The Winx Club's Sodor Adventures - Season 3

Episode 9: Henry's Forest

Henry the Green Engine has lived on the Island of Sodor for many years. He wouldn't want to be anywhere else. He likes every part of it from the fields filled with flowers to the white sandy beaches. But there is one place that Henry always enjoyed visiting more than any other.

Flora knew this too. "Come on, Henry," she would sometimes say. "We made good time today. We'll stop for a while by the forest."

Henry and Flora loved it here. The forest was full of broad oaks and tall pines.

Henry could remember the day long ago when he, Flora, Toby and Roxy brought some new trees to be planted, and Terence and Trevor helped haul them into place.

Now they could see the trees growing amongst the others on the hillside. Henry always felt better for being here. He couldn't really explain why, but Flora understood. "It's peaceful," she said to Henry.

But one night, everything changed. The engines were resting in the shed, listening to the storm outside.

"Listen," said Thomas. "Can you hear a strange whistling sound?"

"It's the wind blowing outside our shed," replied Toby. "But I never heard of like this before."

"Do you know?" added James. "If Gordon weren't here now, I'd say it was him, thundering by with the express."

All the engines laughed, except for Henry. "I hope the wind won't harm the forest."

By morning, the fierce winds had gone, but the damage was done.

Flora came to see Henry in the yard. "Trees have fallen on the line," she said. "We must help clear the tracks."

Donald and Sky set off with the breakdown train, and Henry and Flora followed. Trees lay everywhere. The hillside now looked so bare.

Henry felt sad. "What will happen to all the animals who live here?" he thought.

When Henry's flat cars were full of logs, he and Flora took them to the timber mill where they would be turned to furniture and other things. Henry was glad the wood was being put to good use, but he was still sorry to lose part of his forest.

"Oh, dear," sighed Toby to Thomas. "I wish there was something we can do to make things better again."

"Yes, indeed," replied Thomas. "But what? We can't mend broken trees."

"Of course not," said Bloom. "We need a better idea."

"I know," said Roxy, "Toby and I will tell Sir Topham Hatt about this."

And so they did.

"Hello, Toby," said Sir Topham Hatt. "You and Roxy do look glum."

"We're sad about the trees," said Toby, "and so are Henry and Flora. The forest is a special place to them. Now some of it is gone."

"Is there something we can do to help them?" asked Roxy.

"We'll soon put that right," replied Sir Topham Hatt. "I have an important job for you, Toby. I would like you and Roxy to take some freight cars to the forest."

When the freight cars arrived, Toby and Roxy were delighted. They were full of splendid young trees, all ready for planting.

"This is the best job we've ever had," said Toby happily.

"You bet your bell it is," agreed Roxy. "Now to Henry's forest."

When Henry and Flora returned, they were most surprised. There were Terence and Trevor, busily helping the workmen clear the torn stumps and branches.

"Look, Henry and Flora," called Terence. "We're beginning again. The hillside will look better than ever before. You'll see."

"How wonderful!" exclaimed Flora, and Henry agreed.

Now whenever Henry and Flora stop by the forest, they could see the new trees growing strong and tall. Sometimes, everywhere is very quiet and at other times, Henry and Flora could hear leaves rustling or a bird's wing brushing the air. Often they can hear the distance sound of children laughing. And always, they are happy here.

The End