Forest Secrets

by Laurie Woodward

Suspenseful, mysterious, and full of warmth Forest Secrets captures the enchantment of nature and the power of friendship in this classic tale of good vs. evil. A trio with magic on their side uncover a plot to destroy a mystical forest. 11-year-old Daisy Castillo discovers a whole new world when she meets a lost tee creature whose home is on the verge of destruction. Then with her 13-year-old sidekick she sets off on a quest to save the forest. But the clock is ticking and if she doesn’t act soon, a race of mythical beings will lose their only home.With morphing trees, heroic kids, and quirky characters, Forest Secrets is an exciting adventure for kids and adults alike.

Genres: Fantasy

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2016

About the author

“Fantastically original concept,” reviewers say. “An art-born world full of prophecies, enchanted creatures, and wishes that come true.”
Laurie Woodward is a multi-award-winning writer whose Artania screenplay was optioned in 2025. Her published works include Time Murmurations, Finding Joy, The Artania Chronicles series, and Forest Secrets. Each project champions hope, resilience, and empowerment—encouraging children to stay authentic, whether facing bullies in real life or dark forces in fantasy.
Her honors include recognition from the Writers of the Future Contest and publication in A Hudson View Poetry Digest, and many anti-bullying grants. She also co-wrote the memoir Dean and JoJo: The Dolphin Legacy, featured in the IMAX film Dolphins, Robin Williams’ In the Wild, and Animal Planet.
A former bilingual teacher and peace consultant, Laurie’s lifelong mission is to nurture creativity, believing that artistic expression can spark extraordinary change.

Reviews

[Jaideep Khanduja · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...

Forest Secrets: Discover Magical Mysteries of Nature – A Classic YA Tale

Forest Secrets is a classic magical mystery tale

Forest Secrets is a Unique Characterization of Nature and its struggles

Forest Secrets is a classic tale of good against bad depicting power of Nature and Friendship

Forest Secrets: A Magical Mystery Novel by Laurie Woodward is an interesting tale of good against bad. It is a classic YA novel discovering magical mysteries of nature. There has been a constant struggle by nature against bad elements trying to destroy it. But there are many friends of nature too. This is the story of nature’s struggle against its foes and about its friends. The story is about an existence of half-tree, half-human beings living secretly deep in a timeworn forest. These trees have a friend – an 11-year old girl named Daisy Castillo. She finds a conspiracy cooking up for the destruction of the forest. She decides to stop these enemies of nature reaching her friends – the magical creatures. Her prime goal becomes to keep their secrecy intact from these bad elements conspiring against nature. Forest Secrets: A Magical Mystery Novel by Laurie Woodward is a unique characterization of nature and its struggles and friendship with mankind. You can read her view on anti-bullying and peace resolution here. You can also read her interview here.

I find this book touching a sensitive subject quite intelligently. The subject, storyline, and theme are managed well in Forest Secrets: A Magical Mystery Novel by Laurie Woodward. There are a lot of surprises that uncover as the story moves ahead. There are many silent friends of nature that rise up at the appropriate time to save it. Two points have been taken up very well in the book – nature and friendship. It is a well-crafted story of the fight between good and bad. 145 pages are bound to bring a lot of surprises. There are elements of suspense, mysteries, friendship, conspiracies in this classic tale. The book sensitizes the issues of endangered species, environment, conservation, adversities, diversities and wildlife preservation. There is a kind of similarity between the two new friends – Daisy and Callandrai. Daisy is heartbroken seeing her parents’ divorce. She leaves her home and finds her new friend in a deep forest. Callandrai is a young tree – half plant and half human. Callandrai also had a recent heartbreak losing her tree parents. Daisy also meets another new friend who helps her in fighting against the evil. There are critical missions to handle. The foremost critical mission is to stop the logging company tearing down the forest. It has a deadline. The destruction of the forest is bound to happen after a specific timeline. Another critical mission is related to the first one – to find Callandrai’s parents back. If the forest gets destroyed, her parents will be lost forever.

