The Woods and Wisp

by Paola Merrill

Wisp, a small white rabbit with a shy disposition, has lived in the Northern Wood her entire life. She’s quite content working at her local apothecary and spending her days strolling down mossy forest paths. Her life would be just about perfect if it weren’t for the curse that has befallen her friend. Zephyr, an old, grumpy squirrel, has become increasingly reclusive and bitter as a result of a mysterious illness.

When Zephyr suddenly disappears, Wisp fears that her friend has gone to seek a cure in the Wild Wild, a sinister place from which most creatures never return. Soon after, a peculiar visitor arrives at the apothecary, warning Wisp that her friend is in desperate need of help. In order to save her, she must go on a quest to recover the missing pieces of Zephyr’s soul.

Facing her fear of the unknown, Wisp sets off on a journey to discover the truth behind the curse and find what has been lost.

The Woods and Wisp is a tale about facing the hidden layers of ourselves and the importance of holding hope within our hearts, even when we feel our inner light has grown dim.

A soft fairytale for adults and children alike who are seeking a cozy, low-stakes, non-stressful reading experience with themes of hope, dealing with anxiety, and managing mental health challenges.

Genres: Nature, Fantasy

236 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Casey Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Paola on YouTube for many years and even have some of her artwork hanging in my house. I must admit, I’m always a little timid to pick up a book written by a YouTuber I follow, but this book was an instant favorite. It’s a book I can see myself revisiting again and again and hopefully even reading to a future child. It was so lovely, cozy, magical, and wholesome. The messages were thought provoking and the prose was just stunning. I felt as if Paola had taken a peek inside of my brain because this is my ultimate fantasy world. Highly recommend this to any sensitive souls who love woodland creatures and a little whimsy.

[Fanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a deeply touching story, it is only fitting to begin my review with the way it made me feel: expansive. That gripping emotion when encountering a world beyond its pages. It was not just the trees, the mushroom, the pixies, the flowers and stars however, it was seeing the universe itself in the pages as I leafed through them. And I don't just mean the ink shaping words, I mean that, the trees are there within the page in the most physical sense as well. There are not many authors that borught about such feelings, but the one thing they without a doubt shared, is their sensitivity to the present world you only develop by observing and listening.

There were many points I felt touched by in a rather profound way, not because the book contained an ancient lost knowledge on the inner working of the human heart, but because it presents the simple, everyday truths in such a delicate way. Simple things are sometimes the most complex for us to really, truly, without a doubt, understand. No, I mean, understand, by feeling it and accepting it without shying away from. There was a particular bit that I especially think fondly of:

ever slight spoiler warning if you already are a bit into the book
“This entire time, I was desperately hoping to find you so that this journey could end and we could go back to the Northern Wood. But I’m starting to realize that there is no end, not really. We must keep going, even when we arrive home.”

Wisp, Zephyr, fragments and everyone in this whimsical tale is all of us everywhere, and I hope to be able to reach for this book from time to time to remind myself to be "more a human 'being,' and less of a human 'doing.'"

edit: I just realized it was even published on my birthday. It cannot get better than that :)

[Artemis Cienfuegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cool and fun book. I love it. I really felt like I was transported into a different world.

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was incredibly heartwarming. Vibes wise it reminds me some of Winnie the Pooh in terms of adventures, friendship, love of forest, adorable animals. It was whimsical and felt like a nostalgic bedtime story. Really enjoyed the potions aspect too and Slimy the snail has my heart. Also, stunning cover, illustrations, and bookmark. I have Paola's art all around my house and I'm so glad I purchased a copy of her story :D

[Clara Odashima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and magical and heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Everything at once.
Amazing!