Puck's Broom: The wonderful adventures of George Henry & his dog Alexander who went to seek their fortunes in the Once upon a time land

In Short

This whimsical fantasy follows George Henry and his dog, Alexander, as they traverse the “Once upon a time” land to discover the nature of their own fortunes. Blending the sensibilities of a traditional fairy tale with the surreal logic of a vivid, waking dream, the book captures a child’s transition from skeptic to believer. It has endured as a charming example of early twentieth-century juvenile fiction, valued for its playful tone, its lighthearted personification of animals and objects, and its gentle exploration of what it means to be a child with a "large piece of fairyness" in his soul.

The Story

George Henry is a boy living a comfortable, ordinary life, though his family constantly predicts he will become a great general, merchant, or artist. His mother dismisses these practical ambitions, insisting he is destined for something greater. Unbeknownst to them, Puck, the mischievous fairy, eavesdrops on these conversations, finding the "big people" and their rigid expectations hilariously misguided. George remains a skeptic of the supernatural until a series of strange illnesses and vivid dreams draw him and his faithful dog, Alexander, into the “Once upon a time” land.

Once they cross the threshold, the world transforms. Here, the boundaries between the mundane and the magical dissolve; weathercocks converse, dragons are friendly, and dogs like Alexander speak with clarity. Puck acts as a mercurial guide, teasing George and orchestrating his movements. The boy finds himself in a "dream-house" that is curiously his own, a place where the paths are "twisty-curly" and the atmosphere is perpetually filled with fairy music. George is tasked with "following his fortune," a journey that involves encountering figures like Father Time and Tom Tiddler, the latter of whom presides over a land where gold is picked up like pebbles.

The journey is not without its perils, though they are treated with the light touch of a storybook adventure. George and Alexander encounter a witch, navigate the challenge of an enchanted glass castle, and help rescue a sleeping Princess Fortunata. Throughout these trials, George learns the importance of asking for what he wants with the right intent. The climax arrives as the group reaches the magician’s castle, where the dragon—a recurring ally—helps them overcome the monstrous guardians.

Ultimately, George’s quest is a circular one. After navigating the mountain, the forest, and the strange, shifting passages of the enchanted castle, he finds himself back at his own garden gate. Puck and the fairies reveal to him that he is, in essence, a "fairy boy" with a deep, ancestral connection to their world. He returns to his ordinary home having gained the secret knowledge that he belongs to two realms at once. The story concludes with the fairies bestowing upon him the gifts of happiness, youth, and a selfless heart, cementing his status as a "wonder-child" who will continue to grow, yet remain uniquely himself.

How It Unfolds

The skepticism of childhood George enjoys his nursery life and his toys, while his parents and relatives debate his future with earnest, misguided certainty. Puck observes these adult projections from his sunflower, laughing at their inability to see the true nature of a boy.

The call to adventure Persistent fairy music and strange dreams begin to pull George away from his waking life, leading him and Alexander to cross the little green gate. They find themselves in a land where breakfast is served with magic and every object, from the weathercock to the furniture, possesses a voice.

The journey through the dream-land George and his companion traverse shifting landscapes, guided by riddles and the unpredictable whims of the fairies. They encounter figures like Father Time and Tom Tiddler, learning that the path to one’s fortune is rarely a straight line.

The rescue and revelation With the help of a witch and a friendly dragon, George reaches the glass castle to rescue the Princess. This trial confirms his status as someone special, leading to a final celebratory homecoming orchestrated by Puck.

The return to the mundane George is deposited back at his garden gate, realizing that his home and the land of dreams are closer than he ever imagined. He retains the fairy gift of a selfless heart, forever changed by his recognition of the magic hidden in everyday life.

The People

George Henry is the story’s anchor—a boy whose curiosity and capacity for belief make him a "wonder-child." He begins as an average child defined by his parents' projections, but he evolves into a traveler who learns to ask for his needs and appreciate the hidden wonders of existence.

Alexander, George’s dog, serves as both a loyal companion and a source of dry, "doggy" wisdom. He is the first to bridge the gap between human and animal communication, constantly reminding George not to overthink the magic around them and to simply enjoy the journey.

Puck is the catalyst and the trickster. He is motivated by a desire to prove the adults wrong and to mentor George. Unlike the other characters, Puck is never confused by the shifting reality of the land; he is the architect of the fun, constantly spinning and dancing to ensure George discovers his "fairyness."

Tom Tiddler and the witch serve as enigmatic guides. Tom Tiddler challenges George’s superficial understanding of wealth, while the witch, with her sharp tongue and "catoplane," pushes George to be more decisive and polite, acting as a stern but ultimately helpful mentor in his growth toward maturity.

In Its Own Voice

"He knew all about everything in the shop windows, better than even the people to whom the shops belonged."

George’s early talent for observation is highlighted as a precursor to his eventually finding his own unique fortune.

"I think I know the way, but we may as well ask the weathercock, so as to be quite sure."

Alexander provides this practical advice when George and he are unsure how to navigate the surreal terrain of the Once upon a time land.

"There is no such place as 'somewhere else' that I ever heard of."

The weathercock offers this bit of logic to George, emphasizing that the boy’s journey is really a return to his true self.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book explores the boundary between the rigid expectations of the adult world and the limitless, imaginative potential of childhood. It asks whether a child’s identity is something to be "planned" by parents or discovered through a genuine, adventurous engagement with the world. The narrative argues that imagination is not merely an escape from reality, but a fundamental part of a complete life. By framing George’s "fortune" as a blend of personal growth and fairy-given traits, the book suggests that the most valuable inheritances—happiness, health, and kindness—are those that cannot be bought or measured, but must be recognized as part of one’s own inherent nature.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate the gentle, surreal atmosphere of classic Victorian and Edwardian children’s literature will find much to admire here. It is a book that moves with the logic of a dream, where the rules of time and space are delightfully fluid. It feels like a long, lazy afternoon spent in a garden, with moments of high-stakes fantasy balanced by quiet, cozy meals. The language is elegant and warm, reflecting the playful, slightly elevated style common to its era.

Modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes regarding social roles and child-rearing, which appear as charming, if occasionally dated, artifacts of the early 1900s. There is little urgency or high-octane conflict; instead, the pleasure of the book lies in its whimsical world-building and the bond between the boy and his dog. It is an ideal read for those who want to recapture a sense of childlike wonder or for anyone interested in how the fairy-tale tradition was adapted for a generation just beginning to encounter the "modern" world of aeroplanes and motor-cars. It remains a comforting, lighthearted reminder that the magic of the world is often hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone to recognize it.