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The Three Tree
"Our three has been stolen! How will we ever be able to count to five again?" The residents of a peaceful town love nothing more than to count to five. But when the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician sneaks into their town and steals their magical number three, someone must journey to his castle in the clouds to rescue it. A little girl will decide if she is the strongest, bravest, smartest person in the land. Then she'll have to prove it – to her people and to herself.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2021
1 person want to read
About the author
Madison Farkas
1 book7 followersOriginally from Calgary, AB, Madison Farkas is an author, media critic and editor. She graduated from Mount Royal University’s Journalism program in 2016 and has written for CBC Books, Global News, Avenue Magazine, the Calgary Journal, Victoria Pink Pages and Best Version Media, among others.
Her background is in magazine publishing and local investigative journalism and she is a yoga lover, amateur chef and sometimes painter. She lives with her partner and many houseplants in Hamilton, ON. The Three Tree is her first book.
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Her background is in magazine publishing and local investigative journalism and she is a yoga lover, amateur chef and sometimes painter. She lives with her partner and many houseplants in Hamilton, ON. The Three Tree is her first book.
Watch the Trailer
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 13, 2021
Guys look it's my book!
June 21, 2021
Review by the Barefoot Librarian for Reader Views Kids: “The Three Tree” by Madison Farkas is a charming retelling of a tale with relevant, universal messages. A plucky young girl is the heroine who saves the day for her town. She provides an excellent female role model, exhibiting self-confidence and self-esteem. So much can be accomplished if you believe in yourself.
The town in the story is known for counting to five. Every person in the village counts to five every chance they get, including when they wake up and when they go to bed. However, an “Evil, Mean, Mad Magician” steals the number three. Every time a villager tries to count to five, they can’t because the number three is missing. What can the town do?
The wise old woman gathers the townspeople and tells them, “All is not lost!” she said. “Someone must go to the castle in the clouds and rescue our three. But that’s where the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician lives!” the townspeople protested. “It’s so far away and so dangerous! We can’t go there! We’ll never see our three again!”
The wise woman knows that it will take the strongest, bravest, and smartest person in the town to rescue their three. Surprisingly, a spunky young girl is an unexpected hero who knows she is the strongest, bravest, and most intelligent person in town. Not your typical protagonist, she wears glasses, has a curly mop of hair, and sports a pair of suspenders and green pants. However, with grit, determination, and cleverness, she saves the day.
The vocabulary is rich, engaging, and descriptive. The author has fun with words through repetition or creating a rhyming scheme within a sentence. For example, the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician “…tippy-toed, tippy-toed” to the town hall. And in this sentence, “He snuck up, plucked the three from its spot, and stuck it into his pocket.” Here the author uses playful alliteration, “She skulked and snuck…” and “The little girl skidded and slid…”. Throughout the book are challenging terms as “nestled,” “plucked,” “perilous,” “shimmied,” and “skulked.” Their meaning is decipherable through the context and helps grow children’s vocabulary.
The illustrations are delightful. The characters are somewhat cartoonlike, giving the tale a lighthearted feeling. The colors are slightly muted and earth-toned but cheerful. The illustrator’s depiction of nighttime scenes especially standout. Also notable is the inclusion of endearing details such as a dog, a child’s stuffed animal, and a child’s doll in the gathering of townspeople lead by the wise woman.
This charming tale has many noteworthy aspects. First, strong and intelligent females save the town. Second, the young girl is confident, believing herself to be the bravest, strongest, and the smartest person in the town – and she uses all three of these attributes to rescue the number three. In addition, she does not look the part of the traditional heroine. All of these characteristics create a positive role model for young girls.
This story contains many elements which make it a successful addition to the folk tale genre. It includes a fun adventure with a mean but not too scary villain; the author engages in a playful use of words; the vocabulary is challenging but easily understandable through context; positive messages about self-confidence – especially for young girls – are delivered. Add to this the charming illustrations, and you have a noteworthy folktale.
The town in the story is known for counting to five. Every person in the village counts to five every chance they get, including when they wake up and when they go to bed. However, an “Evil, Mean, Mad Magician” steals the number three. Every time a villager tries to count to five, they can’t because the number three is missing. What can the town do?
The wise old woman gathers the townspeople and tells them, “All is not lost!” she said. “Someone must go to the castle in the clouds and rescue our three. But that’s where the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician lives!” the townspeople protested. “It’s so far away and so dangerous! We can’t go there! We’ll never see our three again!”
The wise woman knows that it will take the strongest, bravest, and smartest person in the town to rescue their three. Surprisingly, a spunky young girl is an unexpected hero who knows she is the strongest, bravest, and most intelligent person in town. Not your typical protagonist, she wears glasses, has a curly mop of hair, and sports a pair of suspenders and green pants. However, with grit, determination, and cleverness, she saves the day.
