INTO THE DARK FOREST

A strange call’s coming from the Dark Forest…

Rowan doesn’t want to leave her home in the city of Holderby, especially without her father, but war has finally arrived in her hometown, and she must escape with her mom to stay at her grandpa’s house in the woods. She’s never met her grandpa before and is surprised to discover that he’s a healer of animals and humans. When she sets off deep into the forest to follow a mysterious noise, Rowan makes an astonishing discovery: an injured dragon. As she attempts to help the dragon, Rowan witnesses its mother’s capture by hunters from the enemy country of Estria. Worried about what will happen to the young dragon, Rowan returns to her grandpa to search for answers and help, only to discover that her grandpa is the feared wildsmith the poachers were talking about—someone who can communicate with animals. Together with her grandpa, some witches, and neighbors Will and Cam, Rowan must find a way to stop the poachers and protect the forest. Filled with adventure and friendship, this novel will capture readers’ hearts with its magical creatures and exploration of belonging. The sketch-style art is rich in detail and shading while retaining whimsy in the way it colors slightly outside of the lines. Rowan and her family have light skin, and Will and Cam are pictured with darker skin.

A magical adventure in the woods.