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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
★ "Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive." ―Kirkus, starred review
In one of the best-reviewed children’s books of 2025, an undead fox and an entirely dead badger begrudgingly team up to change their destinies—perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of not quite dead, but not quite alive—just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.
Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.
Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.
In one of the best-reviewed children’s books of 2025, an undead fox and an entirely dead badger begrudgingly team up to change their destinies—perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of not quite dead, but not quite alive—just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.
Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.
Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
August 14, 2025
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF 2025!
Ya'll...
I don't even have the words to describe how amazing this book is! Aubrey Hartman created a masterpiece with this book. If this does not receive at least a Newbery Honor I will be both shocked and devastated. 2024 and 2025 have been the years where grief seems to be heavily explored in middle grade novels; however, Hartman does it in such a unique way. The storytelling, the plot, the characters drew me into a choke hold that refused to release me. If you haven't had the chance to at least check this one out, then I seriously implore you to do so ASAP. If you're looking for more of my thoughts on this one, be sure to check out the following reading vlog: https://youtu.be/nlZSIsTZdPM?si=jTkJ7...
Ya'll...
I don't even have the words to describe how amazing this book is! Aubrey Hartman created a masterpiece with this book. If this does not receive at least a Newbery Honor I will be both shocked and devastated. 2024 and 2025 have been the years where grief seems to be heavily explored in middle grade novels; however, Hartman does it in such a unique way. The storytelling, the plot, the characters drew me into a choke hold that refused to release me. If you haven't had the chance to at least check this one out, then I seriously implore you to do so ASAP. If you're looking for more of my thoughts on this one, be sure to check out the following reading vlog: https://youtu.be/nlZSIsTZdPM?si=jTkJ7...
November 22, 2025
Read this if you want to cry x
November 16, 2024
I want you to love this book as much as I did, reading it. Every word feels as though it were crafted for pleasure. Each description. Each turn of phrase. And each snarky come back by the main characters, a dead fox named Clare, and a dead badger named Gingersnipes (I read the whole book thinking her name was Gingersnaps.) Oh, and the narrator, we can’t forget the narrator, who warns us that it is about to get scary, or gruesome, or just about anything that is about to happen.
Clare helps souls of animals pass onto the four realms of eternity. They are Pain, Pleasure, Progress and Peace. She was told that she could either usher souls, or she could go to Pain, which she didn’t want to do.
When Gingersnipes shows up, Clare can’t figure out where to send her, and so she hangs around, and asks questions. So many questions.
Clare, for example, wants to go out, to figure out something.
“Where are you going?”
“Somewhere”
“To do what?”
“Something”
“You’re going somewhere to see someone about something?”
“Precisely” Clare said, hurrying off.
“Okay, but next time, don't prattle on about needless details!” Gingersnipes called after him. “It’s exhausting.”
This is instead a story of death, but also love. I know that sounds saccharine, but it works. And it is fun to read, so most of the audience won’t notice. There is no great moral here, other than to treat others as you would want to be treated.
Really, if I could give it ten stars, I would. And even though I have read the ARC, I still have it on my pre-order list. It is that good.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 25th of February 2025.
Clare helps souls of animals pass onto the four realms of eternity. They are Pain, Pleasure, Progress and Peace. She was told that she could either usher souls, or she could go to Pain, which she didn’t want to do.
When Gingersnipes shows up, Clare can’t figure out where to send her, and so she hangs around, and asks questions. So many questions.
Clare, for example, wants to go out, to figure out something.
“Where are you going?”
“Somewhere”
“To do what?”
“Something”
“You’re going somewhere to see someone about something?”
“Precisely” Clare said, hurrying off.
“Okay, but next time, don't prattle on about needless details!” Gingersnipes called after him. “It’s exhausting.”
This is instead a story of death, but also love. I know that sounds saccharine, but it works. And it is fun to read, so most of the audience won’t notice. There is no great moral here, other than to treat others as you would want to be treated.