The vocabulary is rich, engaging, and descriptive. The author has fun with words through repetition or creating a rhyming scheme within a sentence. For example, the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician “…tippy-toed, tippy-toed” to the town hall. And in this sentence, “He snuck up, plucked the three from its spot, and stuck it into his pocket.” Here the author uses playful alliteration, “She skulked and snuck…” and “The little girl skidded and slid…”. Throughout the book are challenging terms as “nestled,” “plucked,” “perilous,” “shimmied,” and “skulked.” Their meaning is decipherable through the context and helps grow children’s vocabulary.
The illustrations are delightful. The characters are somewhat cartoonlike, giving the tale a lighthearted feeling. The colors are slightly muted and earth-toned but cheerful. The illustrator’s depiction of nighttime scenes especially standout. Also notable is the inclusion of endearing details such as a dog, a child’s stuffed animal, and a child’s doll in the gathering of townspeople lead by the wise woman.
This charming tale has many noteworthy aspects. First, strong and intelligent females save the town. Second, the young girl is confident, believing herself to be the bravest, strongest, and the smartest person in the town – and she uses all three of these attributes to rescue the number three. In addition, she does not look the part of the traditional heroine. All of these characteristics create a positive role model for young girls.
This story contains many elements which make it a successful addition to the folk tale genre. It includes a fun adventure with a mean but not too scary villain; the author engages in a playful use of words; the vocabulary is challenging but easily understandable through context; positive messages about self-confidence – especially for young girls – are delivered. Add to this the charming illustrations, and you have a noteworthy folktale.
August 3, 2021
The Three Tree is a charming retelling of a tale with relevant, universal messages. A plucky young girl is the heroine who saves the day for her town. She provides an excellent female role model, exhibiting self-confidence and self-esteem. So much can be accomplished if you believe in yourself.
The town in the story is known for counting to five. Every person in the village counts to five every chance they get, including when they wake up and when they go to bed. However, an "Evil, Mean, Mad Magician" steals the number three. Every time a villager tries to count to five, they can't because the number three is missing. What can the town do?
The wise old woman gathers the townspeople and tells them, "All is not lost!" she said. "Someone must go to the castle in the clouds and rescue our three." "But that's where the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician lives!" the townspeople protested. "It's so far away and so dangerous! We can't go there! We'll never see our three again!"
The wise woman knows that it will take the strongest, bravest, and smartest person in the town to rescue their three. Surprisingly, a spunky young girl is an unexpected hero who knows she is the strongest, bravest, and most intelligent person in town. Not your typical protagonist, she wears glasses, has a curly mop of hair, and sports a pair of suspenders and green pants. However, with grit, determination, and cleverness, she saves the day.
The vocabulary is rich, engaging, and descriptive. The author has fun with words through repetition or creating a rhyming scheme within a sentence. For example, the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician "…tippy-toed, tippy-toed" to the town hall. And in this sentence, "He snuck up, plucked the three from its spot, and stuck it into his pocket." Here the author uses playful alliteration, "She skulked and snuck…" and "The little girl skidded and slid…". Throughout the book are challenging terms as "nestled," "plucked," "perilous," "shimmied," and "skulked." Their meaning is decipherable through the context and helps grow children's vocabulary.
The illustrations are delightful. The characters are somewhat cartoonlike, giving the tale a lighthearted feeling. The colors are slightly muted and earth-toned but cheerful. The illustrator's depiction of nighttime scenes especially standout. Also notable is the inclusion of endearing details such as a dog, a child's stuffed animal, and a child's doll in the gathering of townspeople lead by the wise woman.
This charming tale has many noteworthy aspects. First, strong and intelligent females save the town. Second, the young girl is confident, believing herself to be the bravest, strongest, and the smartest person in the town – and she uses all three of these attributes to rescue the number three. In addition, she does not look the part of the traditional heroine. All of these characteristics create a positive role model for young girls.
This story contains many elements which make it a successful addition to the folk tale genre. It includes a fun adventure with a mean but not too scary villain; the author engages in a playful use of words; the vocabulary is challenging but easily understandable through context; positive messages about self-confidence – especially for young girls – are delivered. Add to this the charming illustrations, and you have a noteworthy folktale.
The town in the story is known for counting to five. Every person in the village counts to five every chance they get, including when they wake up and when they go to bed. However, an "Evil, Mean, Mad Magician" steals the number three. Every time a villager tries to count to five, they can't because the number three is missing. What can the town do?
The wise old woman gathers the townspeople and tells them, "All is not lost!" she said. "Someone must go to the castle in the clouds and rescue our three." "But that's where the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician lives!" the townspeople protested. "It's so far away and so dangerous! We can't go there! We'll never see our three again!"
The wise woman knows that it will take the strongest, bravest, and smartest person in the town to rescue their three. Surprisingly, a spunky young girl is an unexpected hero who knows she is the strongest, bravest, and most intelligent person in town. Not your typical protagonist, she wears glasses, has a curly mop of hair, and sports a pair of suspenders and green pants. However, with grit, determination, and cleverness, she saves the day.
