February 2023
Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest is the first book in a delightful new fantasy series for younger middle-grade readers from the author of the stunning Dragon Daughter series, Liz Flanagan. Illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton, readers will be completely swept away in adventure, magic and the most gorgeous baby dragons!
Rowan’s life changes forever when she and her mother must leave her father to defend their home from war while they escape to the Dark Forest. There, Rowan meets a grandfather she never knew she had and his wonderful white wolf, Arto. Every day she learns something new – none more surprising than the fact that her grandfather is a Wildsmith – someone with magical powers of understanding and healing. When poachers threaten the creatures of the forest, Rowan rescues a baby dragon. As she cares for this amazing creature, she learns much about herself – maybe she’s a Wildsmith too!
Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest is a charming story that approaches the theme of wildlife conservation in a new way. Readers will learn the importance of protecting animals and respecting their habitats as well as the qualities required to care for them.
This book is exactly what readers in Years 3 & 4 need. The short chapters are accessible and non-threatening. Well-spaced print and plenty of illustrations will pull children into the warmth of the story. I couldn’t put it down and I’m already looking forward to book two – Wildsmith: City of Secrets in April 2023.
A huge thank you to Uclan Publishing & Antonia Wilkinson for this special book.
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Scope for Imagination 
Sounds like a great book. The description of the start feels very similar to the plight of many Ukrainian refugees who have to leave fathers behind to fight. I wonder if this part of the story was written in a way you feel might be a good way to start a discussion around the topic?
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I absolutely think you could use it to explore the topic of war. Rowan is very conflicted about having to leave. She misses her old life but enjoys her new friends too. She misses her father and desperately wants to get back to him.
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Thanks so much for the reply. Sounds like exactly the book I’m looking for to use with a group of Ukrainian children I work with. Terrifying that someone’s fiction is their reality. Thanks again.
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