Customer Reviews

the faraway tree collection

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There is no information indicating that the 2nd book in this collection, The Magic Faraway Tree is abridged. Inside the collection, the contents page indicates that this book is slightly abridged. What they mean by slightly abridged is 6 chapters at the end of the 2nd book have been omitted. I would not have made this purchase had I known that in advance! Disappointing.

I think the only reason I became an avid reader was because I was introduced to Enid Blyton books as a child. Born and raised in the tropics(part of the British Empire at one time), I found it hard to believe that I coudn't find them easily at bookstores here in the USA when I wanted to buy them for my daughter. I would say the first books I chose to pick up for her to read were the Wishing Chair series and the Faraway Tree series. I think they really represent what Enid Blyton's books are all about. Her books are not only imaginative and entertaining they contain good values and an appreciation of nature. The faraway tree is a magical tree that have "wee folk" living in little cottages up and down the tree. Three children find this magical tree and meet up with magical characters such as Moon Face and go on adventures to different magical lands that can be found at the top of the tree. For those children who are not ready for spine tinglers and chillers, her fairy tales create a warm, comforting setting with just the right touches of fun and humor to encourage even the most reluctant of readers to continue turning pages and asking for more. My daughter and I have since collected over 250 of her books. This year, I donated extra copies that I owned to her elementary school because I really believe that her books can reach out to any reluctant reader. My daughter said that she even found teachers reading them during their spare time. If you have spare copies of her books, please consider donating them to schools. Most school libraries are rarely able to obtain them.

I was a little hesitant after reading the review highlighting that the second book is abridged, but I decided to go ahead and purchase because I was having a hard time find the books elsewhere. I have no regrets, all the characters and magic are present and accounted for. My four year old son giggles himself to sleep thinking of the Saucepan Man's selective hearing and silly songs.

What a marvelous set of stories! My children wanted to hear them again and again. I understand the stories are very popular in Britain, but virtually unknown in the US. I hope that changes some day. The stories are imaginative and interesting, full of fun and surprises.

Ideal for getting the imaginative juices flowing in children, I too (like other reviewers) found it difficult to obtain Enid Blyton books in the US!
In India (and several European countries) - these constitute a primary food group in any child's educational diet.
Eventually - ended up obtaining these from back in India - and found them to be a great read even as a grown up! Highly recommended for stimulating your child's brain while keeping them entertained.

This and many other Enid Blyton books where read to me and I also read as a child, I bought this and others for my grandchildren who absolutely love them. The stories are very imaginative and if you have even a spark of imagination the characters are so real you can make up all sorts of stories based on the characters after you have finished the book. When you have finished reading it the kids always want more!

I was read these stories 42 years ago and I was not sure how my electronics age-informed kids would react. Suffice it to say they were captivated and ask for readings every night.

This book is a childhood classic and I know that I will always enjoy reading it. I love Enid Blytons imagination!