Toby and the Secrets of the Tree facts for kids

Toby and the Secrets of the Tree is an exciting children's book by Timothée de Fombelle. It came out in 2007. In French, its name is Les Yeux d'Elisha, which means The Eyes of Elisha. This book is a follow-up to another popular story called Toby Alone. It continues Toby's big adventure as he tries to rescue his family, his friends, and his home from danger.

What Happens in the Story

Elisha Lee is being held by Leo Blue. Leo used to be Toby's friend, but now he is a powerful leader who wants to marry Elisha. Elisha tried to escape from her prison in the Nest, but she was caught again.

Meanwhile, Toby Lolness returned to the Tree. Two Grass people, Jalam and Moon Boy, helped him. Sadly, Jalam and Moon Boy were captured with other Grass People. Toby, however, managed to keep going deeper into the Tree.

At the same time, Mano Asseldor was hiding at Seldor Farm. This farm had become a place to hold captured Grass People. The family living at the farm tried their best to keep Mano safe from being caught.

Toby's Parents and the Crater

Toby's parents were held captive by Joe Mitch in a place called the Crater. They started a night school for the Tree Council there. They also tried to dig a tunnel to escape.

Sim Lolness, Toby's father, was often brought out. He was shown to new groups of Grass people. Joe Mitch wanted to see if anyone recognized Sim. Joe claimed Sim had sold his invention's secret to the Grass People.

One day, Sim Lolness saw Moon Boy wearing his family's special emblem. Sim tried to ask Moon Boy about it, but got no answer. Still, this gave Sim hope that his son, Toby, was still alive.

New Friends and Escapes

Toby soon met another old friend, Nils Amen. Nils leads a group of woodcutters. He is also helping to hide people who are trying to escape. These hidden people are in a secret forest within the Tree.

Nils pretended to be on Leo Blue's side. This allowed him to send a secret message to Elisha. The message told her that Toby had returned.

Meanwhile, the Asseldor family managed to escape with Mano Asseldor. Mo helped by playing her cello. Playing music had been made illegal by Joe Mitch. The Asseldors found safety in Nils's hidden house.

Sim Lolness tried to meet Moon Boy to learn about the emblem. Instead, he met a soldier named Tiger. Tiger took the emblem away from Moon Boy.

Dangers and Betrayals

Nils's visits to the Nest made his father, Norz, and his friend, Solken, suspicious. They thought Nils was truly helping Leo. They decided to try and stop him.

At the same time, Leo found out that Nils was helping Toby. Leo promised to harm Nils the next time he came to the Nest. Elisha agreed to marry Leo, hoping to escape. She had received a secret message, which was later found to be from Leo himself.

On March 15, the wedding day, Elisha managed to escape. A soldier helped her get away. Elisha then ran to Seldor Farm. There, she tricked some soldiers and helped Mo escape the farm. They then went to find Elisha's mother, Ilsha, at the Lee household.

Nils did not know about these recent events. He went to visit Elisha and found she was gone. Leo and his men tried to catch Nils. Nils noticed Leo's strange behavior and managed to escape. However, he was then captured by other woodcutters. They believed he had joined Leo's side.

Main Characters

Toby Lolness

Toby is the son of Sim and Maya Lolness. He is trying to avoid being caught by both Leo Blue and Joe Mitch. Toby wants to rescue Elisha Lee, who he loves. She is being held in the Nest at the top of the Tree. Toby has just returned from a journey to the Prairie. He visited the Grass people there. He has their special mark: designs drawn on the soles of his feet with caterpillar ink.

Leo Blue

Leo Blue is the son of a famous butterfly explorer, El Blue. His mother passed away when he was very young. Leo used to be Toby's best friend. However, he believes the Grass People killed his father. This belief makes him hate the Lolness family. He eventually causes them all to be put in jail. Later, it is discovered that he is Elisha Lee's half-brother. He pretends to be a mysterious figure called the Shadow to get closer to Elisha.

Elisha Lee

Elisha is the daughter of Isha Lee, who is a princess of the Grass people, and El Blue. This means Elisha is half-Grass person and half-Tree person. She also has the Grass people's special foot decorations. She is described as pretty and has a strong, determined personality. Elisha is in love with Toby. However, Leo Blue captures her and wants to marry her. She is held in a special egg-shaped prison at the top of the Tree. She is Leo's half-sister.