“When a tree falls in the forest,” begins this pun-filled story. And there are plenty to hear the sound: Milliped, Moth, Slug, Lichen, Mushroom, and Fern gather round their fallen friend Tree to suggest ideas on how to help him return to standing tall. As each forest friend thinks of a way to get Tree back up, readers learn about how they contribute to the forest ecosystem. The story pauses in each chapter with a two-page spread detailing information about the each creature. For instance, the body parts of a millipede are shown and there’s a description of how they lay eggs and molt; Fern’s role in providing food, shelter and shade is explained, as well as their role in preventing erosion. The digital art becomes more detailed in these sections. Otherwise, the bright digitally rendered cartoon art anthropomorphizes the forest characters to create friendly, concerned friends.
The eight short chapters are chockfull of puns – I’m talking about the corniest stuff imaginable, but it’s fun to read: Slug says “CREEP it real!” When it’s clear that Tree will become a nurse log, Lichen tells her, “You need to be-LEAF me when I say…you’re GROUNDED!” The puns will definitely be appreciated by the target audience, so be prepared for the jokes at the dinner table! This book is a good combination of fiction and fact that surreptitiously teaches kids about forest ecosystems.
This was such a fun and clever graphic novel for younger readers!
I love this Little Habitats series, and this one was such a great follow-up to Barnacle Bay. The concept of nurse logs is so fascinating, and this book does such a great job of introducing it in a way that’s engaging, funny, and easy for kids to understand.
The story is full of humour, puns, and adorable forest characters, Fern and her crew (Millipede, Moth, Slug, Lichen, and Mushroom!) are such a fun group to follow. I loved how their mission to “save” the fallen tree turned into a really meaningful way to explore how ecosystems actually work.
The illustrations are bright, playful, and full of little details that kids will love going back to again and again. And I really appreciated the science-based facts woven throughout, it’s such a great mix of story and learning.
This would be perfect for readers ages 6–9, especially fans of graphic novels like Narwhal and Jelly, and for any kids who love nature, animals, and exploring the outdoors.
Fiddlehead Forest is an intriguing and quietly captivating work that immediately sparks curiosity. Even from the outset, there’s a sense of atmosphere and intention that invites readers to step into its world and explore what lies beneath the surface. What stands out most is the subtle pull of the title and concept, it suggests a setting rich with possibility, reflection, and perhaps a touch of wonder. Books like this often leave space for imagination, allowing readers to engage with the story in a more personal and meaningful way. There’s a calm, almost meditative quality to the impression it gives, hinting at a narrative that values tone and experience as much as plot. That in itself makes it feel like a refreshing and unique read. A promising and evocative book for readers who enjoy atmospheric and thoughtful storytelling.