Really, if I could give it ten stars, I would. And even though I have read the ARC, I still have it on my pre-order list. It is that good.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 25th of February 2025.
July 15, 2025
"All souls get what they deserve in the end . . "
It's not often I read a book that immediately leaps onto my all-time favorites list; a book so perfect that upon finishing, I instantly wanted to flip to the first page, and start the magic all over again. . .
Clare is not alive anymore, though he's not a ghost. Clare is an undead fox who is also an usher of wandering souls: he helps guide dead creatures to their rightful place in the afterlife.
"There are four realms in the Afterlife. While it's not my job to force you into any single one, I can tell you this: Each soul is drawn to the world where they will be most comfortable."
Though he loves his cozy cottagecore home surrounded by his glorious mushroom garden, Clare hates being undead . . . almost as much as he hates badgers. He's managed to adjust to his "unlife" of ushering, and being an authority on all things fungi. He is . . . content.
Until the day that BADGER shows up at his door.
I LOVED this! I laughed, then I bawled like a baby. This is a wonderful book that's a joy to read. Highly recommended for all ages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sharing.
It's not often I read a book that immediately leaps onto my all-time favorites list; a book so perfect that upon finishing, I instantly wanted to flip to the first page, and start the magic all over again. . .
Clare is not alive anymore, though he's not a ghost. Clare is an undead fox who is also an usher of wandering souls: he helps guide dead creatures to their rightful place in the afterlife.
"There are four realms in the Afterlife. While it's not my job to force you into any single one, I can tell you this: Each soul is drawn to the world where they will be most comfortable."
Though he loves his cozy cottagecore home surrounded by his glorious mushroom garden, Clare hates being undead . . . almost as much as he hates badgers. He's managed to adjust to his "unlife" of ushering, and being an authority on all things fungi. He is . . . content.
Until the day that BADGER shows up at his door.
I LOVED this! I laughed, then I bawled like a baby. This is a wonderful book that's a joy to read. Highly recommended for all ages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sharing.
February 13, 2025
I cannot fully communicate how much I love this book. It was so clever, tender, funny, and atmospheric.
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest handles shame and grief, but also friendship, forgiveness, love, and acceptance. There were lines that made me laugh and others that made me stop and think (and even tear up a bit).
I adored Clare, the titular undead fox. His passion for his work and his mushroom garden are paired with overwhelming insecurities about his appearance and how he's perceived. This makes him a very sympathetic character, one that young readers will have no trouble relating to. What young person hasn't been horrified at their appearance, and worried everyone doesn't like them? But Clare discovers that self-love is worth pursuing, which is a powerful lesson for young readers. You really just want to give him a hug!
The side characters are full and well-fleshed out. The setting is charming and quirky. At some points, the plot had my heart in my throat! It also had a really unique take on death and the afterlife - a very comforting take. So well-executed and such a satisfying read. I highly recommend it.
I received this book through Netgalley, but I will certainly be purchasing a copy when it releases!
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest handles shame and grief, but also friendship, forgiveness, love, and acceptance. There were lines that made me laugh and others that made me stop and think (and even tear up a bit).
I adored Clare, the titular undead fox. His passion for his work and his mushroom garden are paired with overwhelming insecurities about his appearance and how he's perceived. This makes him a very sympathetic character, one that young readers will have no trouble relating to. What young person hasn't been horrified at their appearance, and worried everyone doesn't like them? But Clare discovers that self-love is worth pursuing, which is a powerful lesson for young readers. You really just want to give him a hug!
The side characters are full and well-fleshed out. The setting is charming and quirky. At some points, the plot had my heart in my throat! It also had a really unique take on death and the afterlife - a very comforting take. So well-executed and such a satisfying read. I highly recommend it.
I received this book through Netgalley, but I will certainly be purchasing a copy when it releases!
March 31, 2025
Generally, I prefer animals in books not to talk, but I wanted to give this a chance.
