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Woodland Academy
Have you ever heard about Woodland Academy? No? Well, then, you’re in luck, because you’re about to discover a fantastic school filled with wizards and witches of all sizes and ages.
I’m sure you’ve read stories with magic in them before but I don’t think you’ve ever read a story with a school quite like this one. All of the students are animals!
We’re taking you to Woodland Forest for our story, where anyone can be a wizard, from the smallest squirrel to the biggest bear. As long as they’re willing to try, no one is too short or too young!
Along the way, you’ll learn about enchanted objects, magic spells, and potions, meet new friends and even have some adventures in the woods. Oh, and we’ll enjoy a lot of good food!
So, come on in because I have so much to tell you!
Woodland Academy is the perfect feel-good story for anyone who’s looking to escape the real world. No matter your age or gender, you’re all welcome to enter Woodland Forest!
I’m sure you’ve read stories with magic in them before but I don’t think you’ve ever read a story with a school quite like this one. All of the students are animals!
We’re taking you to Woodland Forest for our story, where anyone can be a wizard, from the smallest squirrel to the biggest bear. As long as they’re willing to try, no one is too short or too young!
Along the way, you’ll learn about enchanted objects, magic spells, and potions, meet new friends and even have some adventures in the woods. Oh, and we’ll enjoy a lot of good food!
So, come on in because I have so much to tell you!
Woodland Academy is the perfect feel-good story for anyone who’s looking to escape the real world. No matter your age or gender, you’re all welcome to enter Woodland Forest!
- GenresFantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2022
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 29, 2022
This is a very cute story full of friendship and love. I loved how this fiction started, Appelsauce is so funny. This story guides the little one, as they can easily identify to the characters. All the characters are animals. The story transports you to a magical universe while keeping one foot in everyday life, the animals go to school, have homework, share their meals, hobbies. It invites us to slow down, to take the time to appreciate the simple things: a good book, a meal with family or friends. I also particularly liked the way the author shows how the characters help each other in benevolence. It shows that we are how we are, no need to pretend to be another one. I could go on to describe other positive points of this novel but I don't want to spoiler...
I'm thinking of offering it to my children's school library!!! I highly recommend this reading.
I'm thinking of offering it to my children's school library!!! I highly recommend this reading.
July 27, 2022
The story follows Applesauce, a squirrel starting school at a magic academy for animals and his adventures with his bunch of cute animal friends. I love this adorable book with vivid characters, perfect for all ages.
As a Potterhead, I love the references made to Harry Potter! Applesauce's encounters convey so much wisdom and messages, which makes the book very educational to children. Topics covered include gender equality, friendship, and courage. I find it a cosy, comforting read, especially before bed, to unwind after a long day, and it's a lovely bedtime story for kids.
As a Potterhead, I love the references made to Harry Potter! Applesauce's encounters convey so much wisdom and messages, which makes the book very educational to children. Topics covered include gender equality, friendship, and courage. I find it a cosy, comforting read, especially before bed, to unwind after a long day, and it's a lovely bedtime story for kids.
May 20, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by the book. Low stakes and low on drama. Great take on community coming together to be an even bigger family. Lots of feel good moments. Lots of topics were explored from friendship, acceptance, kindness, generosity and many more.
October 18, 2024
I have read many a middle grade book and had a wonderful time. Books that really didn’t have a lot happen in them. Low level of drama. Even books that had a lot happen but was written in a way that kids could totally digest. And still the writing itself carried it through.
Or books that had so much plot movement or character development that I was able to overlook weak writing.
This book was presented as a lovely little wood of magical creatures kept safe from humans by magic. They attend magic school and learn magic spells. Yet, it barely went anywhere. I skimmed. I never skim. I rarely DNF. I DNF when the content is too disturbing. I love happy books with happy people and this was too happy. It should have been right up my alley. I almost DNFed.
