The Folk of the Faraway Tree
#3 of 8 in The Faraway Tree Series
What’s inside...
The third book in The Magic Faraway Tree series, 'The Folk of the Faraway Tree' follows the adventures of Jo, Bessie, and Fanny as they venture back into the magical world of the Faraway Tree. They are joined by their cousin Dick and encounter a host of new characters, including the Saucepan Man, Dame Washalot, and Moon-Face. Together, they explore incredible lands that appear at the top of the tree and face various challenges and exciting escapades.
Character compass
Jo
Silky
Connie
Fanny
Bessie
The Saucepan Man
Moon-Face
Discussion points
How would you feel if you discovered a magical world like the one in the Faraway Tree?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
If you could create a new land at the top of the Faraway Tree, what would it be like?
What lessons do you think Joe, Beth, and Frannie learned from their adventures?
How do the different characters help each other in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why they liked it.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters feel in different situations, promoting empathy and understanding.
Ask your child to imagine their own magical land, fostering creativity and deeper connection to the story’s themes.
Connect the story's moral lessons to real-life situations your child might encounter to enhance understanding and relatability.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship as shown in the book, relating it to your child’s experiences with friends or siblings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In the story, characters from diverse backgrounds come together to support one another through various challenges, demonstrating the value of building strong relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the significance of helping and caring for friends, fostering empathy and cooperative skills that are vital as they interact with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists often encounter obstacles and unfamiliar situations in the magical world of the Faraway Tree, showcasing their ability to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face challenges positively and remain steadfast in achieving their goals, enhancing problem-solving skills and confidence.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The magical setting and characters in the book spark the imagination, showing that creativity can lead to discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and storytelling, which supports cognitive development and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the book experience direct consequences of their choices, whether good or bad, which illustrates the concept of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of thinking before acting and teaches them about accountability in daily life.
Example Lesson: Respect for differences
Explanation: The diverse range of characters in the book teaches that despite differences in appearance or background, everyone can offer something valuable to a community.
Real-World Application: Promotes inclusivity and respect for diversity, crucial traits for harmonious interactions in increasingly multicultural societies.