There is depth here—at first I thought maybe it was an allegory? Or even The Divine Comedy with animals? But it’s more “let’s explore existentialism with animals”—a philosophical story of confronting destiny, acknowledging painful memories, self-acceptance, finding meaning, and being able to love.
Then again, maybe I read too much into this. Maybe it’s just a story of a fox trapped between life and the afterlife and the badger helping him make sense of his childhood trauma. Either way…
Part of the plot is driven by destructive actions of humans (specifically, the murder of a mushroom). Human children come off as the villains for the harm they cause in nature. I’ve come across this before in children’s literature, and while there may be truth to it, it is also harsh, even a touch abrasive.
Will you or your kids enjoy it? I have a feeling that even the strongest, most patient readers will find it slow. If you loved Elf Dog and Owl Head or The Silver Arrow, you might enjoy this one.
There is depth here—at first I thought maybe it was an allegory? Or even The Divine Comedy with animals? But it’s more “let’s explore existentialism with animals”—a philosophical story of confronting destiny, acknowledging painful memories, self-acceptance, finding meaning, and being able to love.
Then again, maybe I read too much into this. Maybe it’s just a story of a fox trapped between life and the afterlife and the badger helping him make sense of his childhood trauma. Either way…
Part of the plot is driven by destructive actions of humans (specifically, the murder of a mushroom). Human children come off as the villains for the harm they cause in nature. I’ve come across this before in children’s literature, and while there may be truth to it, it is also harsh, even a touch abrasive.
Will you or your kids enjoy it? I have a feeling that even the strongest, most patient readers will find it slow. If you loved Elf Dog and Owl Head or The Silver Arrow, you might enjoy this one.
October 10, 2025
One of my top three middle grade reads of 2025 ❤️ This is such a beautiful story with perfect pacing that is just right for October reading. I absolutely adored the gentle messages about death and grief as well as, of course, the beautiful story of friendship and belonging. Masterful world building and vivid imagery would make this an amazing read aloud for grades three through six, but the story itself has universal appeal.
Using for my Mock Newbery!
Source: public library hardcover
Using for my Mock Newbery!
Source: public library hardcover
July 15, 2025
I was drawn to this book immediately from the description and in that perfect bookish magic, it was precisely what I needed.
Clare is an undead fox tasked with being the Usher of Deadwood Forest. He enjoys his quiet cozy home, his mushrooms, his books, and tea. He even likes his work - even if he does have to deal with an occasional nasty spirit.
But when a badger arrives on his doorstep, this little fox’s undead life is about to change forever.
It’s beautiful. Stunning. I was utterly enchanted from beginning to end. It made me laugh with delight many times over, and I’ve highlighted so many passages that I want to press into my heart and hold forever.
What a precious jewel of a story.
Clare is an undead fox tasked with being the Usher of Deadwood Forest. He enjoys his quiet cozy home, his mushrooms, his books, and tea. He even likes his work - even if he does have to deal with an occasional nasty spirit.
But when a badger arrives on his doorstep, this little fox’s undead life is about to change forever.
It’s beautiful. Stunning. I was utterly enchanted from beginning to end. It made me laugh with delight many times over, and I’ve highlighted so many passages that I want to press into my heart and hold forever.
What a precious jewel of a story.
February 5, 2025
Thank you Hachette Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is an enchanting middle grade fantasy that delves into themes of grief, acceptance, and the delicate balance between life and death. Set in the perpetually autumnal Deadwood Forest, the story follows Clare, an undead fox who serves as an Usher, guiding departed lost souls to their final resting places in one of four afterlife realms. Clare’s routine existence is disrupted when he encounters Gingersnipes, a badger soul unable to transition to the afterlife, prompting a journey that challenges Clare’s understanding of his role and destiny. The story is told from the 3rd-person perspective of a wise-sounding narrator who occasionally speaks directly to the reader with amusing tidbits and intriguing backstory information.
