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Forests and Faeries
It’s time to enter the magical world of Forests and Faeries!
Make a deal in the forest or explore underwater with the lake witch queen. Join siblings on a nighttime adventure and become friends with a tooth faerie. Take a trip to the perfect paradise, and say hello to the mysterious golden apple. Unearth the secrets of the abandoned house or enter the world of faeries.
Forests and Faeries has thirteen stories for you to escape into different worlds and spend time with animals, aliens, kids, and faeries. Here is your ticket to adventure!
****
In ‘Forests and Faeries - Tales of Adventure and Magic’, Srivalli Rekha pushes the boundaries of creativity and creates worlds that do justice to the dynamic minds of young readers. She demonstrates a deep understanding of the innate curiosity of her audience and comes up with an action-packed, fascinating collection of thirteen short stories. – Anupama Dalmia, Karamveer Chakra (Gold - 2023, Silver - 2019) Awardee, Writer, and Mentor
Make a deal in the forest or explore underwater with the lake witch queen. Join siblings on a nighttime adventure and become friends with a tooth faerie. Take a trip to the perfect paradise, and say hello to the mysterious golden apple. Unearth the secrets of the abandoned house or enter the world of faeries.
Forests and Faeries has thirteen stories for you to escape into different worlds and spend time with animals, aliens, kids, and faeries. Here is your ticket to adventure!
****
In ‘Forests and Faeries - Tales of Adventure and Magic’, Srivalli Rekha pushes the boundaries of creativity and creates worlds that do justice to the dynamic minds of young readers. She demonstrates a deep understanding of the innate curiosity of her audience and comes up with an action-packed, fascinating collection of thirteen short stories. – Anupama Dalmia, Karamveer Chakra (Gold - 2023, Silver - 2019) Awardee, Writer, and Mentor
- GenresShort Stories
174 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2024
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)
23 books702 followersBookshelf (GR algorithm has decreased my visibility. Freinds tell me they can't see my reviews in their feed. So here's the direct link to my 'read' shelf): https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
An MBA graduate, Srivalli Rekha also has an MA in English Literature. She loves to write, blog, cook, take pictures, draw and craft silly things. Nature is her greatest inspiration. Books and music are her favorite companions. A freelance content writer during the day, she devours books at night and is a reviewer at NetGalley, BookSirens, and The Writers Workout.
Srivalli and her writer friends have founded The Hive, a non-traditional publishing collective, at the end of 2019.
Her works have been a part of several anthologies (eBooks and paperback publications)-
Sweek Flash Fiction Book 1 & 3, SweekStars 2018 Book,
Tales From the Cliff, Tales From the Toybox, 72 Hours of Insanity: Anthology of the Games Volume IV, VI, & VII, Way Words Vol 1, Issue 2 by Writer’s Workout,
Hawk’s Nest, Hawk’s Flight, and Rewind by ArtoonsInn Room9 Publications,
The Way We Were by Poetry Planet Publishing House,
Arise from the Dust Anthology by Let’s Make Stories,
Indian Summer in Verses by Plethora Blogazine and Writersgram,
Metaphorphosis by GMGA Publishing,
Route 13: Highway To Hell, Blood Runs Cold, Tea with a Drop of Honey, #Love, and Trail Xiii- The Path to Perdition by The Hive.
Violets in Hand, The House of Justice, and Pebbles in the Grass, her self-published ebooks are available on Amazon.
An MBA graduate, Srivalli Rekha also has an MA in English Literature. She loves to write, blog, cook, take pictures, draw and craft silly things. Nature is her greatest inspiration. Books and music are her favorite companions. A freelance content writer during the day, she devours books at night and is a reviewer at NetGalley, BookSirens, and The Writers Workout.
Srivalli and her writer friends have founded The Hive, a non-traditional publishing collective, at the end of 2019.
Her works have been a part of several anthologies (eBooks and paperback publications)-
Sweek Flash Fiction Book 1 & 3, SweekStars 2018 Book,
Tales From the Cliff, Tales From the Toybox, 72 Hours of Insanity: Anthology of the Games Volume IV, VI, & VII, Way Words Vol 1, Issue 2 by Writer’s Workout,
Hawk’s Nest, Hawk’s Flight, and Rewind by ArtoonsInn Room9 Publications,
The Way We Were by Poetry Planet Publishing House,
Arise from the Dust Anthology by Let’s Make Stories,
Indian Summer in Verses by Plethora Blogazine and Writersgram,
Metaphorphosis by GMGA Publishing,
Route 13: Highway To Hell, Blood Runs Cold, Tea with a Drop of Honey, #Love, and Trail Xiii- The Path to Perdition by The Hive.
Violets in Hand, The House of Justice, and Pebbles in the Grass, her self-published ebooks are available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 3, 2024
In a Nutshell: An eclectic collection of fanciful stories aimed at middle-graders. As the title promises, each story contains forests and/or faeries. Multicultural in approach. Good for the target age group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This collection of thirteen stories is an eclectic assortment of fantasy tales, covering moods in shades of light and dark. Some of the tales are like good old animal fables while some highlight the ravages wrought upon nature by humans. Some have sweet little faeries while some have bigger, scarier beasts. Some are based on the earth we know, some are set in planets beyond our ken, and yet others are in fanciful imaginary locations. The stories come from a variety of lands and eras. Each story is thus a unique experience as the characters, the plot, and the moral aren’t repeated.
What is common to the stories is that each of them has either a forest OR a faerie, sometimes both, just as the title promises. While both types of tales were delightful, I enjoyed the forest-based ones better as they are darker and more varied. (But I am sure kids will enjoy faeries more than forests. 😄)
The book aims at middle graders, and many of the stories feature children of the same age. What I liked is that the representation of children, while age-appropriate, wasn’t homogenous. Some were adorable little munchkins and some were wee brats in need of some tough love. But in either case, the children had an active role to play in the proceedings.
I appreciate the portrayal of the parents in the stories. Almost every tale that had a parent in an active role represented the positive and negative emotions of the parent well without depicting them as uncaring villains. So important to do this in children’s books!
Some of the content in the stories is a bit on the darker side. While there is nothing gruesome on page, there are mentions of characters being killed or dying or dead. There are also references to bullying. Some stories have characters in a precarious situation at the end, with their story ending on hope and determination than on a happy and settled resolution. I did like the variety of these circumstances, but children who necessarily want a joyful story might be a little upset at a few of the outcomes.
The writing is simplistic, as is apt for the target audience. However, I do wish the conversations had been a bit more expressive. Kids speak in a bombastic style, with a multitude of emotions and a lot of hyperbole. Accordingly, they also enjoy reading stories in the same tone. Muted writing works better for adult stories, but a little amplification of the actions/reactions and an exuberance in dialogues goes a long way when it comes to children’s works.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the thirteen tales, only two of the stories didn’t work that well for me, though they might be a hit with the right age group. The rest ranged from good to great, with one story even hitting the five-star mark. These were my top favourites:
All in all, I liked this little story collection. The variety, the forest/faerie theme, and the inclusivity make this a lovely addition to your little one’s library. This isn’t my first time reading this author, and it won’t be the last. 😁
Highly recommend this indie collection to middle graders looking for a splash of the magical and the mysterious, but not necessarily requiring happy endings or light-hearted plots.
3.8 stars, based on the average of my ratings for each tale.
Disclaimer: I have known the author through Facebook for more than four years now and received a complimentary copy of this book from her. I partially beta-read this work, but my review is based on the unproofed ARC. It is impossible to avoid bias when it comes to reviewing a friend’s work, but I have tried to keep my review as fair as possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This collection of thirteen stories is an eclectic assortment of fantasy tales, covering moods in shades of light and dark. Some of the tales are like good old animal fables while some highlight the ravages wrought upon nature by humans. Some have sweet little faeries while some have bigger, scarier beasts. Some are based on the earth we know, some are set in planets beyond our ken, and yet others are in fanciful imaginary locations. The stories come from a variety of lands and eras. Each story is thus a unique experience as the characters, the plot, and the moral aren’t repeated.
