The Tree That Sat Down

I suddenly had an inexplicable and almost visceral need to re-read this book (and The Stream That Stood Still) when I haven't seen either in at least 40 years. These books are wonderfully endearing and, to me, epitomize a classic British children's literature tone that doesn't (to my mind) exist in American writers. I miss this. And I want to re-read this.

I remember reading these books as a young girl and being thoroughly entranced. The Stream that Stood Still where the girl goes in search of her brother and puts on special flower petals that allow her to breathe underwater is particularly vivid in my mind. I'd love to buy this set for my son, but sadly it is out of print.

I felt compelled to write a write a review of this book,just because i know this fantastic trilogy is currently out of print and in order to read them we have to buy dated copies at considerable cost! I read these as a child and along with the Chronicles of Narnia, these were amongst my favorite books. All three books (Tree that Sat Down, Stream that Stood Still, Mountain of Magic), blend the authors love of the natural world and outdoors with magical stories of 2 children (brother and sister) interacting in a seemingly normal world where magical events occur, animals talk, witches and evil humans lurk and all done in a refreshingly modern, humourous and captivating way. The second book, the 'Stream that Stood Still'remains my favorite book, a wonderful adventure taking place beneath the calm waters of a english stream, with magical masks made from lilypond leaves that enable humans to live in the water and a race against time to change a child back into human form before he remains a fish forever. I would love to be able to buy these books and give them to my godchildren but at $20 a book, its not likely. Wonderful stories that our children today won't be lucky enough to read.