The few characters in this story are extremely memorable, soulful, and well developed. Clare is a complex, witty, and introspective fox who loves his job ushering souls, his solitude, and his mushroom garden—but not much else. His peaceful existence is shattered when Gingersnipes keeps returning after he ushers her to each of the afterlife realms. When Clare realizes that the power granted to him is diminishing and Gingersnipes is there to take his place, he immediately concocts a plan to get rid of her. But as his plan falters, Clare is forced to face some harsh truths about himself, his death, and his mother. Gingersnipes soon becomes the sunshine to Clare’s grumpiness, and an unexpected friendship blooms between them, forcing Clare to reevaluate his plan and potentially accept his fate. The story is both heartwarming and grim, with so many diverse scenes that include adventure, comedy, acts of kindness, and heartbreaking moments, creating a multi-layered tale that resonates with readers of all ages!
Hartman uses atmospheric descriptive prose to bring the “perpetually autumnal” Deadwood Forest to life, with its majestic mushroom gardens, towering old trees, and gorgeous riverbank. The story also features an array of magical creatures, including talking rats, deadly snakes, an obnoxious angry bear, and a prophet that takes on different animal forms. The narrator’s note at the end of the story is definitely worth a listen, as it gives insight into the book’s central themes, its exploration of loss and letting go, and its profound spiritual messages—there's also a surprise twist that readers will enjoy!
In summary, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a beautifully crafted story with unforgettable characters and important messages. Fans of Tim Burton’s films and TJ Klune’s Under The Whispering Door will really enjoy this book! Narrator Marisa Calin does an exceptional job bringing the characters and Deadwood Forest vividly to life, using a wide vocal range to capture all the heartfelt emotions, drama, and adventure. Readers who enjoy beautiful tales about life, love, loss, death, and letting go should add this book to their immediate reading lists!
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is an enchanting middle grade fantasy that delves into themes of grief, acceptance, and the delicate balance between life and death. Set in the perpetually autumnal Deadwood Forest, the story follows Clare, an undead fox who serves as an Usher, guiding departed lost souls to their final resting places in one of four afterlife realms. Clare’s routine existence is disrupted when he encounters Gingersnipes, a badger soul unable to transition to the afterlife, prompting a journey that challenges Clare’s understanding of his role and destiny. The story is told from the 3rd-person perspective of a wise-sounding narrator who occasionally speaks directly to the reader with amusing tidbits and intriguing backstory information.
The few characters in this story are extremely memorable, soulful, and well developed. Clare is a complex, witty, and introspective fox who loves his job ushering souls, his solitude, and his mushroom garden—but not much else. His peaceful existence is shattered when Gingersnipes keeps returning after he ushers her to each of the afterlife realms. When Clare realizes that the power granted to him is diminishing and Gingersnipes is there to take his place, he immediately concocts a plan to get rid of her. But as his plan falters, Clare is forced to face some harsh truths about himself, his death, and his mother. Gingersnipes soon becomes the sunshine to Clare’s grumpiness, and an unexpected friendship blooms between them, forcing Clare to reevaluate his plan and potentially accept his fate. The story is both heartwarming and grim, with so many diverse scenes that include adventure, comedy, acts of kindness, and heartbreaking moments, creating a multi-layered tale that resonates with readers of all ages!
Hartman uses atmospheric descriptive prose to bring the “perpetually autumnal” Deadwood Forest to life, with its majestic mushroom gardens, towering old trees, and gorgeous riverbank. The story also features an array of magical creatures, including talking rats, deadly snakes, an obnoxious angry bear, and a prophet that takes on different animal forms. The narrator’s note at the end of the story is definitely worth a listen, as it gives insight into the book’s central themes, its exploration of loss and letting go, and its profound spiritual messages—there's also a surprise twist that readers will enjoy!
