Snythergen

In Short

Snythergen is a whimsical children’s fantasy about a boy who runs away to live in the forest after being bullied at school for his height. Disguised as a tree, he befriends a talking pig, a goldfinch, and other animals, and embarks on a series of adventures involving a runaway house, a mischievous bear, and a visit to Santa Claus’s workshop. The story blends humor, imagination, and gentle lessons about friendship, courage, and finding one’s place in the world.

The Story

Snythergen is a boy so tall and thin that he resembles a tree. After being ridiculed at school and nearly having a nail driven into his leg by the janitor, he decides to run away and live in the forest, disguised in a suit of bark and branches. There, he befriends a goldfinch named Sancho Wing and a pig named Squeaky. Together, they build a house that can be pulled up into the trees to escape danger, which proves useful when a bear begins prowling around.

The bear, hungry and clumsy, becomes a recurring antagonist, but Snythergen and his friends outwit him with clever tricks, like pulling the house up into the air and using ice to cool the bear’s head after a thrashing. Meanwhile, Snythergen’s unique abilities—his height, his tree-like appearance, and his kind heart—make him a hero to the forest animals.

The story takes a magical turn when Snythergen and his friends meet Blasterjinx, a giant boy who owns a humming top filled with singing canaries. They take a spin inside the top and end up at Santa Claus’s workshop, where they meet Santa himself and his bear, who turns out to be timid and shy when fed custard pie. Santa invites them to stay, but Snythergen longs to return home.

After a series of misadventures, including a comical encounter with Santa’s automated bedding system, Snythergen is given a plane by Santa to fly home. He returns to his parents, who are overjoyed to see him, and explains that he has shrunk to a normal size thanks to “toy foods.” The story ends with Snythergen reunited with his family, having grown in both size and spirit.

How It Unfolds

The boy runs away: Snythergen, tired of being mocked for his height, decides to leave home and live in the forest, disguised as a tree. He says goodbye to his parents, who are heartbroken but understand his need to escape.

Forest friendships: In the forest, Snythergen meets Sancho Wing, a goldfinch who teaches him about forest life, and Squeaky, a pig who becomes his loyal companion. Together, they build a house that can be pulled up into the trees to escape danger.

The bear arrives: A hungry bear begins prowling around their house, leading to a series of comical and dangerous encounters. Snythergen and his friends use their wits to outsmart the bear, including pulling the house up into the air and using ice to cool the bear’s head.

Magical adventures: Snythergen and his friends meet Blasterjinx, a giant boy with a magical humming top. They take a spin inside the top and end up at Santa Claus’s workshop, where they meet Santa himself and his bear.

Santa’s workshop: Santa invites them to stay and offers them jobs. Snythergen and his friends enjoy the comforts of Santa’s home, but Snythergen misses his family and longs to return.

Returning home: Santa gives Snythergen a plane to fly home. He returns to his parents, who are overjoyed to see him. Snythergen explains that he has shrunk to a normal size thanks to “toy foods,” and the story ends with him reunited with his family.

The People

Snythergen: A kind-hearted boy who is unusually tall and thin, resembling a tree. He runs away to live in the forest after being bullied at school. His height and tree-like appearance become assets in the forest, and he uses his wit and courage to protect his friends. By the end, he has grown in both size and spirit, returning home as a regular boy.

Sancho Wing: A clever goldfinch who becomes Snythergen’s friend and guide in the forest. He teaches Snythergen about forest life and helps him outwit the bear. Sancho is resourceful and brave, always ready to lend a hand.

Squeaky: A talking pig who becomes Snythergen’s loyal companion. Squeaky is practical and entertaining, often providing comic relief. He is brave despite his size and stands by Snythergen through all their adventures.

Santa Claus: A jolly and kind figure who welcomes Snythergen and his friends into his home. Santa is wise and generous, offering them jobs and a place to stay. He understands Snythergen’s homesickness and helps him return to his family.

The Bear: A hungry and clumsy antagonist who becomes a recurring challenge for Snythergen and his friends. The bear is initially fearsome but becomes timid and shy when fed custard pie, revealing a more vulnerable side.

In Its Own Voice

“I am going to live in the forest with the trees. They will not make fun of me. I have made myself a suit of bark and branches which makes me look just like one of them. Some day I will come back to you and take you to my new home. But now I must leave you and go and seek my fortune!”

Snythergen’s farewell to his mother as he runs away to the forest, expressing his determination to find a place where he belongs.

“Bears don’t want to make trouble, they want food!”

Sancho Wing’s first spoken words, shouted at the top of his voice, as he explains the bear’s motives to Snythergen and Squeaky.

“I don’t know when I have had such an enjoyable evening,” said Santa Claus, “and I am sure it is past all our bedtimes.”

Santa Claus’s warm and welcoming nature as he spends time with Snythergen and his friends, creating a cozy and joyful atmosphere.

What It's Really About

At its core, Snythergen is about finding one’s place in the world and the power of friendship and courage. Snythergen’s journey from a bullied outcast to a hero in the forest shows that uniqueness can be a strength. The story also explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the importance of home. Snythergen’s parents’ love and understanding allow him to grow and return as a confident boy, while his adventures teach him the value of kindness and resourcefulness.

Why Read It Today

Snythergen is a charming and imaginative tale that will delight readers who enjoy whimsical adventures and talking animals. Its humor and gentle lessons make it a perfect read-aloud for children, while its themes of self-acceptance and friendship resonate with readers of all ages. The story’s period language and attitudes may feel dated to modern readers, but its warmth and creativity shine through. It’s a book that celebrates the magic of childhood and the joy of finding where you belong.