Into the Dark Forest The Wildsmith #1

LoveReading4Kids Says

Shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2023

This fantasy story is a clever and satisfying blend of fairy tale and ecology. A short read with fast paced chapters and brilliantly illustrated throughout, it is a perfect choice for children who are emerging as independent readers.

The first in a series of Wildsmith books, Into the Dark Forest introduces us to Rowan, a lively and adventurous girl, who has her world turned upside down by the threat of an imminent war. It means that she must leave her father behind whilst she, and her mother, will travel into the forest to stay with a grandpa she had never even met.

Living in the countryside is daunting and Rowan discovers that there is much to learn in the forest. A patch of smouldering grass, a broken eggshell, which seems much larger and thicker than any she has seen before, lead her to a small, frightened, injured dragon, left behind after poachers have dragged away its mother. From this point in the story the unconditional love and care of animals, both real and mythical, drives the actions of Rowan and her two new friends, Will and Cam. Packed with excitement, mystery and enchantment, this engaging story does have real world parallels with the treatment of endangered animals and will have great appeal to young animal lovers and campaigners.

Joy Court

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