In summary, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a beautifully crafted story with unforgettable characters and important messages. Fans of Tim Burton’s films and TJ Klune’s Under The Whispering Door will really enjoy this book! Narrator Marisa Calin does an exceptional job bringing the characters and Deadwood Forest vividly to life, using a wide vocal range to capture all the heartfelt emotions, drama, and adventure. Readers who enjoy beautiful tales about life, love, loss, death, and letting go should add this book to their immediate reading lists!
March 6, 2025
I need more Clare! This hermit-style-of-living fox who really just wants to love and be loved was a delight to get to know. His relationship with Gingersnipes was perfection. Now I just need a sequel with Greg!
March 8, 2025
This book about death and losing your purpose somehow managed to feel like a really warm and comforting hug I didn’t know I needed.
July 28, 2025
I was hesitant but it had so many good lessons and I couldn’t put it down.
“Curiosity is the parent of understanding”
“The cruel words from loved ones often find the deepest roots in our soul.”
“Grief is a thing with weight and bulk- perhaps the heaviest thing of all. It pushes at the edge of your soul, forcing it to take a different shape. You ca never fill it, because it is not empty. And it will not shrink with time. But you can learn to carry it. Practice noticing it less S it becomes a more familiar part of you. In the end your grief will always be there taking up space. And I suppose that’s the beautiful thing about a soul. There is infinite space. You may even find that there is space for more grief. But this is what I want you to remember-there is room for more joy. And it is your job to open your arms and welcome joy and joy and joy until your grief looks small in comparison.”
“Curiosity is the parent of understanding”
“The cruel words from loved ones often find the deepest roots in our soul.”
“Grief is a thing with weight and bulk- perhaps the heaviest thing of all. It pushes at the edge of your soul, forcing it to take a different shape. You ca never fill it, because it is not empty. And it will not shrink with time. But you can learn to carry it. Practice noticing it less S it becomes a more familiar part of you. In the end your grief will always be there taking up space. And I suppose that’s the beautiful thing about a soul. There is infinite space. You may even find that there is space for more grief. But this is what I want you to remember-there is room for more joy. And it is your job to open your arms and welcome joy and joy and joy until your grief looks small in comparison.”
September 20, 2025
Clare, a fox with a lavender tail, has been working for The Afterlife for some six years when he didn’t quite die after being hit by a car. He has found purpose, pleasure, and comfort in the insular life he lives in Deadwood forest. Tending his mushrooms, taking care of his cottage, small excursion to the nearby dump, in between ushering the souls of animals to their final resting place. His peace is disrupted when a seemingly dead badger, full of questions and vim, shows up and refuses to find her proper doorway to her final resting place. Is this a problem for Clare to solve, or a solution The Afterlife is forcing on him with his consent?
How do you tackle the afterlife in a book for children? How do you tackle the afterlife for both readers who grow up surrounded by religious faith that proffers all the answers, and those who grow up without? This book deftly walks that line.
How do you tackle the afterlife in a book for children? How do you tackle the afterlife for both readers who grow up surrounded by religious faith that proffers all the answers, and those who grow up without? This book deftly walks that line.
May 2, 2025
I loved this book. It's funny, dark and heartwarming. We meet Clare, the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. He is not quite alive, not quite dead. He was hit by a car years earlier, and when given a choice to enter the Afterlife or become an Usher for wandering souls, he chose to help the souls find their rest.
Clare tends to his mushroom garden carefully, and keeps to himself, enjoying the predictability of his days: enjoy tea and his garden, and help a soul find its way to the Afterlife.
This quiet is shattered when a loud badger soul named Gingersnipes arrives one day. He tells her that there are four options for the Afterlife, and she can choose to remain forever in Peace, Pleasure, Progress or Pain. No matter which she tries to enter, she keeps ending up back at Clare's comfortable cottage.
Not understanding what is happening, Clare solicits help first from a Trashrat, then later from Hesterfowl, who tells him that Gingersnipes is the new Usher, and Clare must enter the Afterlife.
