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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Into the Dark Forest The Wildsmith #1 Synopsis
When war threatens her beloved city, Rowan and her mother must flee to the Dark Forest, meeting Grandpa and his white wolf Arto for the first time. Though she misses her father, Rowan makes new friends - including a trio of powerful witches. When she rescues a baby dragon from poachers, she discovers the secret of her own identity. Could Rowan really be a wildsmith? Fostering a whole clutch of dragons, the summer speeds by. But when danger threatens, Rowan and Grandpa must call on all their friends for help.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781915235046 |
| Publication date: |
2nd February 2023 |
| Author: |
Liz Flanagan |
| Illustrator: |
Joe Todd-Stanton |
| Publisher: |
UCLan Publishing |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
171 pages |
| Series: |
Wildsmith Series |
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About Liz Flanagan
Liz FLanagan grew up in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire where she lives with her husband and two teenage daughters. She completed a PhD in Creative Writing in 2017, and now divides her time between teaching creative writing and writing her own books. She loves doing school visits and talking to young people about writing and creativity. Previously, she ran Lumb Bank, the Arvon Centre for creative writing and former home of Yorkshire poet Ted Hughes.
Liz adores animals and would have loved to find a hidden bag of dragon eggs as a child. She has to make do with her cat, dog and small flock of chickens. She also likes to travel and has taken inspiration from many of the beautiful cities she’s visited, mixing them all up into the imaginary island of Arcosi.
Her books include the Wildsmith series, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton; Legends of the Sky series, and Eden Summer (nominated for the Carnegie Medal).
More About Liz Flanagan
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