What is common to the stories is that each of them has either a forest OR a faerie, sometimes both, just as the title promises. While both types of tales were delightful, I enjoyed the forest-based ones better as they are darker and more varied. (But I am sure kids will enjoy faeries more than forests. 😄)
The book aims at middle graders, and many of the stories feature children of the same age. What I liked is that the representation of children, while age-appropriate, wasn’t homogenous. Some were adorable little munchkins and some were wee brats in need of some tough love. But in either case, the children had an active role to play in the proceedings.
I appreciate the portrayal of the parents in the stories. Almost every tale that had a parent in an active role represented the positive and negative emotions of the parent well without depicting them as uncaring villains. So important to do this in children’s books!
Some of the content in the stories is a bit on the darker side. While there is nothing gruesome on page, there are mentions of characters being killed or dying or dead. There are also references to bullying. Some stories have characters in a precarious situation at the end, with their story ending on hope and determination than on a happy and settled resolution. I did like the variety of these circumstances, but children who necessarily want a joyful story might be a little upset at a few of the outcomes.
The writing is simplistic, as is apt for the target audience. However, I do wish the conversations had been a bit more expressive. Kids speak in a bombastic style, with a multitude of emotions and a lot of hyperbole. Accordingly, they also enjoy reading stories in the same tone. Muted writing works better for adult stories, but a little amplification of the actions/reactions and an exuberance in dialogues goes a long way when it comes to children’s works.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the thirteen tales, only two of the stories didn’t work that well for me, though they might be a hit with the right age group. The rest ranged from good to great, with one story even hitting the five-star mark. These were my top favourites:
🌼 The Night-time Adventure - I really enjoyed this story! The note at the end is the icing on the cake. To be honest, I don’t know if kids will enjoy this story because it could be a bit too scary for young ones. But the historical fiction fan in me was thrilled to see the factual base of this fictional work. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🌼 The Abandoned House – Loved this story, not just because of the content but because of the frame story of a mother narrating an adventure from her past to her son during a road trip. The banter between the parents and the bond with their son comes out well. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🌼 When Elephants Could Fly - A beautiful and meaningful fable about the balance between power and responsibility. That is the kind of story I used to enjoy as a child. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 The Golden Apple - A classic good vs. evil fairy tale with loads of magic from an unexpected source. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
All in all, I liked this little story collection. The variety, the forest/faerie theme, and the inclusivity make this a lovely addition to your little one’s library. This isn’t my first time reading this author, and it won’t be the last. 😁
Highly recommend this indie collection to middle graders looking for a splash of the magical and the mysterious, but not necessarily requiring happy endings or light-hearted plots.
3.8 stars, based on the average of my ratings for each tale.
Disclaimer: I have known the author through Facebook for more than four years now and received a complimentary copy of this book from her. I partially beta-read this work, but my review is based on the unproofed ARC. It is impossible to avoid bias when it comes to reviewing a friend’s work, but I have tried to keep my review as fair as possible.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
July 14, 2024
The Deal - 5/5
The rabbits know they are the meal of the week for the mighty lion. They may not be as strong as the lion. But one clever old rabbit is determined to use his wit so the rabbits can escape their fate.
I love anthropomorphic stories and the tone of the story does a great job of hooking you from the get-go, so it was very easy to immerse myself into the premise of this one. It also gives off a fascinating old mythological vibe that makes this a pleasure to read.
Mira learns a lesson - 4/5
Mira lives in a forest with her little brother and her grandparents. One night, she prays to be rid of her annoying little brother. And the next morning, he’s no longer there.
This concept reminds me of Home Alone for all the right reasons. Mira wishes her brother gone just like Kevin wished his whole family gone in the movie. But it’s when their loved ones are gone that they both realize just how much they care for them. Then this story takes a very interesting and slightly dark fairy tale turn.
The Tooth Faerie’s Friend – 3,5/5
Elle is a new tooth faerie who doesn’t really like her job. But one day she sneaks into the bedroom of Abena to collect her tooth. And Abena always wanted to meet a tooth faerie.
Cute and charming little story about friendship.
The Nighttime Adventure – 4,5/5
The Beast of Gévaudan is terrorizing the local people. One curious and brave brother and sister duo is in the woods, hoping to catch a glimpse of the creature at first. But they quickly get cold feet. And as they try to make their way back home, something happens. Their mother can only pray for their safety, as no one wants to go looking for the kids in the dark when the Beast of Gévaudan is on the prowl.
This story is based on the Beast of Gévaudan. It was a real beast that terrorized the former province of Gévaudan in France. Though the nature of the wolf-like beast and the mystery surrounding it quickly made it a bit of a local legend and myth. This is written as a historical fiction story but it comes across more as a fictional character-driven horror story set in the midst of said myth. The mix of historical facts and fiction is done well here, making it very easy to immerse yourself into the story, while still making you care about the fictional characters. And it’s a smart move to focus on the characters more than the setting in this one, as it allows your imagination to run wild.
The Perfect Paradise – 4/5
It’s a story about a stuffed bunny toy that gets terrorized by the little monster who plays with it every day and gets it dirty, and the mom of said little monster who stuffs it into the washing machine to clean it.
This is an interesting concept and the point of view does help elevate this story. The “be careful what you wish for” theme is executed quite nicely and quite creatively too.
The Prince of Neptune – 4/5
Tunen messed up, though he doesn’t see it that way. He did something wrong, sure. But did his father, the king, really have to send him to another planet? And did the people really have to cheer when Tunen was sent away? And did the king really have to ask Zexnki, the king’s commander, to educate Tunen during his exile?
It’s a character-driven science fiction story where a prince tries to find ice faeries to magically make him a better son, so his father can finally be proud of him. But he doesn’t realize that he already has everything he needs to make his father proud. He just has to start making better decisions.
The Abandoned House - 3/5
A woman takes her husband and child to her childhood village for a reunion. She tells them about how she and her mischievous friends once broke into an abandoned possibly haunted house.
It’s a charming little story. It strikes a good balance between reminiscing about the past and telling stories while on a road trip. And I like how this story shows how you can be naughty/mischievous as a child without being bad, as there’s quite a big difference.
When Elephants Could Fly - 5/5
Once upon a time, animals could talk. They were sheltered from evil in their ancient forest. And some animals could even learn magic. But one little monkey felt wronged when he was denied the chance to learn magic. And he was jealous of the elephants who could fly. Then he came across an evil wizard who wanted nothing more than to corrupt the monkey with his magic, so the evil wizard could finally make his way into the forest.
This reminds me of Just So Stories for Little Children by Rudyard Kipling for all the right reasons, but with a cool fantasy fairy tale touch added to it. The monkey also reminds me a little bit of Sun Wukong, the monkey king from Journey to the West. And the theme of “with great power comes great responsibilities” is done very well here.
A New Beginning – 2,5/5
A girl finds out she’s actually a faerie.
The faerie world speaks to the imagination but, I don’t think I get the point of this story to be honest. It feels like there’s a strong message hidden inside this story but it didn’t quite manage to come out.
Astra and the Old Witch - 5/5
Astra is a girl who lives with her mother and younger brother in a small village. Life is tough there. And her mother is doing everything she can to scrape by, but she fears for the future. She doesn’t have the money to buy her kids new boots and gloves, things to keep her children warm next winter. Astra and her brother decide to go into the woods and visit the old witch, hoping the witch might be able to help their mother.
A heartwarming fairy tale. It shows that doing good things for others is rewarded and that we all need somebody sometimes.
During the Storm – 3,5/5
Inside a hut in a forest, a family shelters from the storm. They hope it will soon pass as the mother needs medical attention.
A thunderbolt strikes a spaceship, sending it crashing into the forest.
A story about the importance of our environment and nature, tackled in a creative way.
The Queen of Bloomland - 3/5
There’s something wrong in the magical Bloomland as faeries are losing their wings and magic. It seems someone has been keeping a big secret.
Real leaders know that power comes at a cost. People’s trust is something that needs to be earned. And it sometimes requires a personal sacrifice.
The Golden Apple - 4/5
A group of kids are forced to go on a mission in a magical forest to find a golden apple. And when they find an apple, they have to make a choice.
A story about human greed with some basic good Vs evil added in the mix. A magical setting that’s reminiscent of previous story When Elephants Could Fly. Great story that ends the book on a high note. And it also has an interesting twist.
Overall, a good mix of stories and themes, all centered around the overarching titular forests and faeries. As with every anthology, some stories will speak to you more because of personal preference. But it’s a light and fun read from start to finish.
The rabbits know they are the meal of the week for the mighty lion. They may not be as strong as the lion. But one clever old rabbit is determined to use his wit so the rabbits can escape their fate.
I love anthropomorphic stories and the tone of the story does a great job of hooking you from the get-go, so it was very easy to immerse myself into the premise of this one. It also gives off a fascinating old mythological vibe that makes this a pleasure to read.
Mira learns a lesson - 4/5
Mira lives in a forest with her little brother and her grandparents. One night, she prays to be rid of her annoying little brother. And the next morning, he’s no longer there.
This concept reminds me of Home Alone for all the right reasons. Mira wishes her brother gone just like Kevin wished his whole family gone in the movie. But it’s when their loved ones are gone that they both realize just how much they care for them. Then this story takes a very interesting and slightly dark fairy tale turn.
The Tooth Faerie’s Friend – 3,5/5
Elle is a new tooth faerie who doesn’t really like her job. But one day she sneaks into the bedroom of Abena to collect her tooth. And Abena always wanted to meet a tooth faerie.
Cute and charming little story about friendship.
The Nighttime Adventure – 4,5/5
The Beast of Gévaudan is terrorizing the local people. One curious and brave brother and sister duo is in the woods, hoping to catch a glimpse of the creature at first. But they quickly get cold feet. And as they try to make their way back home, something happens. Their mother can only pray for their safety, as no one wants to go looking for the kids in the dark when the Beast of Gévaudan is on the prowl.
This story is based on the Beast of Gévaudan. It was a real beast that terrorized the former province of Gévaudan in France. Though the nature of the wolf-like beast and the mystery surrounding it quickly made it a bit of a local legend and myth. This is written as a historical fiction story but it comes across more as a fictional character-driven horror story set in the midst of said myth. The mix of historical facts and fiction is done well here, making it very easy to immerse yourself into the story, while still making you care about the fictional characters. And it’s a smart move to focus on the characters more than the setting in this one, as it allows your imagination to run wild.
The Perfect Paradise – 4/5
It’s a story about a stuffed bunny toy that gets terrorized by the little monster who plays with it every day and gets it dirty, and the mom of said little monster who stuffs it into the washing machine to clean it.
This is an interesting concept and the point of view does help elevate this story. The “be careful what you wish for” theme is executed quite nicely and quite creatively too.
The Prince of Neptune – 4/5
Tunen messed up, though he doesn’t see it that way. He did something wrong, sure. But did his father, the king, really have to send him to another planet? And did the people really have to cheer when Tunen was sent away? And did the king really have to ask Zexnki, the king’s commander, to educate Tunen during his exile?
It’s a character-driven science fiction story where a prince tries to find ice faeries to magically make him a better son, so his father can finally be proud of him. But he doesn’t realize that he already has everything he needs to make his father proud. He just has to start making better decisions.
The Abandoned House - 3/5
A woman takes her husband and child to her childhood village for a reunion. She tells them about how she and her mischievous friends once broke into an abandoned possibly haunted house.
It’s a charming little story. It strikes a good balance between reminiscing about the past and telling stories while on a road trip. And I like how this story shows how you can be naughty/mischievous as a child without being bad, as there’s quite a big difference.
When Elephants Could Fly - 5/5
Once upon a time, animals could talk. They were sheltered from evil in their ancient forest. And some animals could even learn magic. But one little monkey felt wronged when he was denied the chance to learn magic. And he was jealous of the elephants who could fly. Then he came across an evil wizard who wanted nothing more than to corrupt the monkey with his magic, so the evil wizard could finally make his way into the forest.
This reminds me of Just So Stories for Little Children by Rudyard Kipling for all the right reasons, but with a cool fantasy fairy tale touch added to it. The monkey also reminds me a little bit of Sun Wukong, the monkey king from Journey to the West. And the theme of “with great power comes great responsibilities” is done very well here.
A New Beginning – 2,5/5
A girl finds out she’s actually a faerie.
The faerie world speaks to the imagination but, I don’t think I get the point of this story to be honest. It feels like there’s a strong message hidden inside this story but it didn’t quite manage to come out.
Astra and the Old Witch - 5/5
Astra is a girl who lives with her mother and younger brother in a small village. Life is tough there. And her mother is doing everything she can to scrape by, but she fears for the future. She doesn’t have the money to buy her kids new boots and gloves, things to keep her children warm next winter. Astra and her brother decide to go into the woods and visit the old witch, hoping the witch might be able to help their mother.
A heartwarming fairy tale. It shows that doing good things for others is rewarded and that we all need somebody sometimes.
During the Storm – 3,5/5
Inside a hut in a forest, a family shelters from the storm. They hope it will soon pass as the mother needs medical attention.
A thunderbolt strikes a spaceship, sending it crashing into the forest.
A story about the importance of our environment and nature, tackled in a creative way.
The Queen of Bloomland - 3/5
There’s something wrong in the magical Bloomland as faeries are losing their wings and magic. It seems someone has been keeping a big secret.
Real leaders know that power comes at a cost. People’s trust is something that needs to be earned. And it sometimes requires a personal sacrifice.
The Golden Apple - 4/5
A group of kids are forced to go on a mission in a magical forest to find a golden apple. And when they find an apple, they have to make a choice.
A story about human greed with some basic good Vs evil added in the mix. A magical setting that’s reminiscent of previous story When Elephants Could Fly. Great story that ends the book on a high note. And it also has an interesting twist.
Overall, a good mix of stories and themes, all centered around the overarching titular forests and faeries. As with every anthology, some stories will speak to you more because of personal preference. But it’s a light and fun read from start to finish.
Read
August 15, 2025ETA: The book is free to download on Kindle from 14th to 18th Aug 2025.
*Happy Publication Day to Me*
Forests and Faeries is now available in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon across all marketplaces. Orders with Indian addresses will get a free bookmark.
Phew! The book is out there in the world. I have mixed feelings and hope readers will love it (at least a little). My initial plan was to write something cool in this 'review' section but now I have no idea what to say.
I'll update this space over time if anything strikes my mind. If not, feel free to drop any questions you have as comments, and I'll answer them (depending on what you ask).
*Happy Publication Day to Me*
Forests and Faeries is now available in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon across all marketplaces. Orders with Indian addresses will get a free bookmark.
Phew! The book is out there in the world. I have mixed feelings and hope readers will love it (at least a little). My initial plan was to write something cool in this 'review' section but now I have no idea what to say.
I'll update this space over time if anything strikes my mind. If not, feel free to drop any questions you have as comments, and I'll answer them (depending on what you ask).
November 2, 2024
I knew as soon as I came across this one, I just HAD to have it. While I rarely ever read children’s books, I do enjoy a good story about faeries (or the Fae in the more adult stories) and the forests or woods or the other nature environments that they inhabit. Forests and woods have always seemed like a wonderful place to venture, explore and simply run around and play in. Reminds me of my childhood school vacations with my brothers at our family cabin up in Big Bear, where we would spend our days running wild in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.
Anyway, the book is a collection of short stories. My favorite was Queen of Bloomland , a wonderful story of how sometimes, life doesn’t turn out the way we thought it should. A story of sacrifice to protect the most vulnerable as well as compassion and mercy for those that truly need it. A strong leader is not one that tears down and divides others, but rather unites others to create a stronger community.
Below is a list of the others.
The Deal – A sad story of forest animals protecting their species from extinction and the sacrifice of one courageous soul hoping to ensure that from happening.
Mira Learns a Lesson - A sweet story of the importance of family (especially siblings) regardless of how annoying they are.
Tooth Faerie’s Friend – An adorable story of inspiring hope and the belief of magic, while promoting good dental health
Nighttime Adventure - A story of a beast terrorizing a town and its residents. An ominous kind story with a good message that if we band together as a community, we can fend off a monster (or any other unhinged wacko).
