The Happy Tree is a mischievous, lovable little creature who is an outcast from his forest home because he accidentally started a fire with a "magic glass on a stick" (magnifying glass). In the process of trying to save the youngest Joy Baby, Angie, the Happy Tree uses the leaves on his top knot to smother the fire. But something terrible happens His leaves change from green to purple When this happens, he becomes a social outcast with the tree town elders. The Happy Tree is the Joy Babies' constant companion.