The magic of the forest book lies in the power it holds to transport readers into enchanting worlds filled with mystery, wonder, and adventure. With each turn of the page, the forest comes alive, and one is captivated by its beauty and grandeur. In the forest book, the trees whisper ancient secrets, the leaves rustle with hidden stories, and the animals speak in a language only they understand. It is a realm untouched by the modern world, a place where imagination reigns supreme. Through the unique alchemy of words and illustrations, the forest book invites readers to step into a realm where anything is possible. It allows us to witness the transformation of ordinary characters into heroes, as they traverse through the thickets and evade mystical creatures.
Children aged 7-9 will be led into the depths of forests thousands of years old, and learn about unbelievable natural phenomena, such as the forests that have wandered away from their original homes. As well as the scientific side of forests, this book will delve into the stories people tell about forests, from fairies and the tales of the Brothers Grimm, to fearsome beasts and the real-life historical figures who have explored the most dense and mysterious woodlands.
As well as the scientific side of forests, this book will delve into the stories people tell about forests, from fairies and the tales of the Brothers Grimm, to fearsome beasts and the real-life historical figures who have explored the most dense and mysterious woodlands. Humans have always lived in mutual communion with the forest, dwelling in its shadowy depths, tending to it as it protects us, trading oxygen for carbon dioxide, again and again, with each day, each hour of sunlight, each breath.
It allows us to witness the transformation of ordinary characters into heroes, as they traverse through the thickets and evade mystical creatures. Within the pages of the forest book, one can embark on a magical journey filled with mythical creatures like fairies, unicorns, and talking animals. These creatures become companions, guiding us through the treacherous paths and helping us discover our own courage and inner strength.
Book Review: Forest Magic by Sarah Grindler
Forest Magic is a delightful nonfiction nature guide for little explorers (ages 4-8), words and illustrations by Canadian creator Sarah Grindler. On a personal note, this book landed within my four-year-old’s most requested books this past summer, and in my opinion, there is no higher compliment than the child requested repeat-read!
Grindler’s guide opens with a question: “What do you notice when you are walking in the forest?” To answer this question, it prompts readers to take note of the sights, smells, sounds, and feel of the natural world around them. The pages that follow are informative, interactive, and even whimsical in places, showcasing all manner of flora and fauna commonly encountered in North American forests. Each new page offers a compelling mix of facts, musings, explanations, and beautiful new vocabulary. It won’t be long before readers are able to identify a nurse log, turkey tail mushrooms, lungwort lichen, and maybe even a pixie (…pixie cup moss, that is!).
But the narrative is not all facts, being scattered throughout with open-ended questions sure to spark imagination and further discussion. Questions like, “If you planted a sapling today, would it grow faster than you?” and “Which wildflower is your favourite?” As a parent, I very much appreciated two pragmatic spreads that Grindler chose to include near the end. These spreads outline “things that are safe to touch” and “things that are not safe to touch” while exploring in the woods, reminding us to take into account not only the safety of ourselves but also the wildlife we encounter. Grindler also includes brightly coloured illustrations of each item she lists, making it easy for even the youngest audience to identify what can and cannot safely be touched.
And on the topic of illustrations, Grindler’s pictures are lovely and bring this guide to life. Her palette showcases the many shades of nature, with a predominant theme of soft greens and browns. Grindler plays with light to advantage, often having it stream through her illustrations, invoking the lush peace of quiet forest glens. She also includes detailed closeups of leaves, flowers, animals, and insects. My favourite of these pages is one full of mushrooms, a highly underrated vegetation, and as Grindler’s art so perfectly proves, can be as varied, fascinating, and beautiful as any wildflower.
Forest Magic is the perfect introductory guidebook for young explorers, managing to impart its wisdom without sacrificing the imagination; to teach while never feeling boring or didactic. Reading this book truly feels like taking a walk in the woods with a fellow nature lover. I highly recommend this book and have already put a library hold on Grindler’s first book, Seaside Treasures (2019).
Thank you, Nimbus Publishing Ltd., for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Grindler’s guide opens with a question: “What do you notice when you are walking in the forest?” To answer this question, it prompts readers to take note of the sights, smells, sounds, and feel of the natural world around them. The pages that follow are informative, interactive, and even whimsical in places, showcasing all manner of flora and fauna commonly encountered in North American forests. Each new page offers a compelling mix of facts, musings, explanations, and beautiful new vocabulary. It won’t be long before readers are able to identify a nurse log, turkey tail mushrooms, lungwort lichen, and maybe even a pixie (…pixie cup moss, that is!).
Moreover, the forest book stirs our imagination and encourages us to see the world through a different lens. It reminds us that there is still magic to be found in the ordinary, and that nature is a source of inspiration and solace. The forest book also holds deep symbolism, reflecting the human connection with nature and the urgent need to protect our natural habitats. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the beauty and diversity of forests for future generations. In essence, the magic of the forest book lies in its ability to transport us to another world, awaken our senses, and ignite our imagination. It is a doorway to a realm where dreams come true and where the wonders of nature are brought to life. So, pick up a forest book, let its pages unfurl, and let yourself be enchanted by the magic that lies within..
Reviews for "The Dark Arts: Witchcraft and Sorcery in Fordist Books"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "The Magic of the Fordst Book." The plot was confusing, and the characters were one-dimensional. I couldn't invest in the story because I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The writing style was also lacking, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"The Magic of the Fordst Book" had an interesting concept, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was uneven, with chapters that dragged on unnecessarily and others that rushed through important events. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story, and by the end, I felt unsatisfied and underwhelmed.
3. Mike - 1 star
I couldn't finish "The Magic of the Fordst Book." The writing was filled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes that made it difficult to read. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, and the characters were uninteresting. I couldn't find anything redeeming about this book, and I regret wasting my time trying to get through it. I would not recommend it to anyone.