Perfect Paradise - Oh dear, what a dreary story. Not sure what the message was supposed to be. Be careful of what you ask for? Perhaps, take better care of those that you love?
Prince of Neptune - A cute story about the Prince of Neptune who learned a tough lesson about “friends”, along with some interesting trivia about the planet Neptune.
Abandoned House - A great story about passing our stories and escapades onto the next generation. In this case, it was a parent passing on a story to their child with the hope that their child can find the same joy and develop similar bonds that they found when they were a child.
When Elephants Could Fly - A sad story of the ongoing war between good and evil and the carnage that the battles leave in the wake.
New Beginning – A lovely faerie coming-of-age story and finding her tribe.
Astra and the Old Witch – A sweet story of a struggling family and their faerie godmother – sort of.
During the Storm - A wonderful story of strangers in a storm helping each other with acts of kindness.
Golden Apple – A heartwarming story about how even children can make a difference in their world if they just believe and do what they can to make it happen. A story of how the next generation took an active role in choosing who would make their world a better place. This one ran a close second to my favorite and I loved them both.
I really enjoyed the Forward by Anupama Dalmia, a children's writing mentor and her thoughts and opinions on sharing these stories with her kids. I also enjoyed the messages that most of the stories provided for some valuable life lessons. I loved the Author’s Note too! I am always interested in knowing how a story came to be and the incentive for the author. Well done Srivalli. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will round up to a 5star review.
Anyway, the book is a collection of short stories. My favorite was Queen of Bloomland , a wonderful story of how sometimes, life doesn’t turn out the way we thought it should. A story of sacrifice to protect the most vulnerable as well as compassion and mercy for those that truly need it. A strong leader is not one that tears down and divides others, but rather unites others to create a stronger community.
Below is a list of the others.
The Deal – A sad story of forest animals protecting their species from extinction and the sacrifice of one courageous soul hoping to ensure that from happening.
Mira Learns a Lesson - A sweet story of the importance of family (especially siblings) regardless of how annoying they are.
Tooth Faerie’s Friend – An adorable story of inspiring hope and the belief of magic, while promoting good dental health
Nighttime Adventure - A story of a beast terrorizing a town and its residents. An ominous kind story with a good message that if we band together as a community, we can fend off a monster (or any other unhinged wacko).
Perfect Paradise - Oh dear, what a dreary story. Not sure what the message was supposed to be. Be careful of what you ask for? Perhaps, take better care of those that you love?
Prince of Neptune - A cute story about the Prince of Neptune who learned a tough lesson about “friends”, along with some interesting trivia about the planet Neptune.
Abandoned House - A great story about passing our stories and escapades onto the next generation. In this case, it was a parent passing on a story to their child with the hope that their child can find the same joy and develop similar bonds that they found when they were a child.
When Elephants Could Fly - A sad story of the ongoing war between good and evil and the carnage that the battles leave in the wake.
New Beginning – A lovely faerie coming-of-age story and finding her tribe.
Astra and the Old Witch – A sweet story of a struggling family and their faerie godmother – sort of.
During the Storm - A wonderful story of strangers in a storm helping each other with acts of kindness.
Golden Apple – A heartwarming story about how even children can make a difference in their world if they just believe and do what they can to make it happen. A story of how the next generation took an active role in choosing who would make their world a better place. This one ran a close second to my favorite and I loved them both.
I really enjoyed the Forward by Anupama Dalmia, a children's writing mentor and her thoughts and opinions on sharing these stories with her kids. I also enjoyed the messages that most of the stories provided for some valuable life lessons. I loved the Author’s Note too! I am always interested in knowing how a story came to be and the incentive for the author. Well done Srivalli. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will round up to a 5star review.
July 24, 2024
Filled with thrilling adventure and magic, this short story collection is a delightful must-read! Creative and fresh storytelling blends with strong themes that are sure to resonate with readers of all ages! I’ll always think of the story of the lion and the rabbits when I look up at the moon!
September 4, 2024
4.5/5 - Really liked it
It is a collection of short stories for kids with simple, easy to follow language. Each chapter begins with a cute picture related to the story. Its a must have book if you have little kids.
But the book is not limited to kids. It has perfect masala of fantasy, adventure, mystery, and Srivalli has taken some of the well-known stories and given it a U-turn! Simple plots, which keep you engaged.
I was surprised to read the story about the Tooth Fairy and when Elephants had wings. And as you move forward, the stories become more and more complex and interesting. Overall, I loved reading them and each story has a fresh breeze of plot-twists!
What better book to bring me out of my deep slumber!
It is a collection of short stories for kids with simple, easy to follow language. Each chapter begins with a cute picture related to the story. Its a must have book if you have little kids.
But the book is not limited to kids. It has perfect masala of fantasy, adventure, mystery, and Srivalli has taken some of the well-known stories and given it a U-turn! Simple plots, which keep you engaged.
I was surprised to read the story about the Tooth Fairy and when Elephants had wings. And as you move forward, the stories become more and more complex and interesting. Overall, I loved reading them and each story has a fresh breeze of plot-twists!
What better book to bring me out of my deep slumber!
June 10, 2025
This is a collection of short stories aimed at middle grade readers which I thoroughly enjoyed.
True to the title, each of the stories features a forest or faeries(love this spelling!) or both and they are set in a variety of locations ranging from the real world to the animal world to even planet Neptune.
I found the stories cute and imaginative and with very subtle messages hinting at being responsible, not taking family for granted, helping out in a crisis and believing in your own abilities. The stories with magic and a lot of colour were my favourites.
I really liked The tooth faerie's friend as the kid in this story was just so adorable and it reminded me of my son and his excitement at the same age.
The Nighttime Adventure perfectly captured a loving sibling bond and the spirit of adventure that drives kids to court danger at times. The note at the end that talks about the history the story is based on was very interesting too.
The Prince of Neptune was another story I really liked for the way the so called wayward Prince was written and how his vulnerability came through. His quest was so relatable.
The Abandoned House was a story whose theme was so sweet with a mom recounting her childhood adventures to her child while on a trip to her childhood home. Her trip down nostalgia lane and the banter between the parents and the child was very nice.
When Elephants could fly and The golden Apple truly had that fairy tale feel to them and I enjoyed that while During the storm that features an alien coming to the aid of a tribe whose home is endangered by the threat of construction was an ode to a very relevant topic.
Though I have mentioned these stories above, there were none that I did not like. The notes at the end of some of the stories and the pronunciation of the names and places at the beginning of some of them was a very nice touch. It was fun saying the names the way the author intended them in my head while reading!
It's just such a feel good collection that made me smile. Also, purple is definitely my favourite colour so the cover definitely drew me in!
True to the title, each of the stories features a forest or faeries(love this spelling!) or both and they are set in a variety of locations ranging from the real world to the animal world to even planet Neptune.
I found the stories cute and imaginative and with very subtle messages hinting at being responsible, not taking family for granted, helping out in a crisis and believing in your own abilities. The stories with magic and a lot of colour were my favourites.
I really liked The tooth faerie's friend as the kid in this story was just so adorable and it reminded me of my son and his excitement at the same age.
The Nighttime Adventure perfectly captured a loving sibling bond and the spirit of adventure that drives kids to court danger at times. The note at the end that talks about the history the story is based on was very interesting too.
The Prince of Neptune was another story I really liked for the way the so called wayward Prince was written and how his vulnerability came through. His quest was so relatable.
The Abandoned House was a story whose theme was so sweet with a mom recounting her childhood adventures to her child while on a trip to her childhood home. Her trip down nostalgia lane and the banter between the parents and the child was very nice.
When Elephants could fly and The golden Apple truly had that fairy tale feel to them and I enjoyed that while During the storm that features an alien coming to the aid of a tribe whose home is endangered by the threat of construction was an ode to a very relevant topic.
Though I have mentioned these stories above, there were none that I did not like. The notes at the end of some of the stories and the pronunciation of the names and places at the beginning of some of them was a very nice touch. It was fun saying the names the way the author intended them in my head while reading!
It's just such a feel good collection that made me smile. Also, purple is definitely my favourite colour so the cover definitely drew me in!
