Crinkum-Crankum by Margaret Mahy

Once there was a tree that had a fairy godmother. There was a witch that flew by every year. The witch told the tree to grow crooked. That year the fairy godmother came to see the tree. The tree said “I like it here, but I have to grow crooked.” The fairy godmother touched the tree and told it to grow sweet, so the tree grew sweet.

The witch flew by a year later and saw the tree was covered in pretty pink flowers. The witch was angry and said “Grow lazy-crazy!” The fairy godmother came to see the tree. The fairy godmother touched the tree and the tree grew golden.

A year later the witch flew by again. The tree was covered in pink flowers and golden leaves. The witch was angry and said “Grow crinkum-crankum!” The fairy godmother came to see how the tree was getting on. She touched the tree and told it to grow safe.

A year later the witch flew by again and saw lots of children playing in the tree. “This is the best tree in the world!” The witch burst like a black balloon because she was so mad!

Retold by Emma and Lucy