The story revolves around Mr. Elf's forced holiday by King Thistle, where he is sentenced to take a break. Mr. Elf, along with his family, sets off on a trip but ends up stranded on a desert island after their plane breaks down. They try to send a message in a bottle to get rescued but end up having a good time on the island with the help of their pet dog, Gaston.
Meanwhile, back at the kingdom, Nanny Plum struggles with Mr. Elf's delivery duties. Eventually, Elf Rescue arrives to take Mr. Elf and his family back home.
In a separate story, Ben and Holly befriend a caterpillar named Betty who is sad because she can't fly. Ben tries to cheer her up by making her fly using magic but fails. Later, Ben's father explains that caterpillars change into butterflies. Ben and his sister Holly help feed Betty, and eventually, she transforms into a beautiful butterfly and learns to fly.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Mr. Elf is taking a holiday with his family, including his daughter Holly and son Ben.
2. They are flying on an elf plane to a hot destination.
3. The engine breaks, and they are forced to make an emergency landing on a desert island.
4. They are stranded on the island and decide to make the most of it.
5. They try to send a message in a bottle to be rescued.
6. Meanwhile, back in the kingdom, Nanny Plum is trying to deliver potatoes, onions, and other items, but is having trouble with the deliveries.
7. Elf Rescue arrives on the island to rescue Mr. Elf and his family.
8. Mr. Elf returns home and finds that Nanny Plum has not been doing a good job with the deliveries.
9. Ben and Holly play with their friends in the meadow, including a caterpillar named Betty.
10. Ben tries to help Betty fly by magic, but it doesn't work.
11. A wise old elf tells Ben that Betty will fly when she transforms into a butterfly.
12. Ben and his friends feed Betty lots of leaves to help her grow.
13. Betty transforms into a cocoon and eventually emerges as a butterfly.
14. Ben is happy to see Betty flying and decides to fly on a ladybird with the help of his pet dog Gaston.