August 17, 2024
Forests and Faeries, FaF, is a collection of stories. Correction -
collection of children stories. Isn't that obvious from the title and the cover? Well, yes, certainly. Is it yet another attempt in the genre? Nopes. The overall justification in the last part of the review. First, a peek at the collection of stories.
FaF contains thirteen stories and all of them are about F and F, through and through. The stand out stories, for me, are The Deal, The Tooth Faerie's Friend, The Abandoned House, Astra and the Old Witch, and The Nighttime Adventure. The other eight stories are amazing too, but I have a special corner for these five. The narration stood out shining in these, and overall too. Srivalli has managed to infuse life in all the animals she has roped in on par with the humans, and especially kids. It is important to put it in black and white because animals are rarely justified in Indian fiction writing. Vitally, it is not easier to blend animals in stories that easily. Srivalli has used faeries as flowers and the animals as fauna in a truly remarkable and ingenious manner.
In summary, there are novels and short story collections that fall in certain genres and then there are works which are just more about the way the writing must be. FaF is not yet another release in the fiction universe catering to the juvenile audience. It passes the innocence and admirable test as required inevitably in this genre. There are moments of magic, expectedly, and brilliance which capture the exact way kids think and simulate. Srivalli's FaF is hopefully the first of the works and if she can consistently deliver a novel/collection a year, we would be welcoming a remarkable writer perfect for children.
collection of children stories. Isn't that obvious from the title and the cover? Well, yes, certainly. Is it yet another attempt in the genre? Nopes. The overall justification in the last part of the review. First, a peek at the collection of stories.
FaF contains thirteen stories and all of them are about F and F, through and through. The stand out stories, for me, are The Deal, The Tooth Faerie's Friend, The Abandoned House, Astra and the Old Witch, and The Nighttime Adventure. The other eight stories are amazing too, but I have a special corner for these five. The narration stood out shining in these, and overall too. Srivalli has managed to infuse life in all the animals she has roped in on par with the humans, and especially kids. It is important to put it in black and white because animals are rarely justified in Indian fiction writing. Vitally, it is not easier to blend animals in stories that easily. Srivalli has used faeries as flowers and the animals as fauna in a truly remarkable and ingenious manner.
In summary, there are novels and short story collections that fall in certain genres and then there are works which are just more about the way the writing must be. FaF is not yet another release in the fiction universe catering to the juvenile audience. It passes the innocence and admirable test as required inevitably in this genre. There are moments of magic, expectedly, and brilliance which capture the exact way kids think and simulate. Srivalli's FaF is hopefully the first of the works and if she can consistently deliver a novel/collection a year, we would be welcoming a remarkable writer perfect for children.
November 15, 2024
One liner: Wonderful and delightful collection of 13 stories aimed a middle graders and adults alike.
My thoughts: This eclectic collection of stories which features either forest or faeries in each of them is a joy to read. The stories feature different kind of forests and faeries. Few of them mild and sweet like the way we imagine and few more are bigger and scarier. The settings for every story in the book are so wonderful and its surely will spark your imagination in many ways. Each story is a unique experience because of the settings, the era in which story is based, the different genres and adaptation of multicultural characters.
The writing is simple, right for the target audience. The content warnings in the beginning of the book serves well. I also liked the fact that the author mentioned the pronunciations of the names in the beginning of the story which helps a lot. The stories deal with complex emotions but the author has handled them beautifully making sure the complex themes don't overwhelm the little ones.
My favorite ones from the collection are
* The Nighttime Adventure - Unique setting and the author's note at the end of the story made it a winner for me.
* The Perfect Paradise - Story and rabbit and moon. Offers a hidden moral in the story which is not too preachy. A different take for sure
* The Prince of Neptune - intergalactic story and surely a confidence booster for the younglings
* When Elephants could Fly - Beautiful story depicting the fact that power needs to be used responsibly
* Astra and the old witch - Great setting and brings sibling banter and love to life'
Couple of stories did not work well for me. Apart from that all the other stories were great. A great anthology which you will love. Do pick it up.
My thoughts: This eclectic collection of stories which features either forest or faeries in each of them is a joy to read. The stories feature different kind of forests and faeries. Few of them mild and sweet like the way we imagine and few more are bigger and scarier. The settings for every story in the book are so wonderful and its surely will spark your imagination in many ways. Each story is a unique experience because of the settings, the era in which story is based, the different genres and adaptation of multicultural characters.
The writing is simple, right for the target audience. The content warnings in the beginning of the book serves well. I also liked the fact that the author mentioned the pronunciations of the names in the beginning of the story which helps a lot. The stories deal with complex emotions but the author has handled them beautifully making sure the complex themes don't overwhelm the little ones.
My favorite ones from the collection are
* The Nighttime Adventure - Unique setting and the author's note at the end of the story made it a winner for me.
* The Perfect Paradise - Story and rabbit and moon. Offers a hidden moral in the story which is not too preachy. A different take for sure
* The Prince of Neptune - intergalactic story and surely a confidence booster for the younglings
* When Elephants could Fly - Beautiful story depicting the fact that power needs to be used responsibly
* Astra and the old witch - Great setting and brings sibling banter and love to life'
Couple of stories did not work well for me. Apart from that all the other stories were great. A great anthology which you will love. Do pick it up.
July 5, 2024
Srivalli Rekha Mantrala’s debut novel is a captivating collection of 13 stories that transport us to diverse realms of magic and wonder.
This book, aimed at middle-graders, offers a delightful blend of fantasy, folklore, and life lessons.
The stories span a wide range of settings, from underwater kingdoms to dark, mystical forests, and even intergalactic travels.
While the specific locations remain unnamed, the rich descriptions and cultural nuances evoke a sense of global diversity, sparking imagination.
Each story seamlessly blends local folklore with contemporary themes, creating a unique and engaging narrative tapestry.
The diverse cast of characters including children, faeries, animals, and even aliens are full of curiosity, courage, and a thirst for adventure.
The stories explore friendship, family, adventure, and the importance of making choices, all with a light-hearted and engaging tone.
Though it’s aimed at middle-graders, the book doesn’t shy away from complex themes like bullying, death, climate change, adoption, and animal cruelty. The author handles these subjects with sensitivity, offering valuable lessons without being overwhelming.
A content warning at the beginning of the book is a thoughtful addition, allowing parents and caregivers to assess the suitability of each story for their children.
This book reminded me of the original Grimm's Fairy Tales, where darkness and light coexist; mingling valuable life lessons with opportunities for growth.
The writing is refreshingly simple and uncluttered, allowing the stories to shine without unnecessary embellishments.
My favourite stories from the collection are:
The Deal, a clever reimagining of the classic tale of the rabbits, elephants, and the moon.
The Prince of Neptune, an intergalactic saga that inspires children to identify their inherent strengths.
The Abandoned House, a generational coming-of-age story.
Astra and the Old Witch, a tale that presents a fresh take on the classic representation of the witches.
Queen of Bloomland, where characters make difficult choices for the greater good.
These tales showcase Mantrala’s skill in weaving fantastical elements with relatable characters and meaningful themes.
Just one story, A New Beginning, feels slightly underdeveloped and could’ve benefitted from further depth and nuance. It may still be entertaining for children, though.
This book is a fascinating collection that will enchant readers. The highlight of this book is its ability to address contemporary issues through fantasy.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales, fantasy and seeks stories that are both relevant and entertaining.
Happy reading!
This book, aimed at middle-graders, offers a delightful blend of fantasy, folklore, and life lessons.
The stories span a wide range of settings, from underwater kingdoms to dark, mystical forests, and even intergalactic travels.
While the specific locations remain unnamed, the rich descriptions and cultural nuances evoke a sense of global diversity, sparking imagination.
Each story seamlessly blends local folklore with contemporary themes, creating a unique and engaging narrative tapestry.
The diverse cast of characters including children, faeries, animals, and even aliens are full of curiosity, courage, and a thirst for adventure.
The stories explore friendship, family, adventure, and the importance of making choices, all with a light-hearted and engaging tone.
Though it’s aimed at middle-graders, the book doesn’t shy away from complex themes like bullying, death, climate change, adoption, and animal cruelty. The author handles these subjects with sensitivity, offering valuable lessons without being overwhelming.