I would rate this book as 4 out of 5. Forest Secrets: A Magical Mystery Novel by Laurie Woodward is a must read for everyone falling in any age group. It is not limited to children or young only. It must be read by everyone to get the message. #wisemediagroup

[Yvonne Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever get that feeling that you are being watched while walking through the forest? Eleven-year-old Daisy does and she is…by a young forest girl (Calliandra). Daisy has just moved to Sylvan Fork with her mother after her father left the family for a more adventurous life. While exploring a nearby forest she encounters a forest girl who has been separated from her parents (Mama Maple and Daddy Dogwood) because of a logging company moving through the forest. Daisy, along with her friend Albert, are determined to reunite Calliandra with her parents. Along the way they discover additional secrets and must face their fears to save the forest and their newfound friends.

I love that the characters in this book are the same ages as readers. It is often hard to find quality books that are appropriate for readers in intermediate grades. The characters are well developed and through their actions students can determine character traits and roles. Finally I appreciate the modern social issues the characters need to work through (bullies, divorce, death of a parent, deforesting, etc.) without being over the top.

Forest Secrets is perfect for students to read independently in grades 4-8. Teachers could easily use this book as an interactive read aloud to encourage predicting and inferring. There are endless opportunities for students to expand their thinking, opinions and beliefs during book club discussions. Readers that enjoy a combination of realistic fiction and a bit of fantasy will love this book.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Woodward released her new children's magical mystery novel, FOREST SECRETS. It teaches children about nature and friendships. This is a good book for adults too. There were half-tree, half-human beings living far into the old forest. Daisy Castillo finds out about a plot to destroy the forest. She and her mother recently moved to the city after her mother and father divorced. One day Daisy discovers a magical tree creature named Calliandra. She lost both her mother and father and has been trying to find them. Daisy tries to stop the dark, evil that is intent on the destruction of the forest. She's trying to keep the forest's tree creatures from being found out. They are in hiding and are trying to keep their world from being destroyed. Daisy met Albert and together they try to find Calliandra's parents. They have to find them quickly since a logging company is going to tear down some of the forest. Daisy has to face some of her worst fears and overcome them. The author, Ms. Woodward includes in this magical adventure some real hard issues for children and adults. Issues such as having no self confidence, divorce, the environment and helping others. It's mystery combined with learning. This isn't just a YA book, it's an everyone book. Grab a copy and follow Daisy and her magical mystery friends. Learn along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Laurie Woodward for my unbiased review. No other compensation took place.

[Jen Mansour · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about 2 young children (11 and 13) doing whatever it takes to save their new friend and reunite her with her parents. There are obstacles around every corner, including the fact that their new friend is one of the forest people and they can't tell anyone about her as well as loggers and a corrupt newspaper owner. It was an easy read and I really enjoyed it. I think it would be a good book for a middle school or junior high audience. I really keeps your attention because you're always wanting to find out what happens next. If I had read this when I was younger I would definitely enjoyed it!
I received this book as an ebook free download from ePubreview.com

[Teresa Barrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

"-but the darkness was as thick as refried beans." Lol, I haven't heard that saying before, but it's cute.
Daisy is an 11 year old girl who befriends Calliandra, a tree girl who's a part of the forest and is lost looking for her parents. While on the mission to help Calliandra find her parents, Daisy finds things are far worse as a greedy logging company is about to destroy the forest. With the help of their new friend Albert, all three set out to not only find Calliandra's parents, but stop the destruction of the forest.
This was a lovely read with friendship, working together, the importance of nature and our earth as well as courage. I enjoyed reading this.

[Kady :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart warming story is all about how strong friendship is. Although you may have might just started a friendship with someone new you would do almost anything because true friends will take risks for one another. The story is about friends trying to help one another no matter how different; Albert and Daisy risk getting into so much trouble for their new tree friend. Friendship, family, and adventure is what this book holds.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Daisy and her mom move into a new home away from everything they know all Daisy can do is wonder how lonely it will be here and why her dad didn't come with them. Was adventuring by himself more important than her?

She almost immediately sets off on an adventure of her own to explore the new surroundings. She finds something impossible when she meets Calliandra and then something strange when she finds Albert. Albert is a boy from town who is a couple years older than Daisy, but actually seems to like the idea of hanging out with her. Calliandra brings the two even closer with her small predicament. Her parent's are missing!

I did say something about Calliandra being impossible. Well, you see, she is one of the rumored tree people who live in the forest. An actual being who can speak and walk, but also has tree limbs for arms and leaves for hair.

The adventure of trying to find Calliandra's parents leads the children on a chase for time and into the middle of two men's evil plan to get rich without concern for the law. It's at times exciting, at times a bit scary and even has a few sad moments.

As the pages flowed I found myself rooting for the kids and felt as if I was there with them through it all. The twists and turns lead you to an exciting outcome, but is it a happy one? You'll just need to read and find out. I'm glad I did.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forest Secrets by Laurie Woodward is an adventure of three unlikely friends who must race against time in order to save the home of one of them.
The story opens with Calliandra frantically searching for her parents. She’s scared and along in a dense forest. Daisy Castillo is an 11 year old girl who has just moved to this small town. As she explores the forest near her new home, she sees a girl with vines and leaves as hair. Daisy and Calliandra of the Forest People become fast friends as Daisy wants to help her find her parents. They are soon joined by Albert Mahoney, a 13 year old local boy who knows a lot about being lost and lonely. They soon discover that the local logging company is illegally cutting down trees and destroy the homes of Calliandra’s family and people. Against a greedy logger and a crazy reporter, the three must find a way to prove to the authorities of their illegal plot. Will they be able to stop the plot in time? Will Calliandra be reunited with her family? Will the forest be saved?
Forest Secrets is a fun adventure story which introduces the importance of preserving our national resources. As well as standing up to bullies for the greater good. This story was engaging and fun. The characters are relatable to young children and will be able to connect with the readers. I highly recommend Forest Secrets!

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of this book, really doesn't do it justice. Reading that, I thought this was going to be a horrible book. It really did surprise me though. It took a bit to get into it, within the first probably 30 pages though, I was all the way in.

For YA, I feel like this book is great. The imagination really lets loose with this book. The though of evil trying to destroy the forest, is something my teenager found interesting. She read it first and then insisted I read it. Of course I was going to anyway. But I really enjoyed the fact that she was so exited about it.

I feel like the author went just enough in depth, for me to picture it and feel as if I was there as well. The fear..the surprise..everything Miss Woodward wants to make you feel, I felt. So much so, that looking at the woods behind our home, makes me wonder..what is going on in there.

I don't do spoilers. I feel like it cheapens the experience of reading the book and tying to figure out the outcome as you read. I will say though, I very much enjoyed the book. The ending was well done and I think we would read more books from this author!

I received this product in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion/review.

[Jeanette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that at first, this book made me roll my eyes. I thought it was a Tree-hugger book, however, I was wrong. Please understand that I am all for saving our planet, but actively, not by holding signs. Laurie Woodward gave me an alternate idea.

This is a good book for early middle-schoolers to learn about the quality of life, human, animal, and plants. The ending made me laugh, I did NOT see that coming. I can totally see this as a teaching tool for The Bureau of Land Management, the Endangered Species Act, clear-cutting, and even the kind of trouble someone can get into trying to prove someone is falsifying legal documents. I can also view this as a movie in my mind.

My 9 and 10-year-olds want to read it next.

This book was a complimentary copy given to me for an honest review.

[Frank Scozzari · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOREST SECRETS is a whimsical tale of adventure, loss, friendship, and triumph. I opened this book, started reading, and before I knew it, day had turned to night and night had turned to midnight.

Eleven-year-old Daisy Castillo befriends Callandrai, a magical tree-human living in an ancient forest. They both have something in common—the loss of family; Daisy's parents recently divorced and Callandrai parents are nowhere to be found. Together they embark on a search for Callandrai's parents only to discover that the entire forest is in jeopardy of destruction at the hands of a greedy logging company.

As with all great children stories, Forest Secrets is filled with important life lessons and morals. It examines the issues of man verses nature and good verses evil, and instills a sense of oneness with the earth and all its natural creatures. The writing is superb, the characters are believable, and the plot is full of interesting twists. The author, Laurie Woodward, has created an original fantasy world here, a true classic; one that is certain to spark the imagination of any child. It is an entertaining read for adults as well.

