Publication Date: 7 November 2024

The Blurb

The Woodland Explorers solve mysteries and protect the animals of Willow Wish Woods.

Shyla’s special binoculars help the Woodland Explorers discover the power of fungi and the magic of Willow Wish Woods.

At Forest School, the Woodland Explorers are learning about fungi and how it connects trees underground in a huge network known as the Wood Wide Web. When Shyla is given her grandmother’s binoculars, she discovers mushrooms growing in a circle, called a pixie ring. Suddenly her eyes are opened to a whole new world – and magical woodland creatures show Shyla how to spread the word about protecting the forest.

The Review

A delightful early chapter book that takes young readers on an enchanting journey through nature. Set in the magical Willow Wish Woods, the second story in the series follows Shyla and her friends, known as the Woodland Explorers, as they learn about the interconnected life of the forest. With the help of Shyla’s special binoculars and some delightful forest friends, the Explorers uncover secrets of the natural world and discover the importance of protecting it.

Ewa’s storytelling is warm, engaging, and filled with positive messages about friendship, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Shyla and her friends demonstrate cooperation, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward the world around them, which can inspire young readers to think about their role in caring for nature. The book also fosters an appreciation for fungi and trees, often overlooked yet crucial elements of the ecosystem. These science facts are skillfully embedded in the story, so children absorb knowledge naturally as they follow the adventure.

Gillian’s illustrations add a lively and inviting quality to each page, capturing the spirit of Willow Wish Woods and bringing the characters and the woodland creatures to life, complementing the text beautifully, and allowing young readers to visualize the natural world and the magical creatures within it.

With it’s captivating blend of storytelling, science, and magic, the Woodland Explorers Club series is set to become a firm favourite with young nature lovers moving onto chapter books. And with six books planned (one for each club member) there is a lot more adventuring to come. If you can’t wait for book 3 in May 2025, make sure you go back and read book 1 – Benjy’s Emerald King – if you haven’t already.

Huge thanks to Zephyr for sending me a copy of the book, and to ed.pr for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. Do make sure you check out all of the other stops.