Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - Chapter 1 - A Mandatory Vacation
Summary
TLDRIn 'Fablehaven,' siblings Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their reclusive grandparents at a mysterious estate in Connecticut while their parents embark on a Scandinavian cruise. The children discover an attic playroom filled with old toys and a hen named Goldilocks, but are warned against venturing into the woods due to tick season and Lyme disease. As they settle into their temporary home, they are intrigued by the oddities of the house and the surrounding property, setting the stage for an adventure that promises both mystery and magic.
Takeaways
- 🚗 Kendra and her family are on a long drive to her grandparents' house in Connecticut.
- 🕹️ Kendra's brother, Seth, is bored with his video game and asks about their Grandpa Sorensen living in India.
- 🍫 Their dad loves Almond Roca and keeps some in the car for snacks.
- 🚢 Kendra's parents are going on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise, leaving Kendra and Seth with their grandparents.
- 😢 Kendra is sad because she barely knows her grandparents and overheard that they didn't want to host them.
- 🏡 Grandpa Sorensen's house is large with extensive grounds, including a big barn.
- 🐓 In the attic playroom, there are toys and a pet hen named Goldilocks.
- ❌ Grandpa warns them about Lyme disease from ticks and forbids them from going into the woods or the barn.
- 📺 There's no TV or radio in the house, but plenty of toys and activities.
- 🗝️ Grandpa gives Kendra a set of keys to find what they unlock in the playroom.
Q & A
What is the name of the book series and its author?
-The book series is called 'Fablehaven' and is written by Brandon Mull.
Who is the narrator of the story?
-The story is narrated by a deep voice, but the character narrating the events is Kendra.
Why are Kendra and Seth going to stay with their grandparents?
-Kendra and Seth are going to stay with their grandparents because their parents are going on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise.
What is the reason for the family cruise?
-The family cruise is a result of a stipulation in the will of Kendra's grandparents, who wanted their children and their spouses to go on a Scandinavian Cruise after their death.
Why does Kendra feel uneasy about staying with Grandpa Sorensen?
-Kendra feels uneasy because she overheard her parents discussing the arrangements at the funeral and Grandpa Sorensen's reluctance to have the children stay with him.
What is the name of the housekeeper at Grandpa Sorensen's house?
-The housekeeper's name is Lena.
What is the unusual feature of the house that Kendra finds?
-The unusual feature of the house is that it has an attic that is set up as a cheerful playroom with various toys and a hen named Goldilocks.
What is the rule about the woods and the barn that Grandpa Sorensen sets for Kendra and Seth?
-Grandpa Sorensen forbids Kendra and Seth from entering the woods and the barn due to the dangers of ticks and unsafe equipment.
What task does Grandpa Sorensen assign to Kendra and Seth regarding Goldilocks the hen?
-Grandpa Sorensen asks Kendra and Seth to take care of Goldilocks by feeding her, cleaning her cage, and collecting her eggs.
What does Grandpa Sorensen give Kendra and what is its purpose?
-Grandpa Sorensen gives Kendra a set of three miniature keys and challenges her to figure out what each key unlocks in the playroom.
What is the significance of the telescope in the playroom?
-The telescope in the playroom allows Kendra and Seth to look out the window and observe the surrounding forest, but the images are distorted due to the bubbly glass of the window.
What is the peculiar detail about the calendar in the playroom?
-The peculiar detail about the calendar is that it is from the year 1953, which seems out of place in the context of the story.
Outlines
🚗 Journey to Fablehaven
The story begins with Kendra and her brother Seth on a road trip to their grandparents' house, Fablehaven, in Connecticut. Their parents are leaving for a 17-day Scandinavian cruise, which was a posthumous wish of Kendra's other grandparents. The children are apprehensive about the trip, especially Kendra, who has few memories of spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen. The journey is long and filled with sibling banter and parental reassurances. The script sets the stage for an adventure that is about to unfold in a mysterious and secluded location.