It is written in first person. Nothing against that. But way too many random exclamations. Like Yea!! Waouh! (Which I still have no clue how to say) and every character had many moments where they just said things like that. Dialogue that does not in any way move things along. The main character is a squirrel. It took me awhile to realize it was a male squirrel. It did not have a male voice to it. But I suppose it’s a squirrel so whatever. Way too many times he said things like, “oh sorry. Didn’t I tell you?” Maybe speaking to me the reader is cute a time or two. But that’s it.
There were a lot of moments that sounded like “So we did this and then this. And the day went like this.” It started to sound like a ten year old writing in a journal. Putting a lot of importance on unimportant things.
A lot of telling instead of showing. I got a sort of tour of the woodland. But then two different characters in the book got the tour too.
Every character was nice. The fox is energetic. You know that because I told you. Also I am shy. You won’t see me ever being shy. But just trust me I’m shy. That’s my character. Also the bear is not very confident. Every character was introduced with a list of characteristics like this instead of just showing me as we go along.
Except Sunny the grumpy frog. He complains about everything. We only see him one time in the whole 300 pages but we will talk about how everyone is nice but him. He is so terrible. What a terrible person. Oh he has nothing to do with the plot in anyway but he is awful.
Also human beings are wicked and disgusting. Not one of them makes any effort to keep the planet beautiful and healthy. Well maybe some humans but then again probably not. Animals were here first and they own the place and humans have no business interfering in the forest. They are terrible.
So I am beginning to wonder if that’s the point of this whole book. To introduce me to wonderful little animals (and I am forgetting they are magical because it’s rarely mentioned) and then explain how terrible we humans are to the planet.
But the best part of all was at the very end when one of the magical students decides to take a stand and call the magic school Woodland Academy for Wizards AND WITCHES of all shapes and sizes. So HA. Magical woodland FEMALES are represented and so even tho it has been barely mentioned for the entirety of the book we have solved all the problems of the world around us. Isn’t that satisfying? Waouh! Yea!
Or books that had so much plot movement or character development that I was able to overlook weak writing.
This book was presented as a lovely little wood of magical creatures kept safe from humans by magic. They attend magic school and learn magic spells. Yet, it barely went anywhere. I skimmed. I never skim. I rarely DNF. I DNF when the content is too disturbing. I love happy books with happy people and this was too happy. It should have been right up my alley. I almost DNFed.
It is written in first person. Nothing against that. But way too many random exclamations. Like Yea!! Waouh! (Which I still have no clue how to say) and every character had many moments where they just said things like that. Dialogue that does not in any way move things along. The main character is a squirrel. It took me awhile to realize it was a male squirrel. It did not have a male voice to it. But I suppose it’s a squirrel so whatever. Way too many times he said things like, “oh sorry. Didn’t I tell you?” Maybe speaking to me the reader is cute a time or two. But that’s it.
There were a lot of moments that sounded like “So we did this and then this. And the day went like this.” It started to sound like a ten year old writing in a journal. Putting a lot of importance on unimportant things.
A lot of telling instead of showing. I got a sort of tour of the woodland. But then two different characters in the book got the tour too.
Every character was nice. The fox is energetic. You know that because I told you. Also I am shy. You won’t see me ever being shy. But just trust me I’m shy. That’s my character. Also the bear is not very confident. Every character was introduced with a list of characteristics like this instead of just showing me as we go along.
Except Sunny the grumpy frog. He complains about everything. We only see him one time in the whole 300 pages but we will talk about how everyone is nice but him. He is so terrible. What a terrible person. Oh he has nothing to do with the plot in anyway but he is awful.
Also human beings are wicked and disgusting. Not one of them makes any effort to keep the planet beautiful and healthy. Well maybe some humans but then again probably not. Animals were here first and they own the place and humans have no business interfering in the forest. They are terrible.
So I am beginning to wonder if that’s the point of this whole book. To introduce me to wonderful little animals (and I am forgetting they are magical because it’s rarely mentioned) and then explain how terrible we humans are to the planet.
But the best part of all was at the very end when one of the magical students decides to take a stand and call the magic school Woodland Academy for Wizards AND WITCHES of all shapes and sizes. So HA. Magical woodland FEMALES are represented and so even tho it has been barely mentioned for the entirety of the book we have solved all the problems of the world around us. Isn’t that satisfying? Waouh! Yea!
