This is the first book written by the Decemberists' front-man, Colin Meloy. Wildwood is the story of a young girl, named Prue, who while on a bike ride, her baby brother gets stolen by a murder of crows. Prue must venture into the "impassable wilderness," known to those that live there as Wildwood, to try to rescue her brother.

The story unfolds just like the stories in the Decemberists' songs. There are talking coyotes, an evil queen, wild bandits, and a cast of characters of various other species. Unusual for a story of this type, the story takes place in modern-day Portland, Oregon, with the magical wood in the middle.

Additionally, this book is beautifully illustrated by Meloy's wife, Carson Ellis (of Lemony Snickett and The Mysterious Benedict Society fame). While this book is aimed at middle school-aged kids, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a slightly different coming-of-age fairy tale, or to Decemberists fans of all ages.