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Out of the Woods: A tale of positivity, kindness and courage
‘Wise, wonderful Betsy … I am blown away by her courage and wisdom.’
Fearne Cotton ‘Betsy is the most gloriously wonderful, positive, cute, inspiring girl … Her disability has become her unique ability.’
Davina McCall As she finds her way home out of the woods, Betsy Griffin takes us on a journey through the darkest of forests to find the light. With wise advice from woodland creatures along the way, Betsy takes it upon herself to change her outlook on the world. In this deeply moving and inspirational fable, she teaches us how to face our struggles with courage and determination, and shares powerful lessons about positivity, kindness and hope. Despite her young age, Betsy’s wisdom will inspire readers of all ages. Above all, she shows us that anything is possible. ‘Feeling down? Then be more Betsy.’
Gareth Malone ‘Betsy has the most incredible personality I have seen in anybody. She owns the room.’
Frank Lampard
Fearne Cotton ‘Betsy is the most gloriously wonderful, positive, cute, inspiring girl … Her disability has become her unique ability.’
Davina McCall As she finds her way home out of the woods, Betsy Griffin takes us on a journey through the darkest of forests to find the light. With wise advice from woodland creatures along the way, Betsy takes it upon herself to change her outlook on the world. In this deeply moving and inspirational fable, she teaches us how to face our struggles with courage and determination, and shares powerful lessons about positivity, kindness and hope. Despite her young age, Betsy’s wisdom will inspire readers of all ages. Above all, she shows us that anything is possible. ‘Feeling down? Then be more Betsy.’
Gareth Malone ‘Betsy has the most incredible personality I have seen in anybody. She owns the room.’
Frank Lampard
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 30, 2023
5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 10, 2024
This beautifully written and illustrated story will appeal to both adults and children.
The author, Betsy Griffin, is just eight years old and despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour that made her blind at the age of two, Betsy has always found the joy in every day.
During lock-down Betsy created the YouTube channel ‘Betsy’s Positive Videos’
In Out Of The Woods, she has created a fable-style story that brims over with hope and optimism. The story follows Betsy after she spots a puppy when out with her two younger sisters. Betsy follows the little dog into the nearby woods, hoping to capture it and bring it to safety.
As the trees seem to get denser and light begins to fall, Betsy encounters many creatures along the way. There’s the butterfly that teaches her to stop worrying about the past and to concentrate on the future. The Happy Hare shows her that it is easier to think about positive thoughts, than the negative things that make her unhappy. Betsy meets so many of these wise animals; a mouse, a bee, a squirrel, and each one of them guides her through the darkening woods.
This really is a glorious, inspirational book that never feels overly sweet, but always feels heart-warming and courageous.
The black and white line drawing illustrations and use of different fonts throughout the story add so much. It is the type of book that can be read many times, and treasured.
The perfect pick-me-up during these troubled times.
The author, Betsy Griffin, is just eight years old and despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour that made her blind at the age of two, Betsy has always found the joy in every day.
During lock-down Betsy created the YouTube channel ‘Betsy’s Positive Videos’
In Out Of The Woods, she has created a fable-style story that brims over with hope and optimism. The story follows Betsy after she spots a puppy when out with her two younger sisters. Betsy follows the little dog into the nearby woods, hoping to capture it and bring it to safety.
As the trees seem to get denser and light begins to fall, Betsy encounters many creatures along the way. There’s the butterfly that teaches her to stop worrying about the past and to concentrate on the future. The Happy Hare shows her that it is easier to think about positive thoughts, than the negative things that make her unhappy. Betsy meets so many of these wise animals; a mouse, a bee, a squirrel, and each one of them guides her through the darkening woods.
This really is a glorious, inspirational book that never feels overly sweet, but always feels heart-warming and courageous.
The black and white line drawing illustrations and use of different fonts throughout the story add so much. It is the type of book that can be read many times, and treasured.
The perfect pick-me-up during these troubled times.
March 17, 2024
I read this book while on the way to Melaka last week. I bought it on a whim because I liked the cover and its colours - did not even read the blurb. Nothing could have prepared me for this. This deceptively simple story is heartbreakingly beautiful, particularly considering who wrote it. Betsy Griffin is an inspiration. I wish her nothing but joy.
"That's all we can do in the end - try our best."
"That's all we can do in the end - try our best."
January 1, 2023
Cute book about kindness and gentleness with animals telling the story in a very cute way. Definitely for children but as an adult it still warms your heart
February 28, 2024
Betsy gets lost.
What an utterly charming book. Out of the Woods may have been written by a child, Betsy Griffin, for children, but her adventures have such resonance for all regardless of age that this is a very special book indeed. Once the reader appreciates that this young author is blind and lives with a brain tumour, the incredible positivity in the story becomes even more fully appreciated.