🏡 Arrival at Fablehaven
Upon arrival at Fablehaven, Kendra and Seth are greeted by an old house with an impressive surrounding landscape, including a flower garden, manicured hedges, and a pond. They meet Lena, the housekeeper, and Dale, who helps tend the grounds. Their grandfather introduces strict rules about not entering the woods or the barn due to safety concerns and the risk of Lyme disease from ticks. The children are also told that they will be staying in the attic, which is a well-equipped playroom filled with various toys and activities. The summary highlights the children's initial impressions of their new surroundings and the introduction of the house's mysterious and somewhat eerie atmosphere.
🎨 Settling into the Playroom
Kendra and Seth are given a tour of the attic playroom, which is their designated space for the duration of their stay. The room is filled with a variety of toys, a small piano, a harpsichord, and even a hen named Goldilocks. Grandpa Sorensen entrusts them with the responsibility of taking care of the hen, including feeding and collecting eggs. The children are also given three miniature keys and a challenge to figure out what each one unlocks within the room. The summary emphasizes the children's exploration of their new environment and the beginning of their adventure at Fablehaven.
🔑 The Mysterious Keys
As Kendra and Seth settle into their attic playroom, they are intrigued by the three miniature keys given to them by Grandpa Sorensen. The keys are a mystery, as their purposes are not immediately clear. The children are also faced with the absence of electronic entertainment, such as a TV or radio, which is part of the house rules. The summary captures the children's curiosity and the beginning of their exploration into the secrets that Fablehaven may hold, starting with the keys and the telescope that offers a view of the surrounding forest.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Fablehaven
💡Vacation
💡Grandparents
💡Cruise
💡Connecticut
💡Adventure
💡Lyme Disease
💡Rules
💡Playroom
💡Keys
💡Tick Season
Highlights
Kendra and Seth are on a mandatory vacation to Fablehaven, a mysterious estate with a rich history.
The children's grandparents pass away due to a gas leak, setting in motion their stay at Fablehaven.
Kendra's parents embark on a Scandinavian cruise, leaving the children in the care of distant relatives.
Seth's fascination with almond roca candy and his desire to have it all year round is highlighted.
The children arrive at Fablehaven and are greeted by the peculiar signs and a long, winding driveway.
The house at Fablehaven is described as old but well-maintained, with an impressive garden and a large barn.
Kendra and Seth meet Lena, the housekeeper, and Dale, who helps tend the grounds.
The attic playroom is revealed to be well-equipped with various toys and a telescope, but no TV or radio.
Grandpa Sorensen gives Kendra three miniature keys, each fitting something in the room, as a challenge.
A hen named Goldilocks is introduced, which the children are responsible for feeding and caring for.
Grandpa Sorensen warns the children about the dangers of Lyme disease from tick bites and restricts them from entering the woods.
The children are also forbidden from entering the barn due to safety concerns.
Kendra discovers a calendar from 1953, indicating a possible time discrepancy or nostalgia in the estate.
Seth's curiosity and playful nature are shown as he explores the attic and its various toys.
The children are given the freedom to enjoy the attic playroom but are reminded to respect the house rules.
Kendra's emotional struggle with her parents' departure and her feelings of abandonment are depicted.