Clare is horrified, and resists, lying to Gingersnipes, and doing everything he can to stay in Deadwood Forest and continue helping spirits find their way.
This was an all-round surprising story. From its sometimes grim imagery and subject matter dealing with grief, fear, shame, loneliness, verbal abuse, and cruelty, it also has friendship, kindness, and bravery, and discusses learning to let go, and believing in oneself.
Clare is wonderful, and though he makes some poor decisions initially out of fear, the more time he spends with Gingersnipes the more he sees admirable qualities in a badger who has learned to consider herself useless, and he also learns to see admirable qualities in himself, while learning that he has held on to things that have impeded his progress.
Both these characters are sympathetic, and I came to care greatly for Clare, while immediately loving Gingersnipes.
I also loved the narrator of the story, who comments on the action, and uses kindness and humour to diffuse any nervousness or fear that a reader might experience along the way.
It's a lovely story, and has such a satisfying end.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Clare tends to his mushroom garden carefully, and keeps to himself, enjoying the predictability of his days: enjoy tea and his garden, and help a soul find its way to the Afterlife.
This quiet is shattered when a loud badger soul named Gingersnipes arrives one day. He tells her that there are four options for the Afterlife, and she can choose to remain forever in Peace, Pleasure, Progress or Pain. No matter which she tries to enter, she keeps ending up back at Clare's comfortable cottage.
Not understanding what is happening, Clare solicits help first from a Trashrat, then later from Hesterfowl, who tells him that Gingersnipes is the new Usher, and Clare must enter the Afterlife.
Clare is horrified, and resists, lying to Gingersnipes, and doing everything he can to stay in Deadwood Forest and continue helping spirits find their way.
This was an all-round surprising story. From its sometimes grim imagery and subject matter dealing with grief, fear, shame, loneliness, verbal abuse, and cruelty, it also has friendship, kindness, and bravery, and discusses learning to let go, and believing in oneself.
Clare is wonderful, and though he makes some poor decisions initially out of fear, the more time he spends with Gingersnipes the more he sees admirable qualities in a badger who has learned to consider herself useless, and he also learns to see admirable qualities in himself, while learning that he has held on to things that have impeded his progress.
Both these characters are sympathetic, and I came to care greatly for Clare, while immediately loving Gingersnipes.
I also loved the narrator of the story, who comments on the action, and uses kindness and humour to diffuse any nervousness or fear that a reader might experience along the way.
It's a lovely story, and has such a satisfying end.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this ARC in exchange for my review.
August 24, 2025
The first middle grade book I predict will be a Newbery winner. The story is about a fox Clare that ushers dead souls on to four destinations. Gingersnipes, a badger, is in his realm but won’t pass on. This hasn’t happed before and when Clare finds out the reason he has to face his fears and find the courage to progress forward. There are a lot of layers and themes in this book around healing, self-worth, friendship, and grief. The author does a terrific job balancing the dark with hope. A wonderful book.
December 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 🧡 wasn’t expecting a cute fall middle grade book to make me tear up as much as I did 🥹🥹
November 25, 2025
Cried ~5 times, should not have read in the luteal phase, I’m unwell
March 11, 2025
What a beautiful, charming, thought provoking book! I love the ending and the narrator's note. Grief: something we don't like to talk about, but when we do we can heal and 'learn to carry it' . Loved it!
January 17, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. It was kind of deep for a middle grade book exploring the stages of grief after death and coming to terms with it and things that have happened in your life. The characters were all interesting, and you could feel empathy towards them as the author explains how they've died and what they're going through searching through the deadwood forest to move on.
It also portrays how we as humans are very destructive in the grand scheme of things and need to do better as a whole for the environment and the creatures that we share space with. I wish that the e-arc could have provided some of the pictures to help move the story along and provide a little more description of what was going on, but I'm sure once it is published and they are there they will be great for it's intended audience. It's definitely worth a read
I enjoyed this book. It was kind of deep for a middle grade book exploring the stages of grief after death and coming to terms with it and things that have happened in your life. The characters were all interesting, and you could feel empathy towards them as the author explains how they've died and what they're going through searching through the deadwood forest to move on.
