Philomella and the impossible forest by Doris Brett

Philomella is an angry girl – angry at her parent’s recent divorce, her new apartment, and her new school. She heads to the library, but on the way, things turn very shimmery and strange and Mary the librarian turns out to be a were-dragon. A hand pops up through the floor with an urgent message. They travel down to the Impossible Forest by moving stairs and discover that the forest is about to be attacked. Somehow Philomella has a part to play in saving it but she is full of self-doubt and can’t understand how or why she has been chosen. She is joined on her action-packed journey by a small band of unusual characters including a flying, talking picnic basket. Many scary creatures challenge her, such as the Dancers who may trick you into dancing forever. Then there are the Eaters who can eat your bad memories as you cross the river. But is it beneficial to be rid of bad memories? Philomella ultimately must figure out what her strengths are to defeat the evil wizard Alazon.

Initially I felt bombarded with the plethora of magical creatures, gimmicks, and events. Needless to say, most of them were important to the resolution of the problem but they were also intrinsic to Philomella becoming braver and more resourceful. Often they were fun and entertaining. I warmed to Philomella as she became better at solving problems and more self-aware. Several of the other characters also had life lessons to learn. I enjoyed Doris Brett’s witty word play. For example, the hairdresser, who made dresses for hair or the Lost Village where Lost Tempers were thuggish looking creatures chasing after Mary and Philomella. Doris Brett didn’t hold back with messages about the need to be compassionate, brave, and caring for the natural environment. This is a fantasy suitable for readers who enjoyed Jaclyn Moriarty’s Kingdom and Empires series and may make a good class read aloud.

Themes: Bravery, Compassion, Self-confidence.

Jo Marshall