The vocabulary is rich, engaging, and descriptive. The author has fun with words through repetition or creating a rhyming scheme within a sentence. For example, the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician "…tippy-toed, tippy-toed" to the town hall. And in this sentence, "He snuck up, plucked the three from its spot, and stuck it into his pocket." Here the author uses playful alliteration, "She skulked and snuck…" and "The little girl skidded and slid…". Throughout the book are challenging terms as "nestled," "plucked," "perilous," "shimmied," and "skulked." Their meaning is decipherable through the context and helps grow children's vocabulary.
The illustrations are delightful. The characters are somewhat cartoonlike, giving the tale a lighthearted feeling. The colors are slightly muted and earth-toned but cheerful. The illustrator's depiction of nighttime scenes especially standout. Also notable is the inclusion of endearing details such as a dog, a child's stuffed animal, and a child's doll in the gathering of townspeople lead by the wise woman.
This charming tale has many noteworthy aspects. First, strong and intelligent females save the town. Second, the young girl is confident, believing herself to be the bravest, strongest, and the smartest person in the town – and she uses all three of these attributes to rescue the number three. In addition, she does not look the part of the traditional heroine. All of these characteristics create a positive role model for young girls.
This story contains many elements which make it a successful addition to the folk tale genre. It includes a fun adventure with a mean but not too scary villain; the author engages in a playful use of words; the vocabulary is challenging but easily understandable through context; positive messages about self-confidence – especially for young girls – are delivered. Add to this the charming illustrations, and you have a noteworthy folktale.
July 12, 2021
Farkas examines bravery, confidence, and perseverance in her debut.
There is a little town where the townsfolk love nothing more than to count to five. One night the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician sneaks into the town and steals the magical number three. Only the strongest, bravest, smartest person can journey to the magician’s castle in the town and bring the number back. When a little girl says she has all the qualities, the townsfolk send her to get the number back. But getting it back is not as easy as it seems.
Cleverly constructed storyline and child-appropriate prose (“But one night, while they were sleeping, the Evil, Mean,/ Mad Magician snuck into their town. He tippy-toed,/ tippy-toed until he reached the hall where the numbers/ were kept.”) add up to chaotic tale that both entertains as well as emphasizes basic counting skills and digit identification.
The cute unnamed protagonist, quirky townsfolk, and the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician as the antagonist provide an appealing cast of characters. Sakshi Mangal’s electric, brightly-hued illustrations are fun, bringing the whimsey of the story out.
Young readers, particularly little girls, will ask for a reread again and again. This is a winner.
There is a little town where the townsfolk love nothing more than to count to five. One night the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician sneaks into the town and steals the magical number three. Only the strongest, bravest, smartest person can journey to the magician’s castle in the town and bring the number back. When a little girl says she has all the qualities, the townsfolk send her to get the number back. But getting it back is not as easy as it seems.
Cleverly constructed storyline and child-appropriate prose (“But one night, while they were sleeping, the Evil, Mean,/ Mad Magician snuck into their town. He tippy-toed,/ tippy-toed until he reached the hall where the numbers/ were kept.”) add up to chaotic tale that both entertains as well as emphasizes basic counting skills and digit identification.
The cute unnamed protagonist, quirky townsfolk, and the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician as the antagonist provide an appealing cast of characters. Sakshi Mangal’s electric, brightly-hued illustrations are fun, bringing the whimsey of the story out.
Young readers, particularly little girls, will ask for a reread again and again. This is a winner.
July 9, 2021
Farkas introduces children to basic counting in this fun picture book.
The residents of the quaint little town love to count 1 to 5 day and night. But when the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician steals the magical number 3, the strongest, bravest, smartest little girl must journey to the magician’s castle in the clouds and get the number back.
An abundance of whimsey is visible on every spread: from cute little protagonist to the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician; from a quiet town to the magician’s mesmerizing tiny castle in the clouds. The combination of charming, apt verse and visuals keep the young readers invested throughout. The story is child-appropriate-scary and works well as a read-aloud.
Sakshi Mangel’s personality-laden illustrations are pleasant to eyes. The book will encourage toddlers to learn counting while exploring themes of courage, resilience, and self-confidence.
Deceptively simple and yet clever, the book makes for a must-have for young children’s’ bedside bookshelves.
The residents of the quaint little town love to count 1 to 5 day and night. But when the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician steals the magical number 3, the strongest, bravest, smartest little girl must journey to the magician’s castle in the clouds and get the number back.
An abundance of whimsey is visible on every spread: from cute little protagonist to the Evil, Mean, Mad Magician; from a quiet town to the magician’s mesmerizing tiny castle in the clouds. The combination of charming, apt verse and visuals keep the young readers invested throughout. The story is child-appropriate-scary and works well as a read-aloud.
Sakshi Mangel’s personality-laden illustrations are pleasant to eyes. The book will encourage toddlers to learn counting while exploring themes of courage, resilience, and self-confidence.
Deceptively simple and yet clever, the book makes for a must-have for young children’s’ bedside bookshelves.
June 5, 2021
Disclosure: Madison is my niece and the story is based on one her father (my brother-in-law) told her when she was a little girl. I really enjoyed the book, and the artwork is very well done! Definitely worth checking out if you have children in your lives, or if you ever were a child yourself!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews