What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartwood Hotel #1
A True Home
“Charming and imaginative, and full of endearing characters who excel at kindness as only animals can. With stories that highlight the power of friendship, Heartwood Hotel is sure to leave readers eager to visit again.” —Ashley Spires, author and illustrator of The Most Magnificent Thing
“If there’s one thing Vancouver author Kallie George knows, it’s how to create a tale full of whimsy.” —Quill & Quire
Downton Abbey meets The Tale of Peter Rabbit in this heartwarming chapter book about a mouse discovering where she belongs.
When Mona the mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes the staff will let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury and comfort. But it’s not all acorn soufflé and soft, moss-lined beds. Danger lurks nearby, and as it approaches, Mona has to use all her wits to protect the place she’s come to love. Because this hotel is more than a warm shelter for the night. It might also be a home.
This delightfully enticing story of friendship, courage and community, sweetly illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, kicks off a new chapter-book series by the author of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency books.
“If there’s one thing Vancouver author Kallie George knows, it’s how to create a tale full of whimsy.” —Quill & Quire
Downton Abbey meets The Tale of Peter Rabbit in this heartwarming chapter book about a mouse discovering where she belongs.
When Mona the mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes the staff will let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury and comfort. But it’s not all acorn soufflé and soft, moss-lined beds. Danger lurks nearby, and as it approaches, Mona has to use all her wits to protect the place she’s come to love. Because this hotel is more than a warm shelter for the night. It might also be a home.
This delightfully enticing story of friendship, courage and community, sweetly illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, kicks off a new chapter-book series by the author of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency books.
176 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2017
341 people are currently reading
3906 people want to read
About the author
Kallie George
91 books374 followersI’m an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops.
I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.
I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.
I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.
I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 818 reviews
June 19, 2019
A darling little story! Charming. Cozy. Dare I say, cuddly? Yet, it has some bite. You see, the story follows mostly the small creatures of the forest and, as such, many either live in fear of the carnivores or have already had frightening encounters with them. The synopsis and the adorable illustrations made me think this might be a pretty tame story (and overall it certainly is!) but if you have sensitive children do be aware that a few of the main characters have lost family members in tragic circumstances (in the past, and off page) and and that the wolves are the "bad guys" here (again!? sigh. I mean, I do get that wolves are the foes of the little creatures of the forest, I just wish they weren't always the villains! I'll put examples below.)
But, overall, it's a very sweet story about friendship, bravery and belonging. Mona is courageous and kind, and a charming protagonist. I adore the idea of a hotel in the woods run by and for the little creatures of the forest. It's so cute! Beds filled with cattail fluff, acorn hats brimming with soup--if you love little whimsical miniature worlds and nature, you'll probably love the story. I think Kallie George has a way with words and manages to tell a story that feels full in a short amount of ink. I will continue with the series.
Some examples of the wolves:
"Mmmm. I like the hearts. They're tastiest" one wolf remarks, thinking of a future feast.
The wolf pack is described as follows:
"It was a whole pack of them. Some pacing, some lying down, licking their paws. Moonlight glanced off sharp teeth and eyes yellow like fire. She could see the one -- Gnarl -- who was wearing the moles' badge. It was hanging around his neck from a ribbon that was tattered and maybe a little bloody."
But, overall, it's a very sweet story about friendship, bravery and belonging. Mona is courageous and kind, and a charming protagonist. I adore the idea of a hotel in the woods run by and for the little creatures of the forest. It's so cute! Beds filled with cattail fluff, acorn hats brimming with soup--if you love little whimsical miniature worlds and nature, you'll probably love the story. I think Kallie George has a way with words and manages to tell a story that feels full in a short amount of ink. I will continue with the series.
Some examples of the wolves:
"Mmmm. I like the hearts. They're tastiest" one wolf remarks, thinking of a future feast.
The wolf pack is described as follows:
"It was a whole pack of them. Some pacing, some lying down, licking their paws. Moonlight glanced off sharp teeth and eyes yellow like fire. She could see the one -- Gnarl -- who was wearing the moles' badge. It was hanging around his neck from a ribbon that was tattered and maybe a little bloody."
December 27, 2024
Das war so zuckersüß! Es geht um Mona Maus, die ganz alleine unterwegs ist, nur mit einem kleinen Koffer, den sie von ihren Eltern hat. Sie findet Unterschlupf im gemütlichen Waldhotel und darf dort bleiben und als Zimmermädchen arbeiten. Sie findet Freunde und eine neue Heimat, doch das kleine Waldhotel wird bedroht. Bären und Wölfe kommen immer näher...
💕 Einfach nur bezaubernd! Die Geschichte ist so liebevoll und warmherzig erzählt und vermittelt gute Werte. Es ist der erste Band, was mich besonders freut, so dass ich bald weiterlesen kann!
💕 Einfach nur bezaubernd! Die Geschichte ist so liebevoll und warmherzig erzählt und vermittelt gute Werte. Es ist der erste Band, was mich besonders freut, so dass ich bald weiterlesen kann!
October 14, 2021
I read this to my 8 year old daughter and she enjoyed it. I thought it was pretty good too. The characters are really cute and the story is engaging. It seems to me to be more geared towards girls, but I think any child would enjoy it.
July 8, 2025
My children all squeal 5 stars 🌟 and tell me I just have to get the next book. Thanks again to a last-minute add to Sonlight Curriculum Kindergarten read alouds, I think. We entered into the world of Heartwood Hotel. Personally, I love the little mystery and intrigue of our heroine mouse's parents. This is a beautiful little book with adorable furry illustrations, a big bad wolf, and so many lessons to learn and discuss. We bought this as an add-on and didn't have Sonlight material to cover it but I can imagine topics for discussion. The inclusion of all creatures furry, fuzzy, with feathers or six-legs. Then of course, the female heroine who is small of stature herself. I really did enjoy this book and even my Kinder could have read it alone but we all enjoyed it from 11 to babe. I own a paperback copy that Santa helped us acquire in 2020.
November 16, 2024
This book just might be the cutest, coziest thing. 🧡 I know I would have been obsessed with it as a kid.
February 15, 2022
Heartwood Hotel, Heartwood Hotel,
Where feathered and furred together can dwell.
George offers up a sweet tale about a little mouse who's searching for a home.
Luckily, she stumbled upon a wonderful hotel for animals.
Has she found a home at last?
This is the first volume in what appears will be a delightful series.
Where feathered and furred together can dwell.
George offers up a sweet tale about a little mouse who's searching for a home.
Luckily, she stumbled upon a wonderful hotel for animals.
Has she found a home at last?
This is the first volume in what appears will be a delightful series.
August 25, 2023
Read this book to my 4 year old son as a read aloud. It was absolutely precious. I loved the pictures in the pages for each chapter & loved the meaning of the story!
August 31, 2023
I read this with my 7-year-old daughter, and it was adorable! We loved this one. Animals living together in a hotel in the woods, what could be cuter? It is very clean, no nasty language or potty jokes and is appropriate for elementary school aged kids.
May 5, 2025
So ein schöner Flohmarktfund <3 Das Buch ist so lebendig mit tollen Tiercharakteren und einer wirklich schönen kleinen Geschichte! Ich freu mich schon auf die kommende Bände!
June 12, 2019
Finished this a long time ago but couldn't update on Goodreads. I loved this book. Anytime I am stressed my hands or rather eyes pick children's fiction. The life affirming qualities of a middle grade book always fill me with enthusiasm and hopefulness.
Mona the mouse actually resembled me more than I wanted to. I mean, I am 29... But a search for home, the search for a place, a community where you truly belong to, where you're valued and loved and appreciated is a personal quest and an universal longing. The book has a lot of quite adult issues inspite of being cute and simple. The happy ending boosted my own faith. I am reading all the next books in this series. I deeply value such uncomplicated joy that this book brought to me.
Mona the mouse actually resembled me more than I wanted to. I mean, I am 29... But a search for home, the search for a place, a community where you truly belong to, where you're valued and loved and appreciated is a personal quest and an universal longing. The book has a lot of quite adult issues inspite of being cute and simple. The happy ending boosted my own faith. I am reading all the next books in this series. I deeply value such uncomplicated joy that this book brought to me.
February 21, 2025
This was such a fun cozy read. The story is simple enough that my 3 and 4 year old were able to completely comprehend it yet gripping enough they kept asking to read more. I think we read it in 3 or 4 sittings. The characters are lovable and interesting. The setting is magical. And there’s enough danger to keep you reading but not too scary for my nightmare prone girls.
June 29, 2017
"Sleep in safety, eat in earnest, and be happy at Heartwood." (15)
What a sweet and adorable story Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George is!! The illustrations by Stephanie Graegin adds a bit to the story in a visual way for young readers. A story of courage and the true meaning of home, it will be a favorite for kids young and old.
I'm not typically big on stories with mice or insects, but Mona the Mouse is sweet, cute, and have a quiet strength that inspires readers to look beyond the physical, but see the person inside. Simple, yet profound topics such as jealousy and prejudice comes into play and is a great lesson for readers to pick up on, and possibly self-evaluate or even just to understand.