It also portrays how we as humans are very destructive in the grand scheme of things and need to do better as a whole for the environment and the creatures that we share space with. I wish that the e-arc could have provided some of the pictures to help move the story along and provide a little more description of what was going on, but I'm sure once it is published and they are there they will be great for it's intended audience. It's definitely worth a read
March 18, 2025
Read with the kids. Unfortunately, they didn’t care for the story and I was completely bored, but we did push through and finish. It would have been more enjoyable as a short story or a novella. It was so drawn out and hard to stay engaged.
September 6, 2025
Sigh. No notes.
October 21, 2025
I loved this book! This book will draw you in, heart and soul, and it touch you in the deepest way where you can’t help but weep . Clare and Gingersnipes instantly endeared themselves to me. I enjoyed the adventures of the clever, curious little badger and her unwilling guide to the afterlife, Clare, an undead fox usher.
Clare, Gingersnipes and the Baird narrator lead us down a deeply thought provoking tale of life, loss and the afterlife. It is about friendship, acceptance, karma, and finding peace. It isn’t just for young readers, but a deeper story learning to accept death and gather joy instead of wading through sorrow. It is about love both for yourself and others.
To top the tale off you are surrounded by a dark and beautiful autumnal forest. Who doesn’t love Fall, a forest and forlorn forest creatures?
I could go on and on. It made me laugh, apply profound thoughts to my own life and tear up over the dear sweetness of the characters story. I found myself holding my breath page after page, tears brimming in my eyes.
This book draws you in and warms your heart. I highly recommend.
Clare, Gingersnipes and the Baird narrator lead us down a deeply thought provoking tale of life, loss and the afterlife. It is about friendship, acceptance, karma, and finding peace. It isn’t just for young readers, but a deeper story learning to accept death and gather joy instead of wading through sorrow. It is about love both for yourself and others.
To top the tale off you are surrounded by a dark and beautiful autumnal forest. Who doesn’t love Fall, a forest and forlorn forest creatures?
I could go on and on. It made me laugh, apply profound thoughts to my own life and tear up over the dear sweetness of the characters story. I found myself holding my breath page after page, tears brimming in my eyes.
This book draws you in and warms your heart. I highly recommend.
October 25, 2025
Book Report: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
Give me a book with a talking animal and I’m there! This story follows Clare…the undead fox of Deadwood Forest…who lives in a world where autumn never ends…leaves forever in mid fall…life and death forever blurred. Once a living fox struck by a car…Clare now serves as an Usher of souls…guiding the departed to the Afterlife. But when a stubborn badger soul named Gingersnipes refuses to cross over Clare’s peaceful (if lonely) existence begins to unravel. Together…they set off on a haunting and heartfelt journey through Deadwood to uncover what’s gone wrong in the balance between life and death. 🌕🍁
As sad as the topic might sound…this book was pure joy to read. Aubrey Hartman’s writing captures the bittersweet beauty of change and loss with such warmth and imagination. It’s a sensory delight…crunching leaves…candlelight and whispers of the supernatural. The perfect lead up to Halloween especially since it takes place on Halloween day itself! 🎃✨
A new favorite middle grade read that’s equal parts haunting…soulful and full of heart. 💛🦡
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Give me a book with a talking animal and I’m there! This story follows Clare…the undead fox of Deadwood Forest…who lives in a world where autumn never ends…leaves forever in mid fall…life and death forever blurred. Once a living fox struck by a car…Clare now serves as an Usher of souls…guiding the departed to the Afterlife. But when a stubborn badger soul named Gingersnipes refuses to cross over Clare’s peaceful (if lonely) existence begins to unravel. Together…they set off on a haunting and heartfelt journey through Deadwood to uncover what’s gone wrong in the balance between life and death. 🌕🍁
As sad as the topic might sound…this book was pure joy to read. Aubrey Hartman’s writing captures the bittersweet beauty of change and loss with such warmth and imagination. It’s a sensory delight…crunching leaves…candlelight and whispers of the supernatural. The perfect lead up to Halloween especially since it takes place on Halloween day itself! 🎃✨
A new favorite middle grade read that’s equal parts haunting…soulful and full of heart. 💛🦡
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
May 11, 2025
This could be my favorite book of the year. Aubrey Hartman is quickly equaling Natalie Lloyd in my mind of being an auto-listen because her worlds are so wonderfully, uniquely magical. Clare’s journey through grief and acceptance was beautiful to witness, and Gingersnipes’ growing acceptance of what she is capable of was heartwarming and hopeful. I adored their time together and would love to see what comes next, but it’s also set up in such a way that it isn’t necessary.