December 8, 2025
I'll start this by saying this is a cute world and there are some cute characters. That's what made it possible for me to finish this book, though I nearly DNFd it about a dozen times.
This feels more like the document an author writes as they're developing their world than a story. Nothing much happens except for a small adventure maybe 2/3 of the way through the book. And I'm all for slow, cozy, atmospheric stories, but there's basically no conflict or struggle, which also means there's not really any character growth either. The characters are all essentially exactly the same at the end as at the beginning, which just doesn't make for an interesting read. And so much is telling instead of showing. There are recaps of conversations instead of actual conversations. And every detail is given. We don't need to know every single thing the character does every single moment of the day. There's a pretty big cast of characters, yet many of them are not at all memorable because everyone is super nice and friendly and encouraging and feels exactly the same.
I also felt frustrated that every moment seemed to need to be turned into a "Learning Moment" sometimes with Applesauce (the squirrel narrator) even talking directly to the reader. It smothers you with morals, but not because most of the characters learned something from their mistakes but because they didn't make mistakes because they had already learned all their lessons. Okay, this is a slight exaggeration, but that's what it felt like. The main character in particular fell very flat. The one character that does face the most growth, the bear whose name I can't remember, is in conflict because his parents won't let him do art. He has to be a great magician instead. So everyone INCLUDING THE OTHER ADULTS help him hide his new artistic pursuits from his parents and justify it by saying that the bear's parents are no fun and shouldn't treat their son that way.
Also, we should all be aware that humans are mean and terrible and do nothing but destroy all nature and Sunny the frog is terribly mean and grumpy and you must remember that even though it has no bearing on the plot whatsoever.
I apologize for the grumpy rant that this has turned into, but I loved this cover and I wanted to like the book and instead it was a slog and frustrating.
With the one big adventure moment, there is some danger and a traumatic story told by a young raccoon they rescue whose family died before we meet him.
This clearly wasn't for me, but if you're looking for a meandering, cozy read where friends and family all love each other and get along and there's minimal conflict, this would be for you.
This feels more like the document an author writes as they're developing their world than a story. Nothing much happens except for a small adventure maybe 2/3 of the way through the book. And I'm all for slow, cozy, atmospheric stories, but there's basically no conflict or struggle, which also means there's not really any character growth either. The characters are all essentially exactly the same at the end as at the beginning, which just doesn't make for an interesting read. And so much is telling instead of showing. There are recaps of conversations instead of actual conversations. And every detail is given. We don't need to know every single thing the character does every single moment of the day. There's a pretty big cast of characters, yet many of them are not at all memorable because everyone is super nice and friendly and encouraging and feels exactly the same.
I also felt frustrated that every moment seemed to need to be turned into a "Learning Moment" sometimes with Applesauce (the squirrel narrator) even talking directly to the reader. It smothers you with morals, but not because most of the characters learned something from their mistakes but because they didn't make mistakes because they had already learned all their lessons. Okay, this is a slight exaggeration, but that's what it felt like. The main character in particular fell very flat. The one character that does face the most growth, the bear whose name I can't remember, is in conflict because his parents won't let him do art. He has to be a great magician instead. So everyone INCLUDING THE OTHER ADULTS help him hide his new artistic pursuits from his parents and justify it by saying that the bear's parents are no fun and shouldn't treat their son that way.
Also, we should all be aware that humans are mean and terrible and do nothing but destroy all nature and Sunny the frog is terribly mean and grumpy and you must remember that even though it has no bearing on the plot whatsoever.
I apologize for the grumpy rant that this has turned into, but I loved this cover and I wanted to like the book and instead it was a slog and frustrating.
With the one big adventure moment, there is some danger and a traumatic story told by a young raccoon they rescue whose family died before we meet him.
This clearly wasn't for me, but if you're looking for a meandering, cozy read where friends and family all love each other and get along and there's minimal conflict, this would be for you.
