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Ever gazed at a tree and imagined a face peering back? Perhaps you've noticed a gnarled brow, knotted eyes, or a beard of moss. Next time, don't just stare - say hi! Iggy's thrilled to find overgrown Wildtop Wood at the end of his new garden, opening up a world of tangled greenery and unexpected adventures high in the treetops with his brother Cal. But whispers hint at danger and mystery, and as they venture deeper, they hear tales of fading green magic and animals leading them to a secret at the wood's heart. Could the wood need them as much as they need it? Ready to join the Treetoppers?
288 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2025
5 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Andy Shepherd
37 books28 followersAndy Shepherd is a children's writer working on middle-grade fiction and picture books. She lives near Cambridge with her husband, two sons and their border collie. She spends her spare time trying to figure out how to move this beautiful city closer to the sea.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 14, 2025
June 2025: The Wood Where Magic Grows
Iggy's mom just got married to Cal's father. That makes Iggy a big brother to bouncy, bubbly Cal. They moved to a new cottage in Greenacre rented from a nice lady (sometimes a hedge woman), Sylvie Green.
Iggy and his brother noticed strange things happening in the house: a tree that taps their window, moving and playful wooden animal statues and trees that grow rapidly overnight.
This was actually the invitation for Iggy and his brother to explore the wood near their house. They were then joined by Mae and became the Treetoppers.
The magical part in the wood is so whimsical and comforting, one could ever wish. What is tricky for the trio is that the animals and the trees are not talking, so they must figure out what the message is. This is where I love the quick-thinking Iggy and Mae who can read expressions.
Iggy is smart to relate the hints given by the wooden animals and the trees. He is playing the big brother role so well although sometimes it seems like he put too much on himself.
My favourite character must be Mae. Mae is a detailed person the kind who takes notes and draws maps. She spoke up when she could not hear clearly over her hearing aid and was involved seriously in the exploration.
Some trees in the wood were damaged and became lifeless. I initially guessed the cause was something sinister, maybe some greedy politician culprit who took advantage of Mother Nature👻. Although not 100% correct, the real reason was something each of us had a role in it (yeah, sad). Councilor Thornwood, the one person who is campaigning against Wildtop Wood, looks suspicious and I wish more spotlight on her. Perhaps in the next book?
If you are into the art of noticing nature, magical woods, and talking to trees, this book is just for you. After finishing this book, I promise to take my kids out and maybe hug a tree or two.
Thank you #Pansing for this copy. Thank you Andy Shepherd for the beautiful imagination - love it especially the cottage vibes; rowan, ivy and oaks; elephants, fox and squirrels - and Ellie Snowdon for putting them into perfect visuals. This book is available at all good bookstores this July 2025.
Iggy's mom just got married to Cal's father. That makes Iggy a big brother to bouncy, bubbly Cal. They moved to a new cottage in Greenacre rented from a nice lady (sometimes a hedge woman), Sylvie Green.
Iggy and his brother noticed strange things happening in the house: a tree that taps their window, moving and playful wooden animal statues and trees that grow rapidly overnight.
This was actually the invitation for Iggy and his brother to explore the wood near their house. They were then joined by Mae and became the Treetoppers.
The magical part in the wood is so whimsical and comforting, one could ever wish. What is tricky for the trio is that the animals and the trees are not talking, so they must figure out what the message is. This is where I love the quick-thinking Iggy and Mae who can read expressions.
Iggy is smart to relate the hints given by the wooden animals and the trees. He is playing the big brother role so well although sometimes it seems like he put too much on himself.
My favourite character must be Mae. Mae is a detailed person the kind who takes notes and draws maps. She spoke up when she could not hear clearly over her hearing aid and was involved seriously in the exploration.
Some trees in the wood were damaged and became lifeless. I initially guessed the cause was something sinister, maybe some greedy politician culprit who took advantage of Mother Nature👻. Although not 100% correct, the real reason was something each of us had a role in it (yeah, sad). Councilor Thornwood, the one person who is campaigning against Wildtop Wood, looks suspicious and I wish more spotlight on her. Perhaps in the next book?
