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A Childrens Book By A.W.J Bell
MEADOW-WOOD Lane –
Oliver Pine and the Mistlethrush
Picture 1 - Oliver & Johnny Walking with sticks scarf, on a county road City in the far distance background… wave goodby to bobby bus-top and eddy-stop sign - forest in foreground. Sign that say Meadow wood lane 2 miles
Oliver Pine and Johnny Oakwood had just returned to “ MEADOWOOD Lane ”, from a very tiring three days in the City. They had gone to visit some of Oliver’s old school friends Bobby Bus-stop and Eddy Stop-Sign, two City boys from the Old Town .
“Home at last”, said Johnny Oakwood to his friend Oliver Pine… “How nice it is to escape the hustle and bustle of the City for the peace and tranquillity of our very own, MEADOWOOD Lane ”.
Picture 3 – Johnny Oakwood arriving at his house, yawning and wanting to rest. Oliver Pine waving goodbye see you later.
Johnny Oakwood was tired and suggested that they have a rest for a few hours till around 4 o’clock and then call on Douglas Fir and Tommy Cottonwood for Dinner. Oliver Pine agreed with his friend and said that he was looking forward to telling them all about their Big Adventure in the City.
Picture 5 - Oliver goes for a walk.
Pleased to be home, Oliver Pine decided to go for a walk into the forest. “Goodbye” said Oliver to his friend Johnny Oakwood… “See you around 4 o’clock ”!
Oliver Pine started to walk deep into the forest, deeper and deeper into the forest, much deeper than he had ever walked before. He walked and walked, looking all around at the many wonders of the forest. There were so many sounds, smells and beautiful things to see in MEADOWOOD Lane .
Picture 5 - Oliver walking through the forest kicking some leaves, animals, flowers, insects, Plants River , mountains, sunny sky.
There were things lying on the forest floor and in the trees, flowers, Toadstools, Mushrooms and Grasses, an abundance of different animals, Plants and Insects, all forms of life growing and living in harmony in their very own Secret Garden.
“How lucky I am to live in Meadowood Lane , Oliver Pine thought to him self’ as he scuffled some leaves that were lying on the forest floor. Before long Oliver Pine began to feel a bit tired. I think that I will sit down in this clearing ahead, just by the river.”
A Walk in the Wood
Oliver went walking alone in the wood
He came to a clearing and the river looked good
Sit down and rest, take the weight of your feet
And think of the Forrest and the river so sweet!
Picture 6 – Oliver Pine… the beautiful clearing in the Forest Mountains on both sides. Roaring Roody River , flowers carpeting the forest floor, peace and tranquillity
The forest was silent, “what a beautiful spot” Oliver Pine thought as he settled down to rest. There were Mountains on both sides which gave shelter from the wind. Yellow, Red, Blue and White flowers carpeted the forest floor. The rippling sound of the winding Roody River whistled and roared, on its long journey down to the sea.
Oliver Pine fell into a deep sleep… one hour, two hours, four hours, eight hours passed and Oliver Pine was still fast asleep lying there, his branches spread out. When morning came, Oliver woke with a fright! “Hah”…”Oh”…!” Stretching out his roots and branches, “Where am I”…? He thought to himself? “Ah, I remember, what a lovely rest that was. I must have been very tired to sleep right through till morning.” Looking at his watch the time said 7 o’clock .
Picture 7 - Oliver standing up – rubbing his eyes.
“Oh”, he thought as he rubbed his sleepy eyes, “Johnny Oakwood and his friends will be sick with worry… I better hurry back to MEADOWOOD Lane as soon as possible.”
Picture 8 – Oliver stood up – stretching - rustle rustle in his branches
Oliver Pine stood up; stretching out his branches he heard a rather peculiar rustling sound coming from his pine cones… “Rustle”, “Rustle”… “Tweet” “Ta-woo”… Oliver Pine was rooted to the spot… “What on earth could that be”?, he thought to himself.
Picture 9 – Slowly turn his head looking down to see the nest and eggs. Mother Thrush flew out in fright.
Oliver Pine slowly turned his head and looked down into his branches. Pulling back his pine needles there sitting on a beautifully made nest was a brown speckled Mistle-thrush! “Ah”, Oliver Pine jumped back with fright…! As he did… the Mistle-Thrush flew out of Oliver Pines branches, leaving her nest, squeaking and whistling very loudly, in a panic flight!
To Oliver Pines amazement, there in the nest were four beautiful brown speckled eggs. Oliver’s mouth opened wide… he could not believe what he saw.
Back in MEADOWOOD Lane , Johnny Oakwood, Douglas fir and Tommy Cottonwood had already started their intergraded search of the forest for their dear friend Oliver Pine. They called on all their friends in the forest to help. There was Beetle Dumb and Beetle Dee, Big Mamma Hen, Fernando Fern, The Branch Twins (two rather inconspicuous twigs) Molly Mushroom and Woody Woodpigeon. They all started to search deep into the forest calling out Oliver Pines name! “OLIVER”, “OLIVER PINE”… “WHERE ARE YOU?” They shouted.
