The Cuckoo Tree facts for kids

The Cuckoo Tree is an exciting adventure novel written by Joan Aiken. It was first published in 1971. This book takes place in an alternate history. This means it's a fictional world where past events happened differently.

In this story, the Stuart kings still rule England in the 1800s. This is different from real history! The book follows the adventures of Dido Twite. She is a brave teenage girl from the Victorian period. Dido finds herself in new mysteries in southern England. The Cuckoo Tree is the fifth book in the popular Wolves Chronicles series.

What's the Story About?

Dido's Journey and a Crash

The story begins with Dido Twite and Captain Hughes. They are traveling by stagecoach from Chichester. They carry important messages for the Admiralty in London. The Admiralty is like the navy's headquarters. Suddenly, their carriage crashes! Captain Hughes gets hurt.

Dido goes to find help. She meets some men who tell her to go to Teagleaze Manor. These men are actually smugglers. They use secret canals to move their goods to London.

Secrets at Teagleaze Manor

At Teagleaze Manor, Dido meets Lady Tegleaze. Lady Tegleaze sends her staff and doctor to help Captain Hughes. He is taken to an empty cottage to recover. An unpleasant nurse, Mrs. Lubbage, takes care of him.

Dido needs to get the messages to London quickly. She doesn't trust the local postman. So, she decides to go to "the Cuckoo Tree." This tree is a secret meeting spot for the smugglers.

Uncovering a Double Plot

At the Cuckoo Tree, Dido meets a mysterious child named Cris. Cris turns out to be very important. There's a plan to trick Lady Tegleaze out of her property. But that's not the only secret!

Lady Tegleaze's lawyer, Mr. Fitzpickwick, is involved in another plot. He is working with a group called the "Hanoverians." These Hanoverians want to overthrow the young king. They plan to harm him at his coronation ceremony.

The Race to Save the King

Dido, with the help of Cris and the Wineberry smugglers, must act fast. They need to rescue Lady Tegleaze's grandson, Sir Tobit. Then, they must race against the Hanoverian plotters. Their goal is to reach St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

At the cathedral, Dido's old friend Simon is waiting. He is now the Master of the King's Garlandries. Dido hopes he can help stop the dangerous plan!

Meet the Characters

Dido Twite: The Brave Heroine

• Dido Twite is the main character of the novel. She is a teenage girl from London. She is very brave and adventurous. Dido is also a bit of a tomboy.

Captain Hughes: Dido's Friend

• Captain Hughes is a captain from a ship called H. M. S. Thrush. He was the one who found Dido in Nantucket. He is Dido's traveling companion at the start of the story.

Lady Tegleaze: The Manor Owner

• Lady Tegleaze owns Teagleaze Manor. Her family's estates are not doing well. She is a kind but somewhat naive lady.

Gusset: The Butler

• Gusset is Lady Tegleaze's butler. He helps manage the manor.

Sir Tobit: The Grandson

• Sir Tobit is Lady Tegleaze's grandson. He is important to the plot involving Lady Tegleaze's property.

Daisy Lubbage: The Nurse

• Daisy Lubbage is a well-known nurse. She also knows a lot about herbal medicine. She takes care of Captain Hughes.

Cris: The Mysterious Child

• Cris is an orphan. Mrs. Lubbage is supposed to be taking care of Cris. Cris plays a key role in uncovering the plots.

Yan Wineberry: The Smuggler

• Yan Wineberry is a smuggler. He is also the son of Mr. Gusset, the butler. He helps Dido in her adventures.

Desmond Twite (Pa): Dido's Father

• Desmond Twite, also known as Pa, is Dido's father. He is involved with the Hanoverian cause. This means he supports the group trying to change who rules England.

King Richard IV: The Young King

• King Richard IV is the young son of King James III. He is the king who the Hanoverians are trying to overthrow.