This week Elizabeth Mahadeo shares her Inheritance Books.

Hi Elizabeth, welcome to my blog. Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m a mother, Registered Dental Hygienist and author.  I recently authored and published the children’s book, ‘Teddy Visits the Dentist’, an educational resource for a preventative appointment at the dental office. I look forward to the launch of my next book in November 2012, ‘Teddy Gets a Filling’.   I have worked in dental offices for fifteen years and practiced Dental Hygiene for over nine years, but recently I took on the challenge and adventure of evolving my career to become an Independent Author, Self-Publisher, and Mother!  Life is busy and has never been better.

Wow, that’s a lot of hats to wear. Which book have you inherited from the generation above you?

When I was a small child, my Mum read me a series of books by Enid Blyton, called The Faraway Tree.  The series is special to me, even today.  The Faraway Tree  ignited my sense of wonder and imagination.  There are three books in the series, The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, and The Folk of the Faraway Tree.  These adventures are laden with loyalty, friendship and a little mischief.  Every land that comes to the top of the Faraway Tree is incredible in every sense.  The author, Enid Blyton, was a creative genius in my opinion.

The Faraway Tree books tell the story of three children, Jo, Bessie and Fanny.  The children find a huge, magical tree.   As they climb up the tree they meet many wonderful friends who live in there, like Moonface, Silky and the Saucepan Man, and some mysterious creatures too, like the Angry Pixie and Dame Washalot.  At the very top of the tree is the ladder which goes up into the clouds.  At the top of the ladder there is always a different land, a magical place with interesting creatures and characters.  Sometimes the land is so lovely and exciting the children don’t want to leave, and sometimes it’s so awful they can’t wait to get back.  More often than not they run into a situation which almost prevents them and their friends from getting back safely to The Faraway Tree.   I get excited just telling you!  These books are truly wonderful.

I used to love that series too (and I read the same editions – I recognise the covers). Which book will you leave to the generations below you and why?

My Mum read me these books to me over and over again, by my request, and I have had a desire for reading and writing ever since.  I have a sense of adventure in my creative mind and I often think of the magic of The Faraway Tree.  Oh, what would Jo or Bessie do?  And just imagine living in the tree…what a life that would be!  I love losing myself in a book, particularly these books.  I can vaguely recall a simpler life when these books were read to me, even when I began to read them over again by myself.   My wonder and appreciation for them, and for life itself, has never ceased.

I will read these stories to my daughter as she grows up.  Maybe she will love them as much as I do.  Maybe they will inspire her too.  Secretly I can’t wait to start reading The Faraway Tree books to her so I can relive the memories they bring me and the wonderful adventures the children and their friends of the Faraway Tree have.  This series is certainly something I have been honoured to inherit from my parents and with anticipation and excitement I will pass it on.

Thank you so much for sharing your Inherited Books with me. It was lovely to see you. Do come visit again soon!

You can find out more about Elizabeth on  her website (emahadeo.wordpress.com) , Facebook (facebook.com/TheMahadeoMovement) and Twitter (@mahadeoE). You can buy her books on Amazon.