The Squirrel Wife

by Philippa Pearce

Published 11 October 1971
When Jack helps one of the green people who live in the forest, the fairy king rewards him with a mysterious "squirrel wife". The couple are happy until Jack's jealous older brother turns the villagers against him and, one day, they lock him up. The king of the green people tells Jack his squirrel wife can free him, but to do so she must give up her knowledge of the forest and all its secrets. In true fairytale fashion, there is happiness ever after, but everything comes at a price...