Memories in a Box

By DAPHNE LEE

Tots to Teens

WHO remembers reading The Magic Faraway Tree? When I was about six, I discovered this book and the others in the series, and re-read them constantly.

I was recently reminded of these magical stories when I found The Enchanted Wood (the first book in a series of four) in a box sent all the way from Yorkshire, England.

The box contained things that those who had filled it felt were quintessentially English. It was sent to Kuala Lumpur and, in return, a box, filled with quintessentially Malaysian things, was sent to Yorkshire.

The exchange of boxes was just one component of a year-long cultural exchange project between young Malaysian and English arts practitioners.

On opening the “York box”, each Malaysian participant chose an object that “spoke” personally to him or her. Of course, I chose the book.

Not only was it significant to me because I write about children’s lit, The Enchanted Wood also immediately reminded me of my childhood.

Enid Blyton is as English as wellies and souwesters (waterproof rubber boots and raincoats to the uninitiated) but it’s also very much part of the childhood of many Malaysians, myself included.

Although it’s been at least 20 years since I read any of the books in the series, I still remember the characters and some of the stories. I also remember, very clearly, the thrill and wonder I felt when reading them.

For those who aren’t familiar with the series, it is about siblings Jo, Bessie and Fanny, and their cousin Dick, who discover a magical tree in a wood near their home.

The tree is inhabited by various rather interesting individuals, including a fairy named Silky, the Saucepan Man who’s hung all about with pans and kettles, and Moonface who really has a large, round, yellow face, like a full moon.

But the best thing about the tree is that it’s an entry point to strange, wonderful and magical worlds that take turns to stop right on top of the tree.

Access to these lands is gained via a ladder and the children have an exciting time visiting these different worlds and experiencing the magic in them.