[Tanya Reardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forest Secrets: A Magical Mystery Novel was indeed a pretty good novel and is especially great for children between 8-12. This novel is about a girl named Daisy who moves to a new town after her mom and dad split up. She finds herself a magical tree creature named Calliandra who has lost her mother and father and desperately wants to find them. Daisy and a boy named Albert make it their mission to find Calliandra's parents. Unfortunately they have a deadline to find them before a logging company tears down more of the forest and Calliandra's parents are lost forever. Will they find Calliandra's parents. This book has a good plot and deal's with real life issues such as low self-esteem, divorce, and saving the environment. Overall a great book that I allowed my 8 year old to read and she fell in love with it as well.

I was given this book to review at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woodward, Laurie Forest Secrets 150 pages, Laurie Woodward(self published), $? (couldn’t find a price anywhere), Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G

Daisy just moved to a new neighborhood with no kid around, but when she goes exploring in the woods one day, what she find changes her life forever. Daisy find a tree person(someone who is like a nymph in greek mythology). When Daisy promises to help her new friend find her parents, she uncovers a terrible plot. It was planed to destroy the forest for a new building. Can Daisy and her new friend save the forest and find the tree person’s parents in time, or will the forest be ripped apart where it stands. I loved this book. It was a heartwarming book to read because it shows the true value of friendship.

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JM(8th grade)
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...

[Sara Kovach]

I really enjoyed this story!! This book has been added to my read-aloud list for my 3rd grade class. I went into this story not knowing anything about it, or if I would like it at all. Within the first few pages my interest was nabbed. This is a cute little tale about an adventurous 11-year old girl from a split family, who moves to a new town. She meets 2 new friends, one a boy who is a couple of years older, and the other a "forest friend". This trio must deal with some not so pleasant life events, but it is presented in a positive manner. In addition to the real-life issues the children deal with, they also learn about and help address issues involving the environment and ecological challenges.

I was provided this ebook for my honest review.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5

Daisy Castillo is a preteen girl embarking on a new (unwanted) adventure. Her parents are divorcing and she's moving with her mom to a new home. There's an ancient forest near the new home and Daisy retreats to the woods and there she meets and befriends Calliandra, a magical half-tree/half-human creature. Calliandra is upset because her parents are missing somewhere in the forest.
There is an evil force looking to destroy the ancient forest and Daisy knows she has to do everything in her power to stop the destruction of the woods. She meets a local boy, Albert Mahoney, just a couple years older than Daisy but he already knows too much about being lost and lonely. He joins up with Daisy and Calliandra in the fight to stop the destruction of the woods.

But all the threats to the woods aren't from mystical sources ... the three discover that there's a local logging company that is illegally cutting down the forest. This is something Daisy can possibly address directly.

In general, this was a delightful middle-grade reader fantasy. It's got appropriate childhood drama (divorcing parents), some unique fantasy creatures (the tree-beings), a high-drama goal (save the woods!), and unlikely friendships. I can see where this might appeal to a very specific group of young readers (much as I would have been at this age).

There are moments when the writing is a bit too 'simple' - even for middle grade readers ("His head darted to and fro like a cartoon audience in watching a sped-up tennis match") - the kind of thing that reminds the adult reader that we're reading a self-published book, and not one that's had a strong editorial hand.

Still, I generally thought that this would be a worth addition to a school library.

Looking for a good book? Forest Secrets by Laurie Woodward is a middle-grade fantasy firmly rooted on Earth but with some unique characters that help make this a fun and educational read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

[CG Heandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Forest Secret is an interesting read that offers a unique storyline appealing to readers of all ages. I really liked the concept behind the narrative. However, I did feel that the pacing slowed down at times, which was a bit of a drawback for me. Overall, though, it's a solid read that many will enjoy.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

It does feel formulaic at times, but it still manages to be fun. The intended audience will probably love it.

[Elaine Cansler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story for elementary aged readers. A few minor abrupt changes or missing details, but overall, a fine story.

[Arlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this to anyone the cover, the bio on the back,the book,the story is just all so perfect it took me a second to get into it but I finally did!

[Mary Lou Hartman]

A good read

I finished this book at one sitting. It is a very good read. About two children who befriended a human tree, which is a different concept.

[Louise Feagans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forest secrets

This is a young adults book that I have enjoyed reading very much. I loved the characters of the trees and the kids trying to save them.