The narrator’s note on grief legitimately made me cry: “Grief is a thing with weight and bulk-perhaps the heaviest thing of all. It pushes at the edges of your soul, forcing it into a different shape. You can never fill it, because it is not empty. And it will not shrink with time. But you can learn to carry it.” There is more to the passage that rings a bell in my soul, but this part describes how grief feels to me and that’s hard to put into words.
The narrator’s note on grief legitimately made me cry: “Grief is a thing with weight and bulk-perhaps the heaviest thing of all. It pushes at the edges of your soul, forcing it into a different shape. You can never fill it, because it is not empty. And it will not shrink with time. But you can learn to carry it.” There is more to the passage that rings a bell in my soul, but this part describes how grief feels to me and that’s hard to put into words.
June 27, 2025
A profoundly lovely story about an undead fox, Clare, who is the Usher of souls in Deadwood Forest. Clare lives a peaceful life with his cozy cottage and mushroom garden. Clare's job is to usher the lost souls to one of the four realms. Then Gingersnipes, a talkative and inquisitive badger, shows up and she isn't allowed into any of the realms. Poor Clare's routine is disrupted and he wonders why Gingersnipes can't leave. This is a totally captivating story about grief, healing, and self-love that will at times break hearts, but over all is deeply satisfying. And don't miss the extremely important Narrator's Note where the final joyous piece is revealed. Also is there a strong suggestion that another adventure may be coming? More please!
". . . anyone can take love . . . But only the good souls can give it."
"Grief is a thing with weight and bulk -- perhaps the heaviest thing of all. It pushes at the edges of your soul, forcing it into a different shape. You can never fill it, because it is not empty. And it will not shrink with time. But you can learn to carry it. Practice noticing it less as it becomes a more familiar part of you."
". . . anyone can take love . . . But only the good souls can give it."
"Grief is a thing with weight and bulk -- perhaps the heaviest thing of all. It pushes at the edges of your soul, forcing it into a different shape. You can never fill it, because it is not empty. And it will not shrink with time. But you can learn to carry it. Practice noticing it less as it becomes a more familiar part of you."
November 25, 2025
Clare is an undead fox with a monocle over an empty eye socket and a red cape covering his matted, missing, mangey fur, he escorts the newly dead animals to the 4 doors of the afterlife - peace, pleasure, progress and pain. he's been doing this for many years, completing each escort successfully until he meets a badger who asks too many questions and just won't seem to stay in the right afterlife
July 1, 2025
Delightfully whimsical with a touch of the macabre. Some have said this book merits a Newbery nod and I do not disagree. The audiobook was marvellously narrated and had sound effects but the illustrations in the physical book are not to be missed.
March 31, 2025
A sweet tale of grief and coming full circle with who you are. Dynamic characters and an interesting plot, I enjoyed reading about Clare and Gingersnipes. Great job, Aubrey!
June 8, 2025
A middle grade MUST read! Insightful and heartfelt with so many messages to our young people! 💜
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