If you are into the art of noticing nature, magical woods, and talking to trees, this book is just for you. After finishing this book, I promise to take my kids out and maybe hug a tree or two.
Thank you #Pansing for this copy. Thank you Andy Shepherd for the beautiful imagination - love it especially the cottage vibes; rowan, ivy and oaks; elephants, fox and squirrels - and Ellie Snowdon for putting them into perfect visuals. This book is available at all good bookstores this July 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
What a beautiful children’s book!
The writing and illustrations are wonderful. Having read a couple of books from The Boy Who Grew Dragons series, (and having the rest lined up ready) I couldn’t wait to see what this one was like.
I decided to read this ARC copy myself, without my son, as we love to read a paperback together and read a few chapters a night. I, as an adult, was captivated by this one! The magic and wonder of it, and found it very hard to put down.
The first thing my son will notice is the chapter titles. This is something he loves and I think more books should have!
The characters are all lovely and well developed, I love how this new family has come together and bonded. This book is about family, friendships, caring for others and the world around you, it’s about not judging someone by how they look or a problem they may have, but about being supportive and navigating things together.
All in all a wonderful book. I would definitely buy this for my son (6years old) and his friends.
The cover is enticing and the illustrations throughout break the text up nicely. These are definitely the sort of books that will encourage even the most reluctant readers.
May 28, 2025
A riveting new series from Andy Shepherd, in which two young step-brothers and a girl neighbour find themselves in the middle of some strange and magical goings-on in the woods near to where they live. Lots for kids to learn about trees (think Richard Powers' The Overstory but for 7 year olds) and how we are all connected by nature. Lots of great illustrations by Ellie Snowden to ease youngsters into chapter books too.
September 21, 2025
I loved the flair of the creative imagination from children’s author Andy Shepherd.
Iggy mums is with Cal’s dad. They are now brothers sharing a bedroom. A tree stood over the house, which in the night keeps tapping at Iggy’s and Cal’s bedroom window. Tap. Tap. Tap. It appears inside their bedroom window. During the night Iggy and Cal manage to get the Ivy back outside. Children are going to adore reading about Iggy and Cal’s adventures in the magic wood of trees, with friendly animals. Are you ready to join the Treetoppers girls and boys?
Iggy mums is with Cal’s dad. They are now brothers sharing a bedroom. A tree stood over the house, which in the night keeps tapping at Iggy’s and Cal’s bedroom window. Tap. Tap. Tap. It appears inside their bedroom window. During the night Iggy and Cal manage to get the Ivy back outside. Children are going to adore reading about Iggy and Cal’s adventures in the magic wood of trees, with friendly animals. Are you ready to join the Treetoppers girls and boys?
August 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an e-galley of this via Netgalley. Thank you to Bonnier Books UK, Piccadilly Press and Netgalley!
The Wood Where Magic Grows is a new series by the author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons. I loved The Boy Who Grew Dragons, so I was excited to read The Wood Where Magic Grows. I haven’t finished The Boy Who Grew Dragons series yet, but I was keen to try The Wood Where Magic Grows anyway. I have to say, Andy Shepherd did not disappoint.
The Wood Where Magic Grows is a fairytale adventure with a strong environmental angle and some brilliant disability rep. The book is about two step-brothers who have moved to a strange cottage next to a magical wood. Of course, they don’t know it is magical at first, and they have their own problems, what with moving and a new school and both of them getting used to having a brother and sharing a room. The story takes place in the summer, so the boys haven’t started school yet.
Firstly, the story was great, it kept me interested and it had lots of twists and turns. There was always something interesting happening and it has great pacing. I wasn’t bored once, reading this book. The magic is so sweet and whimsical. I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers, but I absolutely loved the characters, especially Busby and Tiny.
The environmental angle was done really well, and I think it will make it even more popular with today’s children and young adults. I obviously care about the environment, but normally in books I get fed up of it as a theme and I feel like it’s being rammed down my neck sometimes. However, The Wood Where Magic Grows didn’t do this, and I really enjoyed it. It made me care more, and it didn’t give me the anxiety I normally get with books like this, where something is in peril and the heroes have to save it. It was more low-stakes and just nice. It was a really enjoyable, light read.
Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the disability rep. I am a hard-of-hearing person, and I wear hearing aids and lipread. So when the author introduced a hard-of-hearing character, I was immediately suspicious and scrutinising how the character was portrayed and how the author handled the topic of deafness. I needn’t have worried! Andy Shepherd did an amazing job! Mai’s hearing aids were mentioned a lot as Mai went about her adventures, and there were some moments where characters had to repeat something or Mai didn’t hear something. There was also lipreading. To see this in a book was absolutely amazing, and it was done so well. The reality of wearing hearing aids etc was portrayed really realistically, without being boring or too much. And Mai was a quirky, funny character as well. She wasn’t just a token deaf person, she was a great character. I will always treasure this book for the disability rep. I want to make everybody read it, because yes, that’s what it’s like.
The illustrations by Ellie Snowdon are lovely. I loved the animals, and how the characters were portrayed. The quirky style is just perfect for this book. My favourite illustrations were Cal’s tiger onesie and seeing Mai illustrated with her hearing aids!
I can’t sing this book’s praises enough, but if you love cute characters, magic, fairytales and whimsy, you will love this book. Also, check out The Boy Who Grew Dragons too, because it is just as good!
Have you read The Wood Where Magic Grows or The Boy Who Grew Dragons? Are either of these books on your TBR? Let me know in the comments!
5 stars.
The Wood Where Magic Grows is a new series by the author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons. I loved The Boy Who Grew Dragons, so I was excited to read The Wood Where Magic Grows. I haven’t finished The Boy Who Grew Dragons series yet, but I was keen to try The Wood Where Magic Grows anyway. I have to say, Andy Shepherd did not disappoint.
The Wood Where Magic Grows is a fairytale adventure with a strong environmental angle and some brilliant disability rep. The book is about two step-brothers who have moved to a strange cottage next to a magical wood. Of course, they don’t know it is magical at first, and they have their own problems, what with moving and a new school and both of them getting used to having a brother and sharing a room. The story takes place in the summer, so the boys haven’t started school yet.
Firstly, the story was great, it kept me interested and it had lots of twists and turns. There was always something interesting happening and it has great pacing. I wasn’t bored once, reading this book. The magic is so sweet and whimsical. I don’t want to say too much because of spoilers, but I absolutely loved the characters, especially Busby and Tiny.
The environmental angle was done really well, and I think it will make it even more popular with today’s children and young adults. I obviously care about the environment, but normally in books I get fed up of it as a theme and I feel like it’s being rammed down my neck sometimes. However, The Wood Where Magic Grows didn’t do this, and I really enjoyed it. It made me care more, and it didn’t give me the anxiety I normally get with books like this, where something is in peril and the heroes have to save it. It was more low-stakes and just nice. It was a really enjoyable, light read.
Another aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the disability rep. I am a hard-of-hearing person, and I wear hearing aids and lipread. So when the author introduced a hard-of-hearing character, I was immediately suspicious and scrutinising how the character was portrayed and how the author handled the topic of deafness. I needn’t have worried! Andy Shepherd did an amazing job! Mai’s hearing aids were mentioned a lot as Mai went about her adventures, and there were some moments where characters had to repeat something or Mai didn’t hear something. There was also lipreading. To see this in a book was absolutely amazing, and it was done so well. The reality of wearing hearing aids etc was portrayed really realistically, without being boring or too much. And Mai was a quirky, funny character as well. She wasn’t just a token deaf person, she was a great character. I will always treasure this book for the disability rep. I want to make everybody read it, because yes, that’s what it’s like.
The illustrations by Ellie Snowdon are lovely. I loved the animals, and how the characters were portrayed. The quirky style is just perfect for this book. My favourite illustrations were Cal’s tiger onesie and seeing Mai illustrated with her hearing aids!
I can’t sing this book’s praises enough, but if you love cute characters, magic, fairytales and whimsy, you will love this book. Also, check out The Boy Who Grew Dragons too, because it is just as good!
Have you read The Wood Where Magic Grows or The Boy Who Grew Dragons? Are either of these books on your TBR? Let me know in the comments!
5 stars.