June 18, 2023
"Woodland Academy: a magic school for animals" by Maëva Debeauquenne takes readers on an enchanting journey into the whimsical world of Woodland Forest, where animals of all sizes and ages attend a magical school.
In this delightful story, the author introduces us to a unique academy where animals learn the art of wizardry and witchcraft. From squirrels to bears, every creature has the opportunity to become a skilled wizard as long as they are willing to put in the effort and embrace the magic within them.
As readers delve into the book, they are introduced to a vibrant cast of animal characters who navigate their way through classes, learn about enchanted objects, practice magic spells, and brew potions. The author's imaginative descriptions bring the magical elements to life, creating a sense of wonder and excitement.
Alongside the magical education, readers also accompany the characters on adventures in the woods, where they encounter challenges and discover the true power of friendship. The book's lighthearted tone and delightful storytelling make it a perfect read for young readers who are fascinated by magical tales and animals.
Maëva Debeauquenne's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the magical world of Woodland Academy. The author's emphasis on friendship and determination sends positive messages to young readers, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities.
"Woodland Academy: a magic school for animals" offers a charming and imaginative reading experience that will captivate the hearts of children and spark their imagination. With its combination of magic, friendship, and adventure, this book is sure to leave young readers eagerly awaiting their own invitation to the enchanting world of Woodland Forest.
In this delightful story, the author introduces us to a unique academy where animals learn the art of wizardry and witchcraft. From squirrels to bears, every creature has the opportunity to become a skilled wizard as long as they are willing to put in the effort and embrace the magic within them.
As readers delve into the book, they are introduced to a vibrant cast of animal characters who navigate their way through classes, learn about enchanted objects, practice magic spells, and brew potions. The author's imaginative descriptions bring the magical elements to life, creating a sense of wonder and excitement.
Alongside the magical education, readers also accompany the characters on adventures in the woods, where they encounter challenges and discover the true power of friendship. The book's lighthearted tone and delightful storytelling make it a perfect read for young readers who are fascinated by magical tales and animals.
Maëva Debeauquenne's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the magical world of Woodland Academy. The author's emphasis on friendship and determination sends positive messages to young readers, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities.
"Woodland Academy: a magic school for animals" offers a charming and imaginative reading experience that will captivate the hearts of children and spark their imagination. With its combination of magic, friendship, and adventure, this book is sure to leave young readers eagerly awaiting their own invitation to the enchanting world of Woodland Forest.
January 15, 2024
This was just a wholesome delight. A book that quite deliberately lacks any overarching story, no dramas or complications, but instead simply thrives on its delightful premise & characters. A book you don’t so much as read as you do simply hang out with for a bit.
There was certainly a part of me that longed for a story, or even a follow up book that could take that next level, but for what it is, it’s just a cute adventure. A great adventure for its target audience, and an enjoyable read to those outside of it too.
There was certainly a part of me that longed for a story, or even a follow up book that could take that next level, but for what it is, it’s just a cute adventure. A great adventure for its target audience, and an enjoyable read to those outside of it too.
October 14, 2025
This was such a cute and quirky read. I loved the characters and the story, and I think it had some wonderful themes and moments that a lot of young people would relate to. My only issue is that I feel as though this book is too long for its target audience, and would have benefited from perhaps being 2 books. Other than that it was such a fun enjoyable read, and I adored applesauce’s commentary.
October 1, 2023
It's rare that I get a chance to read anthropomorphic fantasy, but this month I got my hands on two such books. Woodland Academy is one of them - and it was a lot of fun! While it's geared toward a younger audience, older readers can also enjoy this high-positivity tale about family, friendship, and community.
January 27, 2024
A cozy and comforting story for children before going to bed and help them love books and stories. But also adults (like myself ;)) can read this when they want to find some relief and comfort after a long and busy day of “adulting” and problems and live some fun adventures with animals in a forest who practice magic!!!
Thank you to the author for writing this simple yet creative World.
Thank you to the author for writing this simple yet creative World.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews