Children's Book review

Shadow Forest

By Matt Haig

Published by Bodley Head

Samuel and Martha's parents are killed when a log falls on the family car. Traumatised, the children go to live with strange, sad Aunt Eda in Norway, close to a forest full of dangerous creatures. Martha ignores warnings not to enter the forest – she already knows how horrible life can be. Samuel follows her to bring her back. This prompts Aunt Eda to try to rescue them both, even though she had lost her husband in the forest years before. In the forest they find the creatures are not as wicked as they seem; an evil professor rules and keeps its inhabitants in thrall. Sad, macabre, touching and hopeful by turns, this is an engrossing story with rounded characters and a satisfying, uplifting conclusion.

---

Illustrator: Sandy Nightingale

Reading age: 8+
Interest level: 9+