August 21, 2025
Iggy and newly-arrived step-brother-to-be Cal are a bit dubious about the new family home, peppered by tiny wooden animals, and housing hundreds of distinctly rapidly-growing plants. Their landlady is in a shack at the bottom of the garden, swamped in its own foliage, and there's a wood nearby, that should be just ripe for exploring. The landlady says it's fine – other people say it's full of danger. However, as Cal, Iggy, and the girl next door are all about to discover, it's actually full of magic. And if you are nice to the trees, you can see their magic and friendship with you growing just as much as the leaves do… But that doesn't mean that everything is as it should be.
This then is a touch of a magic, faraway tree, and an environmental lesson, as the three kids discover this new reality. It's a book that does a surprising lot – I'd barely picked it up before I was a quarter of the way in, and already a lot more wonder had been presented to the children than I'd have expected. Where else would this go, and what could possibly be held back for the sequels? I did wonder at times if the action and drama had been rushed out of the way for an eco-harangue of a final third, but that wasn't the case either.
Ultimately this was a really effective and affecting drama, piling on the magic and wonder but for common-sense, grounded sentiments, seeming to go too far but for important and heartfelt reasons. There's a lot here that's a message, with the new family crossing the race divide, and the girl next door, Mae, a deaf character. But it reads as a story for story's sake, nudging us perhaps to classic forest-based folklore, but being very much of its own time.
It was a surprise to me to be reminded how little I'd rated the author's first main series. This seems a wonderful read to start her next, and yet self-contained in its own little way – although you too will want to see the kids versus the evil forest-bashing councillor, coming to us soon. Four and a half stars – a veritable verdant delight.
This then is a touch of a magic, faraway tree, and an environmental lesson, as the three kids discover this new reality. It's a book that does a surprising lot – I'd barely picked it up before I was a quarter of the way in, and already a lot more wonder had been presented to the children than I'd have expected. Where else would this go, and what could possibly be held back for the sequels? I did wonder at times if the action and drama had been rushed out of the way for an eco-harangue of a final third, but that wasn't the case either.
Ultimately this was a really effective and affecting drama, piling on the magic and wonder but for common-sense, grounded sentiments, seeming to go too far but for important and heartfelt reasons. There's a lot here that's a message, with the new family crossing the race divide, and the girl next door, Mae, a deaf character. But it reads as a story for story's sake, nudging us perhaps to classic forest-based folklore, but being very much of its own time.
It was a surprise to me to be reminded how little I'd rated the author's first main series. This seems a wonderful read to start her next, and yet self-contained in its own little way – although you too will want to see the kids versus the evil forest-bashing councillor, coming to us soon. Four and a half stars – a veritable verdant delight.
May 25, 2025
Make way for middle grade cozy fantasy—"The Wood Where Magic Grows" is a gentle, wondrous story that wraps around you like a warm breeze through the trees.
At first glance, it feels like a cozy tale full of nature and magic—but quietly, it holds so much more. It’s about the challenges of change: moving to a new place, adapting to a new family, and learning to be a big brother when Iggy’s younger sibling, Cal, depends on him more than he ever imagined. Through Iggy's eyes, we feel the pressure of responsibility, the uncertainty of starting over, and the slow, tender growth of belonging.
There’s Mae too—fiercely curious, deaf, and full of quiet determination—who becomes an unexpected friend and guide. Their bond, and the way they navigate the world together, adds such heart and depth.
But above all, this is a story about belief. Belief in magic, in imagination, in the idea that kindness—no matter how small—can change everything. It’s also a soft but important reminder about caring for the environment, noticing the natural world around us, and the wonder that awakens when we treat it with respect.
The magic in the book is simply beautiful: animals made of enchanted twigs and leaves, trees that listen and respond, branches that shape themselves into playful slides. It’s vivid and wild and deeply alive.
This book reminded me that sometimes, the most powerful magic comes from paying attention, showing care, and letting yourself believe—even just a little bit.
At first glance, it feels like a cozy tale full of nature and magic—but quietly, it holds so much more. It’s about the challenges of change: moving to a new place, adapting to a new family, and learning to be a big brother when Iggy’s younger sibling, Cal, depends on him more than he ever imagined. Through Iggy's eyes, we feel the pressure of responsibility, the uncertainty of starting over, and the slow, tender growth of belonging.
