Joe, Bessie and Fanny loved!

The reluctant Connie and the other three children enjoy some incredible adventures with the folk of the Faraway Tree. Curious Connie soon meets the Saucepan Man, Moon-Face, Silky the fairy, Dame Washalot, Mister Whatzisname. They climb through the cloud at the top of the Faraway Tree, and find themselves in: the Land of Giants, the Land of Nursery Rhymes, the Land of Tea-Parties, the Land of Secrets, the Land of Enchantments, the Land of Know-Alls, and finally the Land of Treats!

Needless to say, really, but the four children endure an abundance of fun, humour and laughter throughout this engaging book. Although it has to be said, that it's not all plain sailing... particularly for Connie, who inevitably gets involved in some silly and amusing disagreements along the way!

For sure, it's enormous fun to read. The characters are absolutely marvellous, and I'd like to mention the fabulous black and white illustrations, by Dorothy M. Wheeler. They certainly add another dimension to the superb storytelling.

I recommend this book for young children, and if they happen to like using their imagination – so much the better! ( )

This book is about these children, Joe, Beth and Frannie, who have their friend Connie over. She is stuckup and they want to show her their friends in the enchanted wood and the amazing lands up in the Faraway tree. Finally, Connie learns to behave herself. ( )