The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd & illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

July 2025

The Wood Where Magic Grows is the first in a delightful new series by Andy Shepherd. Brilliantly illustrated by Ellie Snowdon, this charming story perfectly captures the mystery of the woodland and all the secrets that can be discovered among the trees. Overflowing with wild green magic, our human connection with nature comes to life on every page. There’s no denying how special the woods are and the power it holds over every living thing who enters.

When Iggy and his family move into a new home, he finds the overgrown Wildtop Wood at the end of his garden. A tree tapping on the window seems to beckon to him, leading him and his little brother Cal (in his tiger onesie) deep into the woods on an adventure they never expected. Every regal tree, full of wisdom and hope for a greener world, seems to speak to them. With the help of their new friend, Mae, they discover the trees are in danger – from illness and the local council. The future of the wood is at risk. It’s Treetoppers to the rescue as they do all they can to heal the trees and find out what it is they really need. Their care and devotion is powerful and shows how important it is to stand up for what you believe in.

Inclusion occurs naturally in this story with a character who is hearing impaired. Mae wears hearing aids and uses British Sign Language. Iggy’s awareness of BSL from school helps them to communicate and deepens their friendship. This is not token representation but just an ordinary aspect of Mae’s character built into the flow of the story.

The Wood Where Magic Grows is just right for readers age 7+ who love nature – or who may not have experienced the magic of the woods for themselves. They are sure to be carried away by the beauty, mystery and connection of this powerful place. I can’t wait for the second book in the series, The Wood Where Stories Sing.

Fans of Gill Lewis’s Willow Wildthing series will love this slightly more grown-up woodland adventure.

Willow Wildthing and the Magic Spell by Gill Lewis & Rebecca Bagley

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