"We live by PROTECT and RESPECT, not by TOOTH and CLAW." (11)
I've been a fan of Kallie George's since the Magical Animal Adoption Agency and I think this new series, Heartwood Hotel will be another favorite.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
What a sweet and adorable story Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George is!! The illustrations by Stephanie Graegin adds a bit to the story in a visual way for young readers. A story of courage and the true meaning of home, it will be a favorite for kids young and old.
I'm not typically big on stories with mice or insects, but Mona the Mouse is sweet, cute, and have a quiet strength that inspires readers to look beyond the physical, but see the person inside. Simple, yet profound topics such as jealousy and prejudice comes into play and is a great lesson for readers to pick up on, and possibly self-evaluate or even just to understand.
"We live by PROTECT and RESPECT, not by TOOTH and CLAW." (11)
I've been a fan of Kallie George's since the Magical Animal Adoption Agency and I think this new series, Heartwood Hotel will be another favorite.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
December 17, 2020
After many other things I've read, it was a nice change of pace to read something designed more for primary grades that included kindness without hitting you over the head with it. I could imagine this making a great read aloud and giving students the option to make their own illustrations.
February 28, 2023
Cute ol kids book from toys r us. Been needing breaks from info heavy books. Cute book overall :) I’ll probably forget it in like a day though but I had fun so whatever
December 1, 2022
(4.5⭐)
Cuteness overload avec ce premier tome de la saga Hôtel Heartwood 🥺 C'était tout ce que j'en attendais et plus encore !
Mignon, avec de jolis messages, des illustrations super cute et des animaux qu'on aimerait fréquenter chaque jour. J'adorerais visiter cet hôtel pas comme les autres 😍
C'était parfait comme petite lecture de transition entre automne et hiver, on commence en automne et on finit par la première chute de neige 👌🏻❄️
Cuteness overload avec ce premier tome de la saga Hôtel Heartwood 🥺 C'était tout ce que j'en attendais et plus encore !
Mignon, avec de jolis messages, des illustrations super cute et des animaux qu'on aimerait fréquenter chaque jour. J'adorerais visiter cet hôtel pas comme les autres 😍
C'était parfait comme petite lecture de transition entre automne et hiver, on commence en automne et on finit par la première chute de neige 👌🏻❄️
October 31, 2025
4.5⭐️ This was such a cute, sweet story. Loved all the woodland creatures and the setting. 🍂 I read this aloud to my boys, and they really enjoyed it. (I even did voices to get them more into it 😆) Excited to read book 2. Thanks for the rec, Kali!
March 26, 2023
Very cute. I would have loved this as a child. Only reason for the 2☆-rating is because I'm not its target audience and just couldn't feel a "wow" as an adult. But it's a great children's story.
October 22, 2024
This was such a cute and heartwarming book
April 12, 2025
An adorable little story!
I look forward to reading this to my children someday! 🥹
I look forward to reading this to my children someday! 🥹
March 28, 2025
“i give it SIX stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” - theo, age 4.5
February 28, 2025
Read-aloud with 3yo & 5yo girls.
When you're reading a book to your kids and after each chapter closes they ask, "Read another one? Pleeeeeeease!", you know it's a good story.
My girls just fell in love with the warm and tender setting of the Heartwood Hotel that introduced to them vibrant and funny characters. From the rhyming Mr. Heartwood (badger), to the grumpy Tilly (red squirrel) to the surprisingly lovable (Bear). I love to find a children's novel features character depth and complexity like this one.
The story showcases the beauty of family and the joyful comfort of home, even if found in unusual ways.
When you're reading a book to your kids and after each chapter closes they ask, "Read another one? Pleeeeeeease!", you know it's a good story.
My girls just fell in love with the warm and tender setting of the Heartwood Hotel that introduced to them vibrant and funny characters. From the rhyming Mr. Heartwood (badger), to the grumpy Tilly (red squirrel) to the surprisingly lovable (Bear). I love to find a children's novel features character depth and complexity like this one.
The story showcases the beauty of family and the joyful comfort of home, even if found in unusual ways.
October 22, 2017
Full disclosure: I was privileged to be a part of the journey as this book—and this world—came to life in the imagination of author Kallie George. I was lucky enough to read various drafts of the plots and stories along the way.
When Kallie first told me about her idea, I instantly thought of one of my favorite childhood series, The Bedtime Story-Books by Thornton W. Burgess. As a child, I loved entering a world where animals were highly anthropomorphized, but still inhabited a world with all the natural dangers of the forest.
Kallie George’s new Heartwood Hotel series is much the same. She has teased whimsical personalities from the natural characteristics of her animals and constructed a world where there is delight—and danger—around every bend in the forest trail.