Assisted by Sue Belfrage and with charming and attractive illustrations by Emanuel Santos, Betsy Griffin tells a story that will entrance young readers. Betsy’s adventures as she gets lost in the woods, discovering the puppy Clementine and meeting various birds and animals on the way are an encouraging metaphor for life. Through her adventures she enables the reader to experience a wide range of emotions from fear and sadness to love and joy in a safe and sensitive way.
The chapter titles become a brilliant set of guidelines to live by and once you’ve read Out of the Woods, you’re going to want to inject as much ‘spandandall’ into your life as you possibly can. Read the book to find out what that is!
Alongside a story just perfect for young readers are messages in Out of the Woods that the world really needs. Knowing that you have to be afraid before you can be brave and face your fears, realising that a hug and a little kindness can transform another person’s feelings, understanding that if you meet a new creature different to you or a situation you haven’t previously encountered, that it doesn’t automatically mean they are a threat, is so relevant to all. When Betsy realises that she can choose how to respond to what life throws at her, she learns a very special lesson indeed.
I thought Out of the Woods was not only entertaining, but hugely important. I’d urge older readers to read the introduction by Fearne Cotton and the acknowledgements from Betsy in order to appreciate fully the true inspiration of the courageous Betsy Griffin and the beauty of her book Out of the Woods. Don’t miss it.
What an utterly charming book. Out of the Woods may have been written by a child, Betsy Griffin, for children, but her adventures have such resonance for all regardless of age that this is a very special book indeed. Once the reader appreciates that this young author is blind and lives with a brain tumour, the incredible positivity in the story becomes even more fully appreciated.
Assisted by Sue Belfrage and with charming and attractive illustrations by Emanuel Santos, Betsy Griffin tells a story that will entrance young readers. Betsy’s adventures as she gets lost in the woods, discovering the puppy Clementine and meeting various birds and animals on the way are an encouraging metaphor for life. Through her adventures she enables the reader to experience a wide range of emotions from fear and sadness to love and joy in a safe and sensitive way.
The chapter titles become a brilliant set of guidelines to live by and once you’ve read Out of the Woods, you’re going to want to inject as much ‘spandandall’ into your life as you possibly can. Read the book to find out what that is!
Alongside a story just perfect for young readers are messages in Out of the Woods that the world really needs. Knowing that you have to be afraid before you can be brave and face your fears, realising that a hug and a little kindness can transform another person’s feelings, understanding that if you meet a new creature different to you or a situation you haven’t previously encountered, that it doesn’t automatically mean they are a threat, is so relevant to all. When Betsy realises that she can choose how to respond to what life throws at her, she learns a very special lesson indeed.
I thought Out of the Woods was not only entertaining, but hugely important. I’d urge older readers to read the introduction by Fearne Cotton and the acknowledgements from Betsy in order to appreciate fully the true inspiration of the courageous Betsy Griffin and the beauty of her book Out of the Woods. Don’t miss it.
May 3, 2024
In this book, we follow Betsy who lost her way in the woods, and meet adorable animals who pick her up along her journey finding her way back home.
The illustrations by Emanuel Santos are adorable and will catch the eye of any child, but I recommend this book to readers of all ages for its simple and practical lessons on positivity. The lessons on kindness and courage are not necessarily new, but Betsy's lovely book serve as a timely reminder for us to try our best, to be kind, to be better. While it's not always easy to find courage when we feel lost, but I'll try ⭐️
I don't want to spoil too much of the book and would love for you to discover the wonders of Betsy for yourself!
Thank you dearest Betsy for such a kind and hopeful book! You can also check out Betsy's Youtube Channel - Betsy's Positive Videos where she shares her positive spirit with the world 💙
The illustrations by Emanuel Santos are adorable and will catch the eye of any child, but I recommend this book to readers of all ages for its simple and practical lessons on positivity. The lessons on kindness and courage are not necessarily new, but Betsy's lovely book serve as a timely reminder for us to try our best, to be kind, to be better. While it's not always easy to find courage when we feel lost, but I'll try ⭐️
I don't want to spoil too much of the book and would love for you to discover the wonders of Betsy for yourself!
Thank you dearest Betsy for such a kind and hopeful book! You can also check out Betsy's Youtube Channel - Betsy's Positive Videos where she shares her positive spirit with the world 💙
May 1, 2024
A beautiful book that can be read by anyone - and any age
September 8, 2024
Hoopla Audiobook This was a delightful little book with messages and reminders for young and old. There's something for everyone!
January 12, 2025
Lovely. Heart warming quick read.
November 11, 2025
Just a lovely book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews