Through the Forest

When a young boy finds himself lost in the labyrinth of a forest, he knows not which way to turn. An enormous white figure approaches him and says his name is Emptiness. He agrees to go on a quest with the child, searching for something, though they’re not sure what. They discover a pinwheel the boy’s mama created for him, and as the two continue through the woods and into an open clearing, they find more souvenirs from the child’s past, sparking enough recollections to last a lifetime as well as to guide him into the future.

Through the Forest is a wonderfully unique, thought-provoking tale. Emptiness appears as a ghost and accompanies the child throughout his journey rediscovering his past. Once his mission is complete, Emptiness says “goodbye.” The boy doesn’t want him to go but is reassured Emptiness will never fully leave him; he’ll be there if he needs him.

Though the text is written at approximately a second grade level, children as old as nine or ten will favor this story. It’s depth and applicability to real life will pull them in, leaving them thinking about it long after they traverse the last page. They’ll savor its richness.