In particular, I really adore the Kallie's ability to turn a phrase, or to tease magic out of each sentence, giving the book a classical feel. This book makes a great read aloud!
When Kallie first told me about her idea, I instantly thought of one of my favorite childhood series, The Bedtime Story-Books by Thornton W. Burgess. As a child, I loved entering a world where animals were highly anthropomorphized, but still inhabited a world with all the natural dangers of the forest.
Kallie George’s new Heartwood Hotel series is much the same. She has teased whimsical personalities from the natural characteristics of her animals and constructed a world where there is delight—and danger—around every bend in the forest trail.
In particular, I really adore the Kallie's ability to turn a phrase, or to tease magic out of each sentence, giving the book a classical feel. This book makes a great read aloud!
November 11, 2024
Nachdem ihr Haus in einem schrecklichen Sturm weggespült wurde, findet die kleine Maus Mona Zuflucht im Waldhotel - einem Ort, an dem alle friedlichen Tiere willkommen sind und beschützt werden. Dort wird sie als Zimmermädchen angestellt und findet Freunde in kleinen und großen Tieren. Aber nicht alle Waldbewohner sind friedlich und einige planen, das Waldhotel zu überfallen.
Ein ganz zauberhaftes, herzerwärmendes Buch mit wunderschönen Illustrationen, das sich hervorragend zum Vorlesen eignet.
Ein ganz zauberhaftes, herzerwärmendes Buch mit wunderschönen Illustrationen, das sich hervorragend zum Vorlesen eignet.
October 30, 2024
This is quite possibly the cutest and most heartwarming book I have ever read. And the illustrations are absolutely adorable. I ordered the paperbacks on Amazon and I can’t wait to get started on the next one.
November 19, 2017
This was a very cute book, and a great beginning to a series I look forward to reading.
November 9, 2024
goldig, hererwärmend und putzig - wie erwartet.
October 9, 2023
One rainy night in early autumn, Mona the mouse discovers why her current home was abandoned by its previous inhabitants. Seeking more accommodating accommodations, she sets off along the river, but she finds herself swept away with nothing but her faithful suitcase until she washes up at a huge tree with a familiar symbol on the door. It turns out, she's at the Heartwood Hotel, and although she's too little to really accomplish much, she does her best to help out until she can find somewhere to belong.
This is a cozy little book about cute woodland creatures and the power of not making assumptions. It's beautifully told and has a lot of gentle and thoughtful moments.
This is a cozy little book about cute woodland creatures and the power of not making assumptions. It's beautifully told and has a lot of gentle and thoughtful moments.
April 5, 2019
"Nothing's wrong that ends in song."
The Heartwood Hotel is a series by Kallie George who I've read her other series called The Magical Animal Adoption Agency, which I quite enjoyed.
This one though wasn't as cute and magical to me as her other series. It has a cute main character but there was a character in there that was just horrible and I thought that she wasn't explained that well. I know this is a children's book targeted for a very young age but still that Squirrel girl Tilly was horrible in character and the way she was written. She plagued the whole story for me and it didn't make sense.
The Heartwood Hotel is a series by Kallie George who I've read her other series called The Magical Animal Adoption Agency, which I quite enjoyed.
This one though wasn't as cute and magical to me as her other series. It has a cute main character but there was a character in there that was just horrible and I thought that she wasn't explained that well. I know this is a children's book targeted for a very young age but still that Squirrel girl Tilly was horrible in character and the way she was written. She plagued the whole story for me and it didn't make sense.
June 12, 2024
My Special niece Ella shared this charming book with me. 😍 Mona the Mouse🐁is all alone and lost in a storm until she finds shelter in a big ole tree called the Heartwood Hotel. 💗 She meets a colorful bunch of characters: a red squirrel named Tilly, a hedgehog named Ms. Prickles, and a bear named Bramble.🐻 She stays at the Hotel by working as a maid and soon has lots of adventures. Some fun and some quite scary! Until one day.....Mona realizes.....she has found Home.
December 5, 2020
J’ai passé un très bon moment avec ce livre et pour parfaire le tout je l’ai lu le 1er jour de l’automne.
Une jolie et bienveillante petite histoire sur l’amitié et l’entraide. Les personnages sont tous très attachants. Surtout celui de Mona la petite souris.
Les illustrations sont délicates et si mignonnes !
Une jolie et bienveillante petite histoire sur l’amitié et l’entraide. Les personnages sont tous très attachants. Surtout celui de Mona la petite souris.
Les illustrations sont délicates et si mignonnes !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 818 reviews