Caroline and the Three Trees — Helen Harrison

Nine year old Caroline and her best friend Amy live in a peaceful rural setting in Ireland. The two girls yearn for independence and excitement in the form of a day out in the big town. Knowing they wouldn't be allowed to go on their own, they find a way of sneaking away for an afternoon behind their family's back, using money which doesn't belong to them. Right from the start of the story Caroline's guilt about what they are planning manifests itself in all sorts of strange, mysterious happenings around her. In particular, three sparse ugly trees at the edge of the woods very close to her home. Although her heart belongs to these woods, the events that she is to witness will cause her many frightening experiences. A tale of moral dilemmas and a mixture of magic bring this story to life.