Transcripts
Fablehaven the complete series by
Brandon Moore read by deep voice
narrator
book one
Fablehaven
chapter one a mandatory vacation
Kendra stared out the side window of the
SUV watching foliage blur past when the
flurry of motion became too much she
looked up ahead and fixed her Gaze on a
particular tree following it as it
slowly approached streaked past and then
gradually receded behind her
was life like that you could look ahead
to the future or back of the past but
the present moved too quickly to absorb
maybe sometimes not today today they
were driving along an endless two-lane
Highway through the forested hills of
Connecticut
why don't you tell us Grandpa Sorensen
lived in India Seth complained her
brother was 11 and heading into sixth
grade he had grown weary of his handheld
video game evidence that they were on a
truly epic Drive
mom Twisted to face the back seat it
won't be much longer enjoy the scenery
I'm hungry Seth said
mom started rummaging through a grocery
bag full of snack food
peanut butter and crackers Seth reached
forward for the crackers Dad driving
asked for some almond roca last
Christmas he had decided that almond
roca was his favorite candy and that he
should have some in his hand all year
long nearly six months later he was
still honoring his resolution
do you want anything Kendra
I'm fine
Kendra returned her attention to the
Frantic paraded trees her parents were
leaving on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise
with all the aunts and uncles on her
mother's side they were all going for
free not because they'd won a contest
they're going on a cruise because
Kendra's grandparents have asphyxiated
Grandma and Grandpa Larson have been
visiting relatives in South Carolina the
relatives lived in a trailer
the trailer had some sort of malfunction
involving a gas leak and they all died
in their sleep
long ago Grandma and Grandpa Larson had
specified that when they died all their
children and their spouses were to use
and allocated sum of money to go on a
Scandinavian Cruise
the grandchildren were not invited
once you get bored being stuck on a boat
for 17 days Kendra asked Dan glanced at
her in the rearview mirror the food is
supposed to be incredible snails fish
eggs the works
we're not all that thrilled about the
trip mom said sadly I don't think your
grandparents envisioned an accidental
death when they made this request but
we'll make the best of it
the ship stops and ports as you go Dad
said deliberately redirecting the
conversation you'll get to disembark for
parts of the time
is this car ride gonna last 17 days Seth
asked we're nearly there dad said
do we have to stay with grandpa and
grandma Sorensen said Kendra it'll be
fun dad said you should feel honored
they almost never invite anyone out to
stay with them exactly we barely know
them they're Hermits well they were my
parents dad said somehow I survived
the road stopped winding through the
forested hills as it passed through a
town they idled at a stoplight and
Kendra stared at an overweight woman
gassing up her minivan the front
windshield of the minivan was dirty but
the women seemed to have no intention of
washing it
Kendrick glanced up front the windshield
of the SUV was filthy smeared with dead
bugs even though dad had squeezed it
when they last stopped to refuel
they had driven all the way from
Rochester today
Kendra knew that Grandma and Grandpa
Sorensen had not invited them to stay
she had overheard when Mom had
approached Grandpa Sorensen about
letting the kids stay with them it was
at the funeral
the memory of the funeral made Kendra
shiver there was a wake beforehand where
Grandma and Grandpa Larson were
showcased in matching caskets Kendra did
not like seeing Grandpa Larson wearing
makeup while lunatic had decided that
when people died you should hire a
taxidermist to fix them up for one final
look she would much rather remember them
alive than on a grotesque display in
their Sunday best
the larsons were the grandparents who
had been part of their life they had
shared many holidays and long visits
Kendra could hardly remember spending
time with grandpa and grandma Sorensen
they had inherited some estate in
Connecticut around the time her parents
were married the Sorensen never invited
them to visit and rarely made the Trek
out to Rochester when they came it was
generally one or the other
they had only ever come together twice
the sorensens were nice but their visits
had been too infrequent and brief for
real bonding to occur
Kendra knew that Grandma had taught
history at some college and that grandpa
had traveled a lot running a small
importing business that was about it
everyone was surprised when Grandpa
Sorensen showed up again at the funeral
it had been more than 18 months since
either the Sorensen's had visited he had
apologized that his wife could not
attend because she was feeling ill
there always seemed to be an excuse
sometimes Kendra wondered if they were
secretly divorced perfect
toward the end of the Wake Kendra
overheard mom cajoling camposaurus and
into watching the kids they were in a
hallway around a corner away from the
viewing area
Kendra heard them talking before she
reached the corner and paused eavesdrop
why can't they stay with Marcy
normally they would but Marcy is coming
on the cruise
Kendra peeked around the corner Grandpa
Sorensen was wearing a brown jacket with
patches on the elbows and a bow tie
where are Marcy's kids going to her
in-laws what about a babysitter
two and a half weeks is a long time for
a sitter I remembered you had mentioned
having them over sometime
yes I recall does it have to be late
June why not July
the cruise is in that time frame what's
the difference
things get extra busy around then I
don't know Kate I'm out of practice with
children
Stan I don't want to go on this Cruise
it was important to my parents so we're
going I don't mean to twist your arm mom
sounded on the verge of tears
Grandpa Soren's inside
I suppose we can find a place to lock
him up Kendra moved away from the hall
at that point she'd quietly worried
about staying with Grandpa Sorensen ever
since
having left the town behind the SUV
climbed a steep grade then the road
curved around a lake and got lost among
low forested Hills every so often they
tasked a mailbox
sometimes the house was visible through
the trees sometimes there's only a long
driveway
they turned down onto a narrower Road
and kept driving
Kendra leaned forward and checked the
gas gauge
dad you're under a quarter of a tank she
said
we're almost there we'll fill up after
we drop you kids off
can't we come on the cruise Seth asked
we could hide in the lifeboats you could
sneak us food
you kids will have much more fun with
Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen mom said
just you wait give it a chance
here we are dad said they pulled off the
road and onto a gravel driveway Kendra
could see no sign of a house only the
driveway angling out of sight into the
trees
tires crunching over the gravel they
passed several signs advertising they
were on private property other signs
warded off trespassers they came to a
low metal gate that hung open but could
be shut to prevent access
this is the longest driveway in the
world Seth complained
the farther they Advanced the less
conventional the science became private
property and no trespassing gave away to
beware of 12 gauge and trespassers will
be persecuted
these signs are funny Seth said
more like creepy Kendra muttered
rounding on another bend the driveway
reached a tall wrought iron fence topped
with fleur-de-lis the double gate stood
open the fence extended off into the
trees as far as Kendra could see in
either direction near the fence stood a
final sign
certain death awaits
as Grandpa Sorensen paranoid Kendra
asked the signs are a joke dad said he
inherited this land I'm sure the fence
came with it after they passed to the
gate there was still no house in sight
just more trees and shrubs they drove
across a small Bridge spanning a creek
and climbed a shallow slope there the
trees ended abruptly bringing the house
into view across a vast front lawn
the house was big but not enormous with
a lot of Gables and even a turret after
the wrought iron gate Kendra had
expected a castle or a mansion
constructed out of dark wood and stone
the house looked old but in good repair
the grounds were more impressive a
bright flower garden bloomed in front of
the house manicured Hedges and a fish
pond added to the character of the yard
behind the house loomed an immense Brown
Barn at least five stories tall topped
by a Weathervane I love it mom said I
wish we were all staying you've never
been here Kendra asked no your father
came here a couple of times before we
were married
they go the extra mile to discourage
visitors dad said me Uncle Carl Aunt
Sophie none of us have ever spent much
time here I don't get it you kids are
lucky you'll have a blast if nothing
else you can spend your time playing in
the pool
they pulled to a stop outside the garage
the front door opened and Grandpa
Sorensen emerged followed by a tall
lanky man with large ears and a thin
older woman mom dad and Seth got out of
the car Kendra sat and watched
grandpa had been clean shaven at the
funeral but now he wore a stubbly white
beard he was dressed in faded jeans work
boots and a flannel shirt
Kendra studied the older woman she was
not Grandma Sorensen despite her white
hair and streaked with a few black
strands her face had an ageless quality
her almond eyes were black as coffee and
her features suggested a hint of Asian
ancestry
short and slightly stooped she retained
an exotic Beauty
dad in the lanky man opened the back of
the SUV and began removing suitcases and
duffel bags you come in Kendra dad asked
Kendra opened the door and dropped to
the gravel just place the things inside
Grandpa was telling Dad Dale will take
them up to the bedroom
where's mom dad asked
visiting your auntie Edna in Missouri
Edna's dying Kendra had barely ever
heard of on Edna so the news did not
mean much she looked up at the house she
noticed the windows had bubbly glass
bird nests clung under the eaves
they all migrated to the front door dad
and Dale carried the larger bags Seth
held a smaller duffel and a cereal box
the cereal box was his emergency kit it
was full of odds and ends that he
thought would come in handy for an
adventure rubber bands a compass granola
bars coins and a squirt gun a magnifying
glass plastic handcuffs string a whistle
this is Lena our housekeeper grandpa
said the older woman nodded and gave a
little wave Dale helps me tend the
grounds
aren't you pretty Lena said to Kendra
you must be around 14. Lena had a faint
accent that Kendra could not place
in October
an iron knocker hung on the front door a
squinting Goblin with a ring in its
mouth the thick door had bulky hinges
Kendra entered the house glossy wood
floored the entry hall a wilting
arrangement of flowers rested on a low
table in a white ceramic base a tall
brass coat rack stood off to one side
beside a black bench with a high carved
back
on the wall hung a painting of a fox
hunt
Kendra could see into another room where
a huge embroidered throw-up covered most
of the wooden floor like the house
itself the Furnishings were antiquiated
but in good repair the couches and
chairs were mostly of the sort you would
expect to see while visiting a
historical site
Dale was heading up the stairs with some
of the bags Lena excused herself and
went into another room
your home is beautiful Mom gushed I wish
we had time for a tour
maybe when you get back grandpa said
thanks for letting the kids stay with
you Dad said our pleasure don't let me
keep you
we're on a pretty tight schedule dad
apologized
you kids be good and do whatever Grandpa
Sorensen tells you mom said she hugged
Kendra and Seth Kendra felt tears
seeping into her eyes she fought them
back
have a fun Cruise
we'll be back before you know it Dad
said putting an arm around Kendra and
tussling Seth's hair waving mom and dad
walked out the door Kendra went to the
driveway and watched them climb into the
SUV dad honked and they drove off Kendra
fought back tears again as the SUV
vanished into the trees
mom and dad were probably laughing
relieved to be off by themselves for the
longest vacation of their married lives
she could practically hear their Crystal
goblets clinking and here she stood
abandoned
Kendra closed the door Seth oblivious as
ever was examining the intricate pieces
of a decorative chess set Grandpa stood
in the entry hall watching Seth and
looking politely uncomfortable
leave the chess pieces alone Kendra said
they look expensive
oh he's all right grandpa said by the
way he said Kendra could tell he was
relieved to see Seth putting the pieces
down
shall I shoot you to your room
they followed Grandpa up the stairs and
down a carpeted Hall to the foot of a
narrow wooden staircase leading up to a
white door Grandpa continued on up the
creaking steps
we don't often have guests especially
children grandpa said over his shoulder
I think he'll be most comfortable in the
Attic
he opened the door and they entered
after him brace for cobwebs and torture
devices
Kendra was relieved to find that the
attic was a cheerful playroom spacious
clean and bright the long room had a
pair of beds shells crowded with
children's books freestanding wardrobes
tidy dressers a unicorn rocking horse
multiple toy chests and a hen in a cage
Seth went straight for the chicken cool
he poked a finger through the bars
trying to touch the orange gold feathers
careful Seth Kendra warned he'll be fine
grandpa said Goldilocks is more the
house pet that a barnyard hen your
grandmother usually takes care of her I
figured you kids wouldn't mind filling
in while she's gone you'll need a feeder
cleaner cage and collect her eggs
she likes eggs Seth looked astonished
and delighted an egg or two a day if you
keep her well fed Grandpa said he
pointed to a white plastic bucket filled
with kernels near the cage a scoop in
the morning and another in the evening
should take care of her you want to
change the lining of her cage every
couple of days and make sure she has
plenty of water every morning we give
her a tiny bowl of milk Grandpa wink
that's the secret behind her egg
production
can we ever take her out the hen had
moved close enough for Seth to stroke
her feathers with one finger
just put her back afterwards Grandpa
bent down and put a finger to the cage
and Goldilocks instantly pecked at it
Grandpa withdrew his hand never liked me
much
some of these toys look expensive Kendra
said standing beside an ornate Victorian
dollhouse
toys are meant to be played with Grandpa
said do your best to keep him in a
decent shape and that'll be good enough
Seth moved from the hen cage to a small
piano in the corner of the room he
banged on the keys in the notes that
clanged sounded different from what
Kendra would have expected there's a
little harpsichord
consider this room your space grandpa
said within reason I'll not bother you
to pick things up in here so long as you
treat the rest of the house with respect
okay Kendra said I also have some
unfortunate news we are in the height of
tick season you kids ever hear of Lyme
disease Seth shook his head I think so
Kendra said it was originally discovered
in the town of Lyme Connecticut not too
far from here you catch it from the tick
bites the woods are full of ticks this
year
what does it do Seth asked Grandpa
paused for a solemn moment starts out as
a rash before long it can lead to
arthritis paralysis and heart failure
besides disease or no you don't want
ticks burn into your skin to drink your
blood you try and pull them off and the
head detaches hard to get out that's
disgusting Kendra exclaimed Grandpa not
a grimly they're so small you can hardly
see them at least until they fill up on
blood then they swell to the size of a
grape anyhow point is you kids are not
allowed to enter the woods under any
circumstances stay on the lawn break
that rule in your outdoor privileges
will be revoked we understand one
another
Kendra and Seth nodded you also need to
keep out of the bar too many ladders and
Rusty old pieces of farm equipment same
rules apply to the barn as applied to
the woods set foot in there and you will
spend the rest of your stay in this room
okay Seth said crossing the room to
where a little easel stood on a paint
spattered tarp
a blank canvas rested on the easel
additional blank canvases leaned against
a wall nearby besides shelves stocked
with jars of paint
can I paint
I'm telling you twice you have the Run
of this room grandpa said just try not
to destroy it I have many chores to
attend to so I may not be around much
there should be plenty of toys and
hobbies here to keep you busy
what about a TV Seth asked no TV or
radio Grandpa replied rules of the house
if you need anything Lena will never be
far he indicated a purple cord hanging
against a wall near one of the beds tug
the cord if you need her in fact Len
will be up with your supper in a few
minutes
won't we eat together Kendra asked some
days right now I need to visit the East
Hayfield might not be back until late
how much land do you own ask Seth
Grandpa smiled more than my share let's
leave it at that I'll see you kids in
the morning
he turned to leave and then paused
reaching into his coat pocket turning
back he handed Kendra a tiny key ring
holding three miniature keys of varying
sizes each one of these Keys fits
something in this room see if you can
figure out what each one unlocks
Grandpa Sorensen walked out of the room
closing the door behind him Kendra
listened as he descended the stairs she
stood at the door waiting and then
gently tried the handle it turned slowly
she eased the door open peering down the
empty hallway and then closed it at
least he had not locked them in
Seth had opened a toy chest and was
examining the contents the toys were
old-fashioned but in excellent condition
soldiers dolls puzzles stuffed animals
wooden blocks
Kendra wandered over to a telescope by
the window she peered into the eyepiece
positioned the telescope to look through
a window pane and began twisting the
focus knobs she can improve the focus
but couldn't get it quite right
she stopped filling with the knobs and
examined the window the pains were made
of bubbly glass like those in the front
of the house the images were being
distorted before they reached the
telescope unfastening a latch Kendra
pushed the window open she had a good
view of the forest east of the house
illuminated by the golden Hues of the
Setting Sun moving the telescope closer
to the window she spent some time trying
to master the knobs bringing the leaves
on the trees below into crisp Focus let
me see Seth said he was standing beside
her pick up those toys first
a meso toys lay pile near the open chest
grandpa said we could do whatever we
want in here without making it a
disaster you're already wrecking the
place I'm playing this is a playroom
remember how mom and dad said we need to
pick up after ourselves remember how Mom
and Dad aren't here
I'll tell how stick a note in a bottle
you won't even remember by the time they
get back
Kendra noticed a calendar on the wall
I'll write it on the calendar good and
I'll look to the telescope while you do
that
this is the one thing in the room I was
doing why don't you find something else
I didn't notice the telescope why don't
you share don't mom and dad also tell us
to share
fine Kendra said it's all yours but I'm
closing the window bugs are coming in
whatever
she shut the window
Seth looked into the eyepiece and
started twisting the focus knobs Kendra
took a closer look at the calendar it
was from
1953. each month was accompanied by the
illustration of a fairyland Palace
she turned the calendar to June today
was June 11th the days of the week did
not match up but she could still count
down to when her parents return they
would be back June 28th
this stupid thing won't even focus Seth
complained Kendra smiled
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