The Search of the Forrest
Johnny, Douglas, Tommy and friends
Started searching the Forest to find there dear friend
The Forest the Plants the Insects and bees
Where is OLIVER, Oliver Pine, he’s cannot be seen!
Picture 10 – Oliver Rooted to the spot – Missy Mistle thrush flying from tree to tree
Meanwhile, Oliver Pine stood there, rooted to the spot, considering his next move. The Mistle thrush was frantically flying from tree to tree, still squeaking and whistling very loudly. “Poor Mother bird” Oliver Pine said, “she must be very frightened for her clutch off eggs.”
Oliver decided to try and calm her down and began to shout on her. “Oh Mother Thrush”…? “Oh Mother Thrush”…? He said, “Do not be afraid… I will not harm you or your clutch of eggs”. “Please come down… Please come down…at once”… Oliver Pine said?
Picture 11 – Oliver Crying - worries about the clutch of eggs
The Mistle-thrush was nowhere to be seen. Oliver began to get worried as he knew that the Mother Thrush could not stay away from her clutch of eggs for too long, if the eggs were to survive… she was the only one that could keep them safe and warm. As tears began to fill Oliver Pines eyes, he pleaded one more time “Oh Mother Thrush”…? “Oh Mother Thrush”…? “PLEASE… PLEASE… come down?” Just as he finished speaking … Mother Thrush flew down and perched herself on a large stone just in front of Oliver Pines Right stump.
“Oh thank you for coming down to me”, said Oliver Pine… he re-assured Mother Thrush not to be frightened, and that he was a friend, someone she could trust. Oliver Pine began to speak. My name is Oliver Pine, and I come from MEADOWOOD Lane … two and a half miles as the crow flies North East of here. I am a Canoniforious Pine Tree 15 rings old. I live in the forest with my family trees and forest friends. My immediate family trees are, Tommy Cottonwood, the largest in our group Douglas Fir a tall and steady Fir Tree. Johnny Oakwood who is four rings older than me and my dear sister Marjorie Maple, as dear to me as a sister can be.”
Picture 12 – Close-up of mother bird
The Mother Thrush began to speak… “I am sorry to have put you to so much trouble Mr Pine”. “Call me Oliver”, Oliver Pine said in a calm and reassuring voice.
“My Name is Missy Mistle-Thrush from Honey-dew Meadow. Just over the mountain. I have been searching the forest for some days now, looking for a suitable tree that I could raise my clutch off eggs. As soon as I flew over the mountain into this valley, I knew that this was the place I wanted to raise my clutch.”
Picture 13 – Mountain Scene bird flying – river – Oliver sleeping
“The place was perfect, a roaring river to the East, and mountains on both sides, perfect shelter from the blustery North winds. I was first attracted to your prickly pine needles glimmering in the early evening sun light. Your branches looked so strong and healthy; an overpowering welcome feeling came over me. I knew that my nest would be protected by you, hidden from the outside elements. I had to work fast… I knew that my clutch was ready… your tree seemed so perfect for me. I worked on through the night and finally finished by sunrise.”
Missy the Mistlethrush
Missy Mistlethrush the Mother to beFlew over the Mountain to find a nice tree
The tree was asleep alone in the wood
She settled down to nest and the feeling was good!
Picture 14 – Molly Mushroom first Aid Box – Group of friends searching forest
Johnny Oakwood and the Gang were searching every crook and cranny of the forest floor… but their good friend Oliver Pine was nowhere to be seen. “He must be hurt or injured”, said Mamma Hen as she rubbed her beak and franticly searched her holdall to see if she had remembered to bring her First Aid Box. “He might have broken a leg or got lost”. All the terrible thoughts kept coming into every ones mind. Tommy Cottonwood tried to reassure the search party that Oliver was a sensible Pine Tree and that He would not take any unnecessary risks that would put him into danger.
Oliver Pine reassured his new friend Missy Mistle-Thrush that he would do everything he could to help her deliver her clutch of eggs safely. He was still rather confused as too what to do next? It would be too dangerous for him to try and move the nest by himself and he also knew that he could not survive alone in the forest, away from his family and friends. What a dilemma he thought. “We need HELP!”
Oliver Pines friends were still franticly searching the forest. Four hours went by and still no sign of Oliver Pine. “The forest is too big” said Tommy Cottonwood to his friend Douglas Fir. “We need to spread out in different directions” said Tommy Cottonwood if we are going to have any chance of finding Oliver Pine before night fall, Everyone agreed. “Wait!” a voice from the back of the group called out. It was Molly Mushroom, a rather quiet and inconspicuous Mushroom.
Picture 15 – Native making smoke rings
I remember a story that Oliver Pine told me when I was sick in bed with Chicken Pox. It was about a native Indian boy who got lost while hunting in the forest. His father made a large fire with dried twigs and leaves then covered it with a buffalo hide, he then removed it at 10 second intervals, which made large smoke Rings that could be seen for miles. His son immediately knew that it was a signal from his father and so he was returned safely to his family.