A content warning at the beginning of the book is a thoughtful addition, allowing parents and caregivers to assess the suitability of each story for their children.
This book reminded me of the original Grimm's Fairy Tales, where darkness and light coexist; mingling valuable life lessons with opportunities for growth.
The writing is refreshingly simple and uncluttered, allowing the stories to shine without unnecessary embellishments.
My favourite stories from the collection are:
The Deal, a clever reimagining of the classic tale of the rabbits, elephants, and the moon.
The Prince of Neptune, an intergalactic saga that inspires children to identify their inherent strengths.
The Abandoned House, a generational coming-of-age story.
Astra and the Old Witch, a tale that presents a fresh take on the classic representation of the witches.
Queen of Bloomland, where characters make difficult choices for the greater good.
These tales showcase Mantrala’s skill in weaving fantastical elements with relatable characters and meaningful themes.
Just one story, A New Beginning, feels slightly underdeveloped and could’ve benefitted from further depth and nuance. It may still be entertaining for children, though.
This book is a fascinating collection that will enchant readers. The highlight of this book is its ability to address contemporary issues through fantasy.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales, fantasy and seeks stories that are both relevant and entertaining.
Happy reading!
October 22, 2024
This book takes you on a fantastical ride where you meet the whimsical creatures. I took my time to savor the stories with all the fairies.
The cover is breathtaking. The first time I saw the cover, I knew I had to grab my copy at the earliest. As I read it on a journey, a couple of people appreciated the cover and asked me about the book. Turned out to be a wonderful icebreaker.
What I like the most was the simplicity used by the author to tell the magical stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
My fav stories are The Night Time Adventure, When Elephants Could Fly, Mira Learns a Lesson, The Prince of Neptune.
A must for the young readers for its imaginative tales.
The cover is breathtaking. The first time I saw the cover, I knew I had to grab my copy at the earliest. As I read it on a journey, a couple of people appreciated the cover and asked me about the book. Turned out to be a wonderful icebreaker.
What I like the most was the simplicity used by the author to tell the magical stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
My fav stories are The Night Time Adventure, When Elephants Could Fly, Mira Learns a Lesson, The Prince of Neptune.
A must for the young readers for its imaginative tales.
August 10, 2024
We loved the plethora of stories this book has to offer!
February 26, 2025
Disclaimer: Srivalli (Sri, as I call her) is not only a dear friend but also one of my closest confidants. Rest assured, this review is written with the utmost honesty—she’d be the first to call me out if I were biased! I don’t own any website, so I’m sharing this review via my ArtoonsInn account. Neither the publisher nor the author has influenced me in any way to write this.
Forest and Faeries by Sri is a beautiful addition to the genre of middle grade fiction. You can feel the thoughtful attention given to every word and emotion, making it a delightful read for both younger and older readers alike.
Each story in this collection is a delightful journey, sparking excitement with its creativity and vivid world-building. To achieve all of this in just 10-15 pages per story is an impressive feat! Some stories cleverly blend adult or everyday themes with fantastical elements, and these moments stand out in the best way. A few of the stories beautifully mirror real-life emotions that weigh us down—preconceived notions, fear of failure, self-appointed leaders—and the way they tackle these issues is powerful. Every single one of the 13 stories made me smile, and choosing the best ones was definitely a challenge. That said, four stories truly knocked it out of the park, and here are my absolute favorites:
The Deal: There’s a reason this story opens the anthology—it grabs your attention from the very first moment with its intricate world-building and unique rules. I could vividly imagine a moon hovering over a bottomless lake, the old rabbit's helplessness, and the other animals' indifference. It’s a story with two layers, one of which really hits close to home. It reminds me of how leaders and society sometimes operate in real life.
When Elephants Could Fly: Another brilliant story with a creative plot. I loved the arc of the little monkey, how it was so convincingly manipulated with solid reasoning behind it. Writing about animals is always a challenge, but Sri nails the emotions and antics of the characters. The bittersweet ending was so well done, and I really enjoyed the clever fourth-wall breaks at both the beginning and the end from the narrator.
Astra and the Old Witch: This one felt familiar, almost like a modern take on Hansel and Gretel, but Sri completely subverted my expectations in the best possible way. It's such a wholesome story with an uplifting message. Many writers make the mistake of writing child characters as overly witty or worldly, but Sri successfully keeps Astra and her brother grounded and believable. Their arcs were so well-crafted and perfect for their age.
And finally, my absolute favorite story of the bunch, The Queen of Bloomland: This one truly deserves to be expanded into a full novella! The world-building is rich, with unique rules and a vivid imagination that brings the setting to life in such a captivating way. As a budding writer myself, I found so much to admire here. From the very first paragraph, which paints a tense scene and pulls you right into the story:
"To say it was a mess would be an understatement. Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, pink; crushed petals of all possible colours lay scattered on the wet grass. The broken stalks and limping leaves cried for help. Sarahi looked around at the destruction, aghast to find a pair of torn wings."
What an incredible opening!
This story carries a powerful life lesson, and I couldn't help but notice the subtle nod to Game of Thrones with the line, “Sometimes there is no happy choice, only one less grievous than the others.” A clever touch!
I also have to mention how much I loved the unique names used throughout the stories—Sarahi, Amiri, Xeni, Tunen, Mrs. Marlow, and so on. These names added so much charm and made the characters feel even more special.
In short, it's an understatement to say I loved this anthology.
In fact, I am gonna get some copies for my nephews and make them fall in love with this genre.
Forest and Faeries by Sri is a beautiful addition to the genre of middle grade fiction. You can feel the thoughtful attention given to every word and emotion, making it a delightful read for both younger and older readers alike.
Each story in this collection is a delightful journey, sparking excitement with its creativity and vivid world-building. To achieve all of this in just 10-15 pages per story is an impressive feat! Some stories cleverly blend adult or everyday themes with fantastical elements, and these moments stand out in the best way. A few of the stories beautifully mirror real-life emotions that weigh us down—preconceived notions, fear of failure, self-appointed leaders—and the way they tackle these issues is powerful. Every single one of the 13 stories made me smile, and choosing the best ones was definitely a challenge. That said, four stories truly knocked it out of the park, and here are my absolute favorites:
The Deal: There’s a reason this story opens the anthology—it grabs your attention from the very first moment with its intricate world-building and unique rules. I could vividly imagine a moon hovering over a bottomless lake, the old rabbit's helplessness, and the other animals' indifference. It’s a story with two layers, one of which really hits close to home. It reminds me of how leaders and society sometimes operate in real life.
When Elephants Could Fly: Another brilliant story with a creative plot. I loved the arc of the little monkey, how it was so convincingly manipulated with solid reasoning behind it. Writing about animals is always a challenge, but Sri nails the emotions and antics of the characters. The bittersweet ending was so well done, and I really enjoyed the clever fourth-wall breaks at both the beginning and the end from the narrator.
Astra and the Old Witch: This one felt familiar, almost like a modern take on Hansel and Gretel, but Sri completely subverted my expectations in the best possible way. It's such a wholesome story with an uplifting message. Many writers make the mistake of writing child characters as overly witty or worldly, but Sri successfully keeps Astra and her brother grounded and believable. Their arcs were so well-crafted and perfect for their age.
And finally, my absolute favorite story of the bunch, The Queen of Bloomland: This one truly deserves to be expanded into a full novella! The world-building is rich, with unique rules and a vivid imagination that brings the setting to life in such a captivating way. As a budding writer myself, I found so much to admire here. From the very first paragraph, which paints a tense scene and pulls you right into the story:
"To say it was a mess would be an understatement. Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, pink; crushed petals of all possible colours lay scattered on the wet grass. The broken stalks and limping leaves cried for help. Sarahi looked around at the destruction, aghast to find a pair of torn wings."
What an incredible opening!
This story carries a powerful life lesson, and I couldn't help but notice the subtle nod to Game of Thrones with the line, “Sometimes there is no happy choice, only one less grievous than the others.” A clever touch!
I also have to mention how much I loved the unique names used throughout the stories—Sarahi, Amiri, Xeni, Tunen, Mrs. Marlow, and so on. These names added so much charm and made the characters feel even more special.
In short, it's an understatement to say I loved this anthology.
In fact, I am gonna get some copies for my nephews and make them fall in love with this genre.
October 2, 2024
Till about a couple of years back I would have never thought I would read and like horror (I still avoid gory stuff) & romance novels (which I find relaxing if it has good characters and a story!). Similarly, I did not see myself reading and liking stories about faeries! This is a delightful collection of charming stories.
There are a total of 13 stories. I found all of them to be good, but in order to grade them I have used “Good”, “Very Good” and “Excellent” instead of numeric ratings.
1. The Deal – A bunch of rabbits in the forest wonder if they can avoid becoming food for the lion. (Excellent)
2. Mira Learns a Lesson - Mira, 12, stays with her grandparents and younger brother Jai. She gets into trouble and must save herself and her brother. (Very Good)
3. The Tooth Faerie's Friend – A young girl Abena waits for a tooth faerie to make an appearance so that she may converse with her. Will she meet one? (Good)
4. The Nighttime Adventure – The year is 1767. Renelle is waiting for her kids Aramis & Bluette to return and is worried. She has another younger sister Carmele. There is talk of a dangerous beast in town. (Good)
5. The Perfect Paradise – A toy rabbit gets called by the moon and the rabbit is excited. (Very Good)
6. The Prince of Neptune - King Neptus & Queen Teppi have a son Tunen, who the King regards as useless. He sends him off to the Triton moon where he hopes some lessons will be learnt. (Excellent)
7. The Abandoned House - Shilpa, son Adi, husband Rishi are on their way when Adi asks his mother to tell him a story from her childhood. (Good)
8. When Elephants Could Fly – a monkey wanted to learn magic but the sages who have a strict criteria refuse. The monkey is bitter as it sees a baby elephant fly. My favourite story! (Excellent)
9. A New Beginning - Cara finds a book and is taken aback when her room is transformed. She is reached out to by faeries who have something to tell her. (Excellent)
10. Astra and the Old Witch - Astra, 8, lives with her mother and younger brother Benj. The children want to make their mother’s life easier but find themselves in trouble. (Excellent)
11. During the Storm – The Xzeni tribe has been attacked a few days back. Maku, sister Sezi, and their father are stressed as their mother is unwell. Sezi has a surprising meeting. (Very Good)
12. The Queen of Bloomland - Queen Sarahi, inspects the destruction in her kingdom. She is also sad that her sister Xeni is in a thorny chamber for a reason. (Excellent)
13. The Golden Apple – King Diam isn’t a great ruler. He sends 7 kids into the forest to look for a golden apple which he believes will solve all problems. (Excellent)
A charming and uplifting set of stories, which kids would enjoy for sure (I did as well!). The stories are the right size, and are well written. Many of the stories have nice & interesting historical or geographic contexts. The start of each story has a nice illustration, but I would have loved to see more of them sprinkled as part of the stories. All the stories strike a positive tone and radiate a sense of wonderment for the universe as a whole – faeries, nature, animals, forests, trees, children and everything else.
My overall rating: 4.5 / 5.
The cover is beautiful, isn't it? So apt for the book.
There are a total of 13 stories. I found all of them to be good, but in order to grade them I have used “Good”, “Very Good” and “Excellent” instead of numeric ratings.
1. The Deal – A bunch of rabbits in the forest wonder if they can avoid becoming food for the lion. (Excellent)
2. Mira Learns a Lesson - Mira, 12, stays with her grandparents and younger brother Jai. She gets into trouble and must save herself and her brother. (Very Good)
3. The Tooth Faerie's Friend – A young girl Abena waits for a tooth faerie to make an appearance so that she may converse with her. Will she meet one? (Good)
4. The Nighttime Adventure – The year is 1767. Renelle is waiting for her kids Aramis & Bluette to return and is worried. She has another younger sister Carmele. There is talk of a dangerous beast in town. (Good)
5. The Perfect Paradise – A toy rabbit gets called by the moon and the rabbit is excited. (Very Good)
6. The Prince of Neptune - King Neptus & Queen Teppi have a son Tunen, who the King regards as useless. He sends him off to the Triton moon where he hopes some lessons will be learnt. (Excellent)
7. The Abandoned House - Shilpa, son Adi, husband Rishi are on their way when Adi asks his mother to tell him a story from her childhood. (Good)
8. When Elephants Could Fly – a monkey wanted to learn magic but the sages who have a strict criteria refuse. The monkey is bitter as it sees a baby elephant fly. My favourite story! (Excellent)
9. A New Beginning - Cara finds a book and is taken aback when her room is transformed. She is reached out to by faeries who have something to tell her. (Excellent)
10. Astra and the Old Witch - Astra, 8, lives with her mother and younger brother Benj. The children want to make their mother’s life easier but find themselves in trouble. (Excellent)
11. During the Storm – The Xzeni tribe has been attacked a few days back. Maku, sister Sezi, and their father are stressed as their mother is unwell. Sezi has a surprising meeting. (Very Good)
12. The Queen of Bloomland - Queen Sarahi, inspects the destruction in her kingdom. She is also sad that her sister Xeni is in a thorny chamber for a reason. (Excellent)
13. The Golden Apple – King Diam isn’t a great ruler. He sends 7 kids into the forest to look for a golden apple which he believes will solve all problems. (Excellent)
A charming and uplifting set of stories, which kids would enjoy for sure (I did as well!). The stories are the right size, and are well written. Many of the stories have nice & interesting historical or geographic contexts. The start of each story has a nice illustration, but I would have loved to see more of them sprinkled as part of the stories. All the stories strike a positive tone and radiate a sense of wonderment for the universe as a whole – faeries, nature, animals, forests, trees, children and everything else.
My overall rating: 4.5 / 5.
The cover is beautiful, isn't it? So apt for the book.
August 28, 2024
Srivalli Rekha’s Forests and Faeries is a delightful collection of thirteen stories for middle graders. Enter a magical world filled with talking animals, adventurous children, aliens, fairies, and other mystical creatures. The book is a magical concoction of legends and fables with fantasy elements thrown in and tied up nicely with life lessons. Be prepared for an adventurous and entertaining ride across different realms!
The author addresses themes like friendship, bullying, making sacrifices, valuing what we have, appreciating family, and conquering new frontiers with a spirit of adventure. Content warnings are provided upfront so readers can proceed cautiously. While each story is special, my top three picks are:
1. Mira Learns a Lesson: Mira is irked by her clingy younger brother Jai and wishes him gone. But when he does disappear, she is tasked with finding him. Also featuring an evil witch, because no fantasy story is complete without one! Will Mira be able to thwart the witch's plans and rescue Jai? The premise is relatable and will resonate with the readers.
2. Astra and the Old Witch: This story begins like a modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but there is a twist, and it is heartwarming. I love stories like these because they do not stereotype characters and encourage young readers to open their minds to possibilities. The power of doing good shines through this exemplary tale.
3. The Queen of Bloomland: This story deals with making difficult choices and putting someone else’s interests above yours. It features fairy princesses and reminds me of Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, conveying important messages about power and responsibility. I loved the notes at the end of the chapter that explain the significance of the Udumbara flower whose blooming is considered a rare event.
The Perfect Paradise narrowly missed being in the top three. It is a cute story, but I felt there was a second part due; a happily ever after for the toy bunny who realized his mistake. I also did feel that there were 1-2 stories that had the potential to be developed into bigger arcs with stronger messages.
The language is simple, effective, and well-suited for the target audience. The notes at the end of the chapter are a treat to read. So are the accompanying illustrations. Children will love this enchanting collection that combines fantasy with the contemporary. Forests and Faeries is a refreshing and creative read that will appeal to readers (young and old) who love this genre.
The author addresses themes like friendship, bullying, making sacrifices, valuing what we have, appreciating family, and conquering new frontiers with a spirit of adventure. Content warnings are provided upfront so readers can proceed cautiously. While each story is special, my top three picks are:
1. Mira Learns a Lesson: Mira is irked by her clingy younger brother Jai and wishes him gone. But when he does disappear, she is tasked with finding him. Also featuring an evil witch, because no fantasy story is complete without one! Will Mira be able to thwart the witch's plans and rescue Jai? The premise is relatable and will resonate with the readers.
2. Astra and the Old Witch: This story begins like a modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel, but there is a twist, and it is heartwarming. I love stories like these because they do not stereotype characters and encourage young readers to open their minds to possibilities. The power of doing good shines through this exemplary tale.
3. The Queen of Bloomland: This story deals with making difficult choices and putting someone else’s interests above yours. It features fairy princesses and reminds me of Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, conveying important messages about power and responsibility. I loved the notes at the end of the chapter that explain the significance of the Udumbara flower whose blooming is considered a rare event.
The Perfect Paradise narrowly missed being in the top three. It is a cute story, but I felt there was a second part due; a happily ever after for the toy bunny who realized his mistake. I also did feel that there were 1-2 stories that had the potential to be developed into bigger arcs with stronger messages.
The language is simple, effective, and well-suited for the target audience. The notes at the end of the chapter are a treat to read. So are the accompanying illustrations. Children will love this enchanting collection that combines fantasy with the contemporary. Forests and Faeries is a refreshing and creative read that will appeal to readers (young and old) who love this genre.
August 21, 2025
Book: Forests and Faeries
Author: Srivalli Rekha
Pages: 165
Genre: Anthology / MG / Fantasy
Plot
The anthology consists of thirteen short stories and boasts of a foreword by Anupama Dalmia, a mentor for children.
Review
My experiences with MG fiction have been limited. Ditto with fantasy. So, when a book comprises both these elements, I tell myself that I must suspend logic and disbelief and then plunge into the book. That done, the reading becomes a bit easier.
The book can be read by adults and children alike. Srivalli’s approach to the storytelling is simple; however, she doesn’t shy away from harsh realities of life like death, animal cruelty, and bullying. The stories are not sugar-coated like the ones you find in Disney, and I was grateful for that.
Some stories might seem familiar, but the author makes them her own by tweaking them to suit the genre. During the Storm actually reminded me of Jadoo and Koi Mil Gaya. Nevertheless, the reference to Mama Pacha renders it unique. The lessons encompassed in every tale are not preachy but woven effectively and effortlessly into the narrative. The Prince of Neptune teaches one how to accept oneself for what one is. I loved The Perfect Paradise, where the protagonist is a stuffed toy. However, that does not stop it from not appreciating the good things in life. The ending is bitter, yet hopeful.
Overall, it was an engaging read, and I finished it in one day.
Author: Srivalli Rekha
Pages: 165
Genre: Anthology / MG / Fantasy
Plot
The anthology consists of thirteen short stories and boasts of a foreword by Anupama Dalmia, a mentor for children.
Review
My experiences with MG fiction have been limited. Ditto with fantasy. So, when a book comprises both these elements, I tell myself that I must suspend logic and disbelief and then plunge into the book. That done, the reading becomes a bit easier.
The book can be read by adults and children alike. Srivalli’s approach to the storytelling is simple; however, she doesn’t shy away from harsh realities of life like death, animal cruelty, and bullying. The stories are not sugar-coated like the ones you find in Disney, and I was grateful for that.
Some stories might seem familiar, but the author makes them her own by tweaking them to suit the genre. During the Storm actually reminded me of Jadoo and Koi Mil Gaya. Nevertheless, the reference to Mama Pacha renders it unique. The lessons encompassed in every tale are not preachy but woven effectively and effortlessly into the narrative. The Prince of Neptune teaches one how to accept oneself for what one is. I loved The Perfect Paradise, where the protagonist is a stuffed toy. However, that does not stop it from not appreciating the good things in life. The ending is bitter, yet hopeful.
Overall, it was an engaging read, and I finished it in one day.
July 24, 2025
Srivalli Rekha’s collection of 13 short fantasy tales feels like dipping your toes into whimsical puddles—each splash surprises you with a new colour. Each of these stories carries a dash of curiosity, oodles of charm and a pinch of fairy dust.
The stories range from moonlit rabbit deals (“The Deal”) to clever siblings outsmarting witches (“Astra and the Old Witch”) and tooth fairies inspiring future professions (“The Tooth Faerie’s Friend”).
Rekha builds worlds where animals whisper secrets, faeries peek from behind petals, and children learn life’s softer lessons in enchanting ways, but not without dusting them with a sheen of magic.
The language is clear and easy to read. The plots, brimming with twists and turns, move fast. However, woven between the charm and magic are subtle reminders about fairness, friendship, and the courage to stand up for what is right.
Each tale is like a pocket-sized adventure—bold, bright, and sometimes even tinged with a thought that catches you after the story ends. The artwork is simple yet interesting, the perfect touch to bring each mini world to life without stealing the show.
In short, Forests and Faeries is a delightful passport to the imagination. Whether you read one story at bedtime or zip through them all in one go, you’ll walk away with a smile—or maybe a gentle nudge to find the magic in your backyard.
The stories range from moonlit rabbit deals (“The Deal”) to clever siblings outsmarting witches (“Astra and the Old Witch”) and tooth fairies inspiring future professions (“The Tooth Faerie’s Friend”).
Rekha builds worlds where animals whisper secrets, faeries peek from behind petals, and children learn life’s softer lessons in enchanting ways, but not without dusting them with a sheen of magic.
The language is clear and easy to read. The plots, brimming with twists and turns, move fast. However, woven between the charm and magic are subtle reminders about fairness, friendship, and the courage to stand up for what is right.
Each tale is like a pocket-sized adventure—bold, bright, and sometimes even tinged with a thought that catches you after the story ends. The artwork is simple yet interesting, the perfect touch to bring each mini world to life without stealing the show.
In short, Forests and Faeries is a delightful passport to the imagination. Whether you read one story at bedtime or zip through them all in one go, you’ll walk away with a smile—or maybe a gentle nudge to find the magic in your backyard.
September 10, 2025
This book is a collection of beautiful tales based on magic, adventure and fantasy.
Be it the rabbit on the moon, or the stuffed toy suffering from an existential crisis; be it the legendary beast that haunts a village, or the tooth fairy’s tryst with the human world – every tale brims with the unique charm that fairy-tales are blessed with.
The author has painted beautiful landscapes with her vivid imagination. The stories bring in a deep sense of nostalgia for the days when it was quite easy to believe in magic and we lived more in fantastical worlds.
Reading this book is like the ultimate comfort – there are fairies, legendary creatures, visitors from another world and magical forests that intrigue the reader. The author’s description takes the reader to a totally different world and one can actually perceive the landscapes and events vividly, such is the narrative. I got so immersed in the tales that I actually didn’t want the stories to end, and I started wishing that all the worlds described in the tales existed for real.
This is a book that will be enjoyed both by the young and those who are young at heart. if you want to rekindle your love for magic and fantasy, if you want to start believing in fairy tales again, then this is the book for you! Read it to have the adventure of your life.
Be it the rabbit on the moon, or the stuffed toy suffering from an existential crisis; be it the legendary beast that haunts a village, or the tooth fairy’s tryst with the human world – every tale brims with the unique charm that fairy-tales are blessed with.
The author has painted beautiful landscapes with her vivid imagination. The stories bring in a deep sense of nostalgia for the days when it was quite easy to believe in magic and we lived more in fantastical worlds.
Reading this book is like the ultimate comfort – there are fairies, legendary creatures, visitors from another world and magical forests that intrigue the reader. The author’s description takes the reader to a totally different world and one can actually perceive the landscapes and events vividly, such is the narrative. I got so immersed in the tales that I actually didn’t want the stories to end, and I started wishing that all the worlds described in the tales existed for real.
This is a book that will be enjoyed both by the young and those who are young at heart. if you want to rekindle your love for magic and fantasy, if you want to start believing in fairy tales again, then this is the book for you! Read it to have the adventure of your life.
July 20, 2024
It is a nice collection of stories for mid-graders interested in thrillers. The stories bring back memories of the folklore we heard as kids. The choice of words by Srivalli makes the reading more interesting. When I read this for my niece who is in her third grade, she was fascinated with the characters and their narrations.
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