PHILOMELLA AND THE IMPOSSIBLE FOREST BY DORIS BRETT

Philomella isn’t having a good time, her life has been turned upside down. Her mum and dad have divorced, she has had to move from her beloved home and school and she hates it all – especially her dad. On the way home from school she discovers an unusual library and meets a were-dragon called Mary. And that’s when the adventure begins.

They travel to the Impossible Forest where bad things are happening and only Philomella and her new friends can help. The brave band of heroes must try and find Princess Rapunzel who seems to be the catalyst for the problem and figure out why the far reaches of the forest seem to be shifting and changing. There is an evil presence at play and they must stop it destroying the equilibrium of this beloved ecosystem. Philomella, with Mary, (the were-dragon) Gertrude (a Forest Dear) Ash, (who can talk to trees) and an excitable picnic basket, set off to find the contrary princess and along the way, must fend off all sorts of dangerous characters. Can Philomella help discover who is creating these dangerous ripples throughout the forest? Will the experience help her discover something about herself?

Doris Brett is a writer and clinical psychologist who has written books of poetry, therapeutic storytelling and memoir. This Middle Grade fantasy novel is a delightful exploration of what it is to be yourself and how to let go of anger and to forgive.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 336

Published: April 2023 Hardie Grant

Themes: Forgiveness, anger, self-belief.

Purchase here: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/philomella-and-the-impossible-forest-by-doris-brett/9781761211690