A Mystery in the Forest

by Susanna Isern, Daniel Montero Galán (Illustrator)

Deer wakes up every morning at the break of dawn, when the sun begins to rise and illuminates the entire field. Deer’s daily routine consists of harvesting seasonal winter is the time for oranges, pears and apples, spring for strawberries and cherries, summer for raspberries and figs, and autumn is for chestnuts and hazelnuts. And you may wonder ... What does Deer do with all those fruits? You see, Deer loves to cook with all the ingredients that he collects every morning, but what makes him extremely happy is to gather all his friends and share his elaborate dishes with them. One morning like any other, Deer starts his daily route, but someone seems to have already been there… Worried, Deer decides to go home, and what a surprise! The house is turned upside down and… someone has stolen his precious Secret Recipe Book! Do you dare to discover this great mystery?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Fiction, Fantasy, Food, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Susanna Isern Íñigo

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a certain kind of reader, you will like this book.

Disclaimer: I am not that kind of reader, as I'll explain after giving this book FIVE OFFICIAL STARS.

Deer is not only adult. He's advanced enough as an adult to have grown very developed antlers. He bakes, he entertains, he leads quite the gourmet life, living large in his immaculate human-type home. The guy even wears a chef's toque, extra-large, to go with his antlers.

Deer's success extends to his wide circle of friends, all grownup animals who (like Deer) wear expensive-looking adult clothes.

This is by far the most financially privileged collection of animals I've ever met in a picture book. Compared with this gang, elephant King Babar and his family seem unfashionable, in urgent need of image makeovers, and even -- dare I write this? -- declasse.

Eventually, related to the book's bizarre "mystery," comes a pivotal conversation. Following this, we read what imo are the key words to the entire plot:

Deer "reflects on what happens." He changes course and does something entirely different, leading to a happy-happy ending. (Maybe verging on over-sweetened.)

WHY will some parents like this book?

1. The book appeals to grownups, especially ones who appreciate haute cuisine and social gatherings with others of similar class.
2. Language in this book is not for children. It's for grownups, ones who like to read books their kids can't understand directly, but then their wise parents can do the explaining.
3. Parents who are into psychotherapy, or pop psychology, will love how dear Deer reflected, just like any wise, self-conscious, self-improving human who's into managing his emotional reactions.

Well, enjoy this, folks. And, hey, here's even a gourmet recipe at the end, one that refers to 0.7 cups of butter, 1 small pot of natural yogurt (being baked into a pie), and 1 sachet of yeast. (Never have I found "sachet"s of yeast in a supermarket, but then my lifestyle hasn't been expensive enough, I presume.) The three apples can be any size, any variety? Unlike the 1.7 cups of flour???

Especially lovely -- or chi-chi -- depending on the reader: What's the final ingredient to the recipe at the end of this book: Smile from sunrise to sunset, and from moonrise to moonset.

PERSONALLY, My Assessment of this Picture Book

* It isn't written for children.
* All characters lacks credibility, as does the plot.
* Don't even ask me about the oddly phallic appearance of Deer's stomach... or something... hanging down, sometimes, beneath his expensive sweaters.

Also, I usually love the illustrations in picture books. But not this time. I'll leave it there.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every morning, just as day is breaking, Deer leaves his house, turns left at the fifth pine tree to the right, crosses through the willow wood, wades across the river at its narrowest point, and happily trots into the quietist part of the forest." So begins this story of a deer who wakes up every day to forage for ingredients and bake delicious treats for his forest friends. I love the detailed illustrations of both the interiors and exteriors of the animals' forest homes, although the rendering of Deer with his unnaturally bending limbs, standing upright, clothed on top but not bottom, is somewhat creepy. Deer, however, is an excellent model of forgiveness, kindness and generosity in this Indie Awards finalist that is printed, appropriately, on environmentally friendly Stone Paper, which is processed without trees, water or bleach.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Whispers of the Forest series (#1 is The Lonely Mailman - all about kindness.) Deer has a secret place in the forest where he gather delicious food which he then cooks into wonderfully yummy dishes for his friends. But one day - he finds damage to his secret garden. And his kitchen has been ransacked. And his cookbook has been stolen! Who would do such a thing? And why? (The important part here is WHY.) Deer solves the mystery and he is angry. But the perpetrator explains WHY. And Deer's heart is moved. There are consequences - but they are wonderful consequences for everyone. Was Deer intentionally wronged? Yes. But he took the time to listen to the Why and chose to forgive the offender. And even go beyond forgiveness and show grace. A lovely story. Isern is a Spanish author so this books are also available in Spanish.

[A Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has major cottagecore vibes. Deer goes foraging every morning and then makes something delicious to share with the neighbors. One day he finds that someone has gotten to the forest before him and done damage. Then, he finds his house in disarray and his recipe book missing, too! He follows a trail of pine nuts to Rabbit's house and gets his recipe book back. Deer explains why he is mad, and Rabbit explains why he did what he did. The two part ways and then Deer reflects on what happened. In the end Deer decides to take Rabbit under his wing and now the two forage together and bake together and then share with their friends. This story is about what it takes to be a friend.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable children's book tells the story of a cute little deer that loves to bake and pick fruit. The deer solves a mystery that happened at his home.

Things I liked:
- The plot is so cute.
- The illustrations are adorable and amazing.
- Lots of cottagecore vibes!
- I love woodland animals, especially deers and foxes so this book was perfect.
- Has the best fall and winter vibes.
- So cozy!
- The pages are ecologically friendly and feel very cool!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great time reading this book. The story is perfect for learning about the importance of harvest and also consume seasonal fruits, as well as to approach children to nature. Also, this book is made out of stone paper, which pollute a lot less than "conventional" paper. It comes with a recipe, so we can benefit from it and cook with out little ones.

The story has an important and wonderful message, which is to help others and give an other change to those who are in need of help.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enchanting book that puts me in the mind of Narnia and other magical worlds with talking animals and mysterious fun. But the magic in this book is more simple and important than the usual kind; that of kindness and friendship. I really liked this story and how it offers a look at redemption. It is more suited for an older child who is willing to sit through a longer story.

[Spider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely gorgeous picture book! The pictures are completely magical and so very full of detail. The illustrator shows the passage of time by featuring a character multiple times in the same illustration as they go about their day, and to great effect! The story was wonderful. It's very cozy and sweet. We will definitely be reading this one again.

[Tayler K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the texture of the Stone Paper this book is printed on--so smooth.

A sweet little story about a deer just enjoying his life gathering things from the forest and making sweets to share with the neighbors. Then his house is ransacked and his recipe book goes missing! Rabbit just wanted to make friends with desserts too, but his cake doesn't turn out well at all. Deer is upset, but then he invites Rabbit to cook with him and all is well.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story about a deer who loves to prepare treats for his friends who live in the forest and how he learns how to share that talent and love with others. I have to say I did not care for the illustrations of the animals though. I thought they were a little creepy looking.

[Mrs. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, for starters, the illustrations are a huge draw to this book - they're irresistible. And, who doesn't love a deer as a main character - I never realized deer were so underrated in children's picture books. Overall, this book as a very nice story and it's a great one to share with children.

[Jade Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is wonderful. The story is subpar. My little didn’t really connect with it and I had to have a lengthy talk about crime 🤣 she wanted the bunny arrested for theft and destruction of property.

[Megan Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh! The animals kind of creeped me out, and I love animals. The pages are made of an interesting material (Stone Paper?) though, and it was fun to feel them.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book to read about forgiveness and friendship that I would definitely include on any classroom bookshelf.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful looking book, but something was seriously lost in translation for me. Too many words for not much story.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrator Daniel Montero Galan's luminous illustrations nearly bounce off the page in this delightful sensitive nature-bound story of a forest community of animals who enjoy the labors of Deer's harvest throughout the year. Every day Deer travels deep into the woods to secret locations to gather nuts, fruits, and berries which he brings home and bakes into delightful desserts, sharing with his forest friends. When, one day, he arrives home to a house disheveled and ransacked and his recipe book stolen, he sets out to find the culprit. Easily, he follows a trail of pine nuts to Rabbit's house and discovers Rabbit trying unsuccessfully to imitate his dessert. On the way home after angrily retrieving his lost recipe book, Deer has a change of heart and invites Rabbit to be his assistant chef and life returns to its previous peaceful forest community.

This would be a fine selection to put in the hands of a young child whose house has been broken into.