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Philomella and the Impossible Forest
A were-dragon? A talking tree? Saving a world she didn’t know existed? ... Philomella’s having an unusual day. Mystery, humour and sparkling magic combine in this middle-grade fantasy-adventure novel – perfect for fans of The World Between Blinks and The Phantom Tollbooth.
When Philomella is drawn into the Impossible Forest – a place where anything can happen and usually does – she’s headed for all the adventure she never wanted. There’s a belligerent princess to rescue, trolls to battle and a treacherously bewitching river to cross … and that’s just for starters. They’re all part of a mysterious enemy’s grand plan to destroy both the Forest and Philomella – and in this world of strange and dangerous magic, she’ll have to beat her deadly opponent using only her brains.
And so, joined by some oddball companions (including a picnic basket with attitude, a boy whose ancestors were trees and a grandmother with weaponised kitchenware), Philomella sets out to do the impossible.
Can Philomella save the Forest?
And can she also learn how to save herself?
An utterly enchanting novel for readers aged 9 and up.
When Philomella is drawn into the Impossible Forest – a place where anything can happen and usually does – she’s headed for all the adventure she never wanted. There’s a belligerent princess to rescue, trolls to battle and a treacherously bewitching river to cross … and that’s just for starters. They’re all part of a mysterious enemy’s grand plan to destroy both the Forest and Philomella – and in this world of strange and dangerous magic, she’ll have to beat her deadly opponent using only her brains.
And so, joined by some oddball companions (including a picnic basket with attitude, a boy whose ancestors were trees and a grandmother with weaponised kitchenware), Philomella sets out to do the impossible.
Can Philomella save the Forest?
And can she also learn how to save herself?
An utterly enchanting novel for readers aged 9 and up.
336 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2023
1 person is currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 30, 2024
On the surface, Philomella and The Impossible Forest is a fun story with whimsy and adventure. Philomella, whose life has been turned upside down by her parents’ separation, is carrying a lot of anger – at his father for having a new family, at the people at her new school. When she steps onto a street that she was sure hadn’t existed before, she finds herself a key part of a quest to save the Impossible Forest. She’s not alone on this quest, her companions include a fierce grandmother, a boy descended from trees, a talking dog, a were-dragon, and a picnic basket. They encounter monsters, an obstinate princess, and some baffling puns along the way. There’s a good amount of danger and weapons get drawn, but ultimately this story is about using your heart and your brain to manage difficult circumstances.
Embedded in the story is Philomella’s and the other characters’ internal struggles, whether it is about grappling with one’s identity, forgiving oneself for a past mistake, or forgiving others.
Doris Brett is a clinical psychologist, and her knowledge and ability to discuss emotions were apparent throughout the book. As a psychologist who has worked with children, I enjoyed how certain themes are weaved into the fantasy – one particular scene took the ‘name it to tame it’ approach quite literally in a delightful way. Also, aside from Phillomella’s character arc, I particularly liked Mary’s (the were-dragon) – it was quite touching. I can’t get into why without spoiling the story, but I adored her acceptance of all of her emotions and all parts of herself.
As an adult reader, at times some of these themes felt very spelled out to me, and the Big Bad villain at times slips into cartoonish rather than menacing. However, I’m not the target audience for this book. If I had read this as a child, little me would have loved this. I would have identified with Philomella’s insistence on her ordinariness and hoped I had her compassion and courage. So I hope this book finds its way into the hands of children who will love the adventure, and find comfort in its themes about emotions.
Thank you to Hardie Grant Kids for providing us a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Review by Priscilla from Novel Feelings blog and podcast - where two psychologists take a deep dive into your favourite books
Embedded in the story is Philomella’s and the other characters’ internal struggles, whether it is about grappling with one’s identity, forgiving oneself for a past mistake, or forgiving others.
Doris Brett is a clinical psychologist, and her knowledge and ability to discuss emotions were apparent throughout the book. As a psychologist who has worked with children, I enjoyed how certain themes are weaved into the fantasy – one particular scene took the ‘name it to tame it’ approach quite literally in a delightful way. Also, aside from Phillomella’s character arc, I particularly liked Mary’s (the were-dragon) – it was quite touching. I can’t get into why without spoiling the story, but I adored her acceptance of all of her emotions and all parts of herself.
As an adult reader, at times some of these themes felt very spelled out to me, and the Big Bad villain at times slips into cartoonish rather than menacing. However, I’m not the target audience for this book. If I had read this as a child, little me would have loved this. I would have identified with Philomella’s insistence on her ordinariness and hoped I had her compassion and courage. So I hope this book finds its way into the hands of children who will love the adventure, and find comfort in its themes about emotions.
Thank you to Hardie Grant Kids for providing us a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Review by Priscilla from Novel Feelings blog and podcast - where two psychologists take a deep dive into your favourite books
April 1, 2023
What a fun, wholesome adventure!
Philomella is joined by a cast of colourful characters on a journey through the Impossible Forest. She learns lots of lessons along the way, making this a thought-provoking and meaningful middle grade novel.
Philomella is joined by a cast of colourful characters on a journey through the Impossible Forest. She learns lots of lessons along the way, making this a thought-provoking and meaningful middle grade novel.
June 14, 2023
This was lovely! Alice in Wonderland esque adventure of a girl who rather unexpectedly gets chosen to help the Impossible Forest and its inhabitants. I absolutely loved the characterisation; almost everything, from floor to cloak, was alive, and it was v funny to read abt. The actual characters were also v funny; I'd never thought about what a Temper would look like, and was delighted by the concept of a forest "Dear" aka a dear old granny hehe. Lots of wordplay and clever riddles, this also had some Arthurian myth in it and duh if I love that. Also v tender in its parallel between Philomella's fantastical, and her emotional, journey; the change in her mindset abt the move and divorce was evident, and these topics were handled well.
My only qualm is honestly, that I'm not 8-12; some of the messages deconstructing being average/wanting to be part of the popular girls were slightly heavy handed and didn't resonate with me, genuinely just bc I'm past that stage of my life. Little me would've benefitted a tad, tho.
My only qualm is honestly, that I'm not 8-12; some of the messages deconstructing being average/wanting to be part of the popular girls were slightly heavy handed and didn't resonate with me, genuinely just bc I'm past that stage of my life. Little me would've benefitted a tad, tho.
Read
April 7, 2023DNF at page 200.
Thoughts:
Cute characters
Railroading plot. Stuff just keep happening randomly rather than unfolding.
Everyone is white.
Stuff happened at her rather than to her
She lacked purpose and motivation. She was just sorta there. No will.
Good lessons about anger and being left behind for children with divorced parents.
Along with lessons of not judging people and not being prejudice.
Also expressing that sadness and anger are valid emotions like happiness. But feeling too much of one emotion isn’t healthy and it’s okay to have a range of emotions.
Felt a bunch of short stories smooshed together in an attempt to make a big story rather than a cohesive story.
Stuff just randomly always happened to Philomella with no explanation. And things always mysterious went her way.
Not for me.
Thoughts:
Cute characters
Railroading plot. Stuff just keep happening randomly rather than unfolding.
Everyone is white.
Stuff happened at her rather than to her
She lacked purpose and motivation. She was just sorta there. No will.
Good lessons about anger and being left behind for children with divorced parents.
Along with lessons of not judging people and not being prejudice.
Also expressing that sadness and anger are valid emotions like happiness. But feeling too much of one emotion isn’t healthy and it’s okay to have a range of emotions.
Felt a bunch of short stories smooshed together in an attempt to make a big story rather than a cohesive story.
Stuff just randomly always happened to Philomella with no explanation. And things always mysterious went her way.
Not for me.
May 1, 2023
'Philomella and the Impossible Forest' is such a fun, wholesome and adventurous read! Jam packed with quirky, loveable characters who you will love getting to know. There were a lot of important lessons and themes touched on in this read, including anger management and abandonment issues after a parent’s divorce.
Loved it!
Read by Sage
Loved it!
Read by Sage
August 1, 2025
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️!!
April 7, 2023
What a weird book!
I will admit that the beginning was confusing to get into, but once I opened my mind, this story flowed wonderfully!
There were some great life lessons Philomella learned, which really added to this story.
Overall a great middle grade read! 3.5 Stars
I will admit that the beginning was confusing to get into, but once I opened my mind, this story flowed wonderfully!
There were some great life lessons Philomella learned, which really added to this story.
Overall a great middle grade read! 3.5 Stars
December 7, 2023
This is an uplifting, ingenious middle-grade fantasy adventure with beautifully integrated life lessons that I highly recommend!
Philomella's life has changed a lot since her parents' divorce, and she's started looking at the world very differently. Even so, she doesn't remember a library on this street. Especially a library with a mind of its own, and a doorway to an Impossible Forest!
This story's charm kept me smiling the whole time. It's a beautifully crafted quest journey that combines whimsical magic with lessons for personal growth.
A lot of imagination has gone into building this intriguing world, where usually inanimate objects have feelings. I was blown away by the inventiveness on every page—picture a cloak throwing a tantrum, singing cutlery, and willow trees tired of being typecast as weeping.
Critiques? Only that I wanted more of everything. More of the affectionate cloak, the mysterious Lady's brother, Bill the talking dog, and contrary Rapunzel and her defiant reactance.
I can only hope there are more adventures ahead for Philomella, because I loved it from start to finish.
One more thing: This was written by an experienced clinical psychologist, so the lessons on self reliance, anger management, and coping with change are thoughtfully explained in language suitable for middle grade readers (and adults needing a friendly reminder!)
Disclaimer: gifted in return for an honest review
Philomella's life has changed a lot since her parents' divorce, and she's started looking at the world very differently. Even so, she doesn't remember a library on this street. Especially a library with a mind of its own, and a doorway to an Impossible Forest!
This story's charm kept me smiling the whole time. It's a beautifully crafted quest journey that combines whimsical magic with lessons for personal growth.
A lot of imagination has gone into building this intriguing world, where usually inanimate objects have feelings. I was blown away by the inventiveness on every page—picture a cloak throwing a tantrum, singing cutlery, and willow trees tired of being typecast as weeping.
Critiques? Only that I wanted more of everything. More of the affectionate cloak, the mysterious Lady's brother, Bill the talking dog, and contrary Rapunzel and her defiant reactance.
I can only hope there are more adventures ahead for Philomella, because I loved it from start to finish.
One more thing: This was written by an experienced clinical psychologist, so the lessons on self reliance, anger management, and coping with change are thoughtfully explained in language suitable for middle grade readers (and adults needing a friendly reminder!)
Disclaimer: gifted in return for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews