At the base of the Bitcoin Tree, they met Mia Mole, a proud Miner. “My job here is so much fun! I navigate specialized computers called ASICS that work really hard to solve a mathematical puzzle using the previous block’s data and a special algorithm called SHA-256. These algorithms are the key to solving the puzzles, completing a new block, and adding it to the blockchain. Miners all over the world use ASICS in a race to be the first Miner to solve the puzzle! When a Miner finds the SHA that solves the last block’s puzzle, the current mempool transactions officially become part of the next block. We are always working, around the clock and throughout all the Forests, and usually get a new block about every ten minutes.” “That sounds like a lot of work, all the time!” Cam exclaimed. “It is, but it’s fun if you like puzzles. Also, the reward for solving the puzzle is worth it! I earn a set amount of Bitcoin, and any transaction fees Creatures pay to have their transaction included on the block, if I solve the puzzle first. There are only 21 Million Bitcoin that can be mined, so when we reach that limit miners will earn transaction fees only.”

Sam stood tall and asked, “So how does the transaction get from the mempool into the block? When does a block get made? What are you mining? How do I go from Blockchain to Bitcoin? What can I buy with Bitcoin and where do I keep digital currency? How do I know Bitcoin is safe? I want to know everything!” As if his questions unlocked the next level in a video game, orange confetti and balloons fell over Sam and Cam. “What great questions! I will answer them all, but one at a time! First I will take you to meet a good friend of MINE!”

Olivia Owl swooped down from the giant Bitcoin Tree. “Hoo Hoooo! Welcome. I am Olivia Owl. Is this your first time to the Forest?” Sam and Cam nodded excitedly. Olivia Owl explained that each page of this Bitcoin book is a "block" filled with transactions, and that the blocks are connected in a chain, forming the remarkable Blockchain. These recorded transactions can’t be changed later on, without modifying all of the blocks that came after AND all the Creatures in the Forest have to agree to the change. “This keeps the blockchain secure and accurate!” she fluttered.