There’s Mae too—fiercely curious, deaf, and full of quiet determination—who becomes an unexpected friend and guide. Their bond, and the way they navigate the world together, adds such heart and depth.
But above all, this is a story about belief. Belief in magic, in imagination, in the idea that kindness—no matter how small—can change everything. It’s also a soft but important reminder about caring for the environment, noticing the natural world around us, and the wonder that awakens when we treat it with respect.
The magic in the book is simply beautiful: animals made of enchanted twigs and leaves, trees that listen and respond, branches that shape themselves into playful slides. It’s vivid and wild and deeply alive.
This book reminded me that sometimes, the most powerful magic comes from paying attention, showing care, and letting yourself believe—even just a little bit.
February 12, 2026
When Iggy's mum and Cal's dad move into a new house together, Iggy has to get used to being a big brother for the first time. But the forest at the bottom of their new garden, offers plenty of scope for adventures together. Along with their new friend, Mae, Iggy and Cal call themselves the Treetoppers and soon discover the magic of the wood. But the wood is in peril and the magic is failing - can the three children find a way to save Wildtop Wood?
I read this with my lovely Year 5 Book Club and it was a big hit - one student gave it 7 stars out of 5! This is a gentle and emotionally resonant story about found-family, friendship and living in harmony with nature. I particularly loved the way that the trees are personified in the language and in the beautiful illustrations and this aspect really inspired the student's creativity. A restorative forest stroll of a book...
Thanks to Piccadilly Press and the Reading Agency for the book club copies.
I read this with my lovely Year 5 Book Club and it was a big hit - one student gave it 7 stars out of 5! This is a gentle and emotionally resonant story about found-family, friendship and living in harmony with nature. I particularly loved the way that the trees are personified in the language and in the beautiful illustrations and this aspect really inspired the student's creativity. A restorative forest stroll of a book...
Thanks to Piccadilly Press and the Reading Agency for the book club copies.
June 25, 2025
The Wood Where Magic Grows tells the story of Iggy and his new younger stepbrother, Cal, as the family move to a cottage on the edge of a forest. As they explore their new home, they discover the magic inside the woods as the trees play with them, bring wooden ornaments to life and ask for their help.
This is a very sweet book, with a lovely story and beautiful illustrations, which sets the magic in a world children will recognise around them. It’s an old fashioned style of story in some ways but the setting is modern – blended families, disabilities, moving house – and encourages children to look around them with imagination and curiosity. Lovely.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
This is a very sweet book, with a lovely story and beautiful illustrations, which sets the magic in a world children will recognise around them. It’s an old fashioned style of story in some ways but the setting is modern – blended families, disabilities, moving house – and encourages children to look around them with imagination and curiosity. Lovely.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
This book is beautifully written with lovely illustrations full of hidden faces. It tells the story of 2 step brothers who team up with a neighbour to investigate the wood behind their cottage. It reminded me of the magic faraway tree by Enid Blyton which was a favourite of mine growing up. Full of magic and wonder and a nod to looking after the planet, this is a must read for all young readers. Highly recommend.
#TheWoodWhereMagicGrows #NetGalley.
#TheWoodWhereMagicGrows #NetGalley.
July 22, 2025
A lovely story full of magic, hope and love for the natural world. The children are all adorable in their own way, with one character's loss of hearing dealt with sensitively and a welcome portrayal. The plot races along in bite-sized chapters perfect for young readers. Nice set-up for the next in the series
June 30, 2025
It is a cosy read about a young boy facing the challenge of moving to a new house and adapting to his new role as the elder step-brother. It is very heartwarming and beautifully illustrated. It is a bit of a slow burner though.
September 11, 2025
A delight. Warm and cosy with gentle magic twisted through every page. Perfect for fans of Faraway Tree 💚
July 5, 2025
lovely middle grade book.
the story was well written, and the characters were great!
illustrations in the book just made it for me.
8 year old me would have loved this book!
the story was well written, and the characters were great!
illustrations in the book just made it for me.
8 year old me would have loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews