Iggy is facing lots of changes, a new house, a new village and a new stepfamily. As if things aren’t hard enough, when he and his new little brother, Cal, wake on their first morning in their new, shared bedroom they discover a tree trying to push its way in! And that’s just the start of the strangeness.
With their new friend, Mae, the brothers explore the wood at the bottom of their new garden. The children soon discover that Wildtop Wood isn’t like ordinary woods, it’s full of a magic that causes wooden creatures come to life, and allows trees to communicate with each other and humans. But as the children fall in love with their new natural playground, they realise that the wood is unhappy and in danger. Can they work some magic of their own to help it before it’s too late?
A wonderfully wild story of adventure and wonder in the natural world. The brothers are each perfectly developed characters, who hopefully have a lot more stories to share with us. Iggy has a strong sense of right and wrong and takes his new role of big brother very seriously. Alongside exuberant Cal, the brothers offers a pleasingly positive view of blended families and the love that can develop.
The Wood Where Magic Grows has all the hallmarks of classic children’s books, such as The Magic Faraway Tree, but with a determinedly 21st century setting and feel. Topics such as sensory disabilities and the destruction of natural resources are expertly included in the story. Ellie Snowden’s black and white illustrations are full of fun, adding an adorable and wild feeling to every page.
A delightful story that is sure to be a favourite with any child who has ever delighted in a muddy afternoon out or loves forest school.
Hear Andy Shepherd in this exclusive event with LoveReading4Kids Editorial Expert Amy McKay and Reading Ambassador Isla as she introduces her new novel The Wood Where Magic Grows, finds magic in green spaces, and shows us some of her favourite trees too!
A brand new series about finding magic in the everyday from the author of the bestselling The Boy Who Grew Dragons.
You won't believe what nature gets up to when you pay attention!
When Iggy and his brother Cal move to the countryside, they can't wait to get exploring. Greenacre certainly isn't an ordinary house. The plants grow in the blink of an eye, the little wooden animals dotted about the rooms never stay where they are put, and Iggy can't help but feel that the trees outside are beckoning him towards the overgrown wood at the bottom of the garden.
Some say that Wildtop Wood is dangerous; some say it's a place full of wonder. Iggy, Cal and their new friend Mae decide that the only way to find out which is to venture into the woods themselves - where they discover something that desperately needs their help. What is the secret that lies at the heart of the trees - and will Iggy, Cal and Mae be able to summon the wild green magic needed to reveal it?
Fully illustrated with 40-50 black and white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon
'Andy Shepherd is an utter treasure. Magic grows wherever she writes and this is another warm, witty and wondrous adventure' - Maz Evans, author of Who Let the Gods Out?
'Delightful' - Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs
'Thoughtful, intelligent, hugely uplifting, inclusive and just bubbling with wonder.' - Tamsin Rosewell, illustrator
'Another gem from Andy Shepherd. The Wood Where Magic Grows is a gloriously uplifting story of hope, tenacity and a little bit of magic.' - Kate Poels, author of On Wings to the Stars
'Full of joy, hope and wonder' - Sam Copeland, author of Charlie Changes into a Chicken
Author
About Andy Shepherd
Andy Shepherd is the author of bestselling The Boy Who grew Dragons which has been translated into 25 languages. The first book was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, The Sheffield Book Award and longlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award.
She lives near Cambridge with her husband, two sons.
Check out Andy's website for activities and resources linked to the series.
