Description

From Newbery Medal-winning author Linda Sue Park, this is a captivating fantasy-adventure about a boy, a bat, and an amazing transformation. The first book in an enchanting trilogy, Forest of Wonders richly explores the links between magic and botany, family and duty, environment and home.

Raffa Santana has always loved the mysterious Forest of Wonders. For a gifted young apothecary like him, every leaf could unleash a kind of magic.

When an injured bat crashes into his life, Raffa invents a cure from a rare crimson vine that he finds deep in the Forest. His remedy saves the animal but also transforms it into something much more than an ordinary bat, with far-reaching consequences.

Raffa’s experiments lead him away from home to the forbidding city of Gilden, where troubling discoveries make him question whether exciting botanical inventions—including his own—might actually threaten the very creatures of the Forest he wants to protect.


As his creation reveals its astonishing secrets, Raffa must confront the true cost of his gift. Will his desire to heal do more harm than good?


  • A Unique Magic System: Discover a world where apothecary is an art form, and every plant in the Forest of Wonders holds the potential for miracles or disaster.
  • An Unforgettable Animal Friendship: When Raffa saves an injured bat with a powerful cure, he gains a friend unlike any other—one who can talk.
  • A Coming of Age Adventure: Follow Raffa from his forest home to the bustling city of Gilden on a journey that tests his skills, his courage, and his conscience.
  • Thought-Provoking Themes: Perfect for young readers who love adventure with depth, this story explores responsibility, the consequences of invention, and protecting the natural world.

About the author(s)

Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.

Reviews

“Park (Seesaw Girl) molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid-to-late 12th century Korea. . . Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) for A Single Shard

“Park simply yet convincingly depicts the chaos of war and an unforgiving landscape. . . A heartfelt account.” - Kirkus Reviews for A Long Walk to Water

“A memorable portrait of two children in Sudan. . . . Tragic and harrowing.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) for A Long Walk to Water

“Two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope.” - School Library Journal (starred review) for A Long Walk to Water

“Intrigues, danger and the same strong focus on doing what is right turn a simple story into a compelling read. . . A timeless jewel.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) for A Single Shard

“This quiet, but involving story draws readers into a very different time and place… A well-crafted novel with an unusual setting. - Booklist (starred review) for A Single Shard

A provocative moral tale about the relationship between humans and animals.… In the end, the ambiguity of the message is one of the novel’s strengths. In a genre that often paints good and evil in black and white, Park has written a book with a lot of gray. - New York Times Book Review

“This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life.” - School Library Journal Best Books of the Year for A Single Shard

“There are big issues in Park’s latest novel-conservation, prejudice, patriotism, biology, and more. But the Newbery-winning writer never allows them to swamp the story; in fact, it’s the compelling characters and their passionate differences and commitments that drive the plot.” - Booklist (starred review) for Project Mulberry

While the adorable talking animals will win hearts, the complex ethical dilemmas Raffa faces about how to use (or not use) his talents lend a maturity to the narrative... True hearts and true friends prevail in Forest of Wonders, and readers will anxiously await the trilogy’s next installment. - Shelf Awareness

As in life, the choices are never black and white as Park’s realistically flawed characters struggle between looking out for the greater good or for themselves. - Publishers Weekly

With its engaging hero, talking animals, arcane magic, moral issues, and unresolved plot, this first of a proposed trilogy promises more exciting forest wonders. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A strong addition by a wonderfully talented author to diversify middle grade fantasy collections. - School Library Journal

More from series Wing & Claw

More by Linda Sue Park

More Fantasy & Magic

More Juvenile Fiction

More Action & Adventure

More Environment

More Science & Nature

More Science Fiction

More Birds

More Animals

More Bears

More Family

More Survival Stories

More Flowers & Plants

More Activity Books