Molly the Mushrooms Story of old
Molly the Mushroom tells a story of Old….
About a Boy who got lost trying to find his way home
He looked to the Heavens and what did he see...
Black Smoke Rings arising to set himself Free!
Picture 16 – Johnny Oakwood - the clearing beside the river.
“That’s a great idea” said Johnny Oakwood “lets gather some twigs and leaves, anything that you can find that will burn fast and bright.” They found a suitable clearing in the forest, an ideal place to build their Fire close to the river and isolated from any bushes or trees. After all they did not want to start a forest Fire or endanger anything that was living or growing in the forest.
Authors notes:
Fire in the forest is not always a sign of danger the occasional fire will benefit the forest. Large healthy trees do not burn so easily. A fire spreading through the forest is nature’s way of burning and weeding out all the small kindling and fallen branches that would otherwise pile up and threghten or destroy the forest and whole eco system.
Picture 17 – Johnny Oakwood rubbing a stick in the grove of his leg
Johnny Oakwood pulled a very thin dry stick from one of his branches. He started to rub it franticly on a groove cut in his leg. Everyone gathered round to see what he was doing. “What are you doing there? “said Tommy Cottonwood” “You’ll see” said Johnny… before long, smoke started to appear where Johnny Oakwood was rubbing with the stick. Faster and faster he rubbed, until all of a sudden there was a great Flash of Light as the stick ignited into flames. Everyone said “Wow!” With delight… and Johnny lit the fire. “Hear, use my coat” said Fernando Fern. “Thank you” said Johnny Oakwood. Before long the smoke rings began to rise up into the air.
Picture 18 – Oliver pointing looking up at the smoke rings
All of a sudden Oliver Pine shouted to Missy Mistle-Thrush “Look Over there.” They could both see big Beautiful Black Smoke Rings bellowing up into the sky. “That must be a signal” said Missy Mistle-Thrush. “Yes”, it is my family and friends. They are searching the forest for me. “Quick…” “Please fly over, tell them I am safe, and bring them to me. Take this scarf as they will know that it is mine.” So Missy Mistle-Thrush flew over to the large clearing in the forest and found Oliver’s Family and friends.
Picture 19 – Johnny Oakwood and the gang find Oliver.
“There you are” Johnny Oakwood said to his friend Oliver Pine. “We have all been very worried about you? Are you hurt, Oliver?” Said Mamma hen rushing over to him, First Aid Box in hand. Everyone pushing forward at the same time, “Oliver…” “Oliver!”
“I am fine… Quite fine” said Oliver Pine in a clear strong voice. Thank you so much for you concern. I am sorry that my predicament has brought about this stress and anxiety to you. I can re-assure you all I am quite well. Oliver said a special “thank you” to his good friend Molly Mushroom for remembering the story he told her so many years ago. For it was the smoke rings that brought them all together again.
Johnny and Friends Arrived at the Scene
Johnny and Friends arrived at the scene
They worried and wondered to where he had been….
Concerns for his safety all over the Wood
His friends and his family the whole Neibourhood!
“Look here everyone”, Oliver Pine said pulling back his pine needles to reveal a beautifully made nest and clutch off eggs. “Wow!” Everyone gasped with amazement…!
How…?
Why…?
Who…?
What…?
Picture20 – Everyone pushing forward wanting to speak to Oliver.
Everyone was firing question after question, at the same time! Poor Oliver Pine stood there with his mouth wide open not knowing where to begin. After much noise and excitement, Oliver Pine managed to calm everyone down, just enough to reveal the whole story in full.
“What an adventure” said Molly Mushroom, even better that your very fine City Adventure that Johnny Oakwood told us about! “You should write a dairy! You two trees certainly know how to tell a good story!”
“What have you decided to do Oliver…?” Molly Mushroom said in a soft voice. I will act as a friend and Guardian to Missy Mistle Thrush and her clutch of eggs. I will watch over them and keep them safe and warm.
If you my friends and family will agree to help? “I will invite Missy Mistle thrush to come and live with us in MEADOWOOD Lane !”
“Yes of course” said everyone in a loud voice. “You know that you can count on us to help you Oliver.” “Thank you again” said Oliver Pine to his friends. “It is so nice to know I have family and friends who care so much. I really am Lucky, to live in MEADOWOOD Lane .”
Oliver’s Decision So Noble and True
Oliver’s Decision so Noble and True
Came straight from the Heart to what he should do...
He looked to the future and what did he see?
The Thrush Family Nesting in a Meadowood Tree!
Poems & Book Written By: Andrew w. j. Bell © 4.08.2002
THE END
STORY AND ILLISTRATIONS WRITTEN AND DRAWN BY:
ANDREW WILLIAM JOHN BELL
EDYNPRESS PUBLICATIONS
30/01/2002 © Andrew Bell
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