Forest of Wonders by Linda Sue Park - ESSENTIAL

Park, Linda Sue Forest of Wonders (Wing and Claw 1), 343 pages.  Harper (Harper Collins Publisher) 2016.  $16.99.  

Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

Raffa Santana lives near the Forest of Wonders.  He and his parents work as apothecaries gathering plants and herbs from the forest to made infusions to care for their village.  Raffa has a special talent with infusions.  While caring for an injured bat Raffa uses a rare red vine that has some magical side effects. Not only can the vine heal, it gives animals the ability to speak.  Raffa must make certain that this new knowledge stays a secret.  When his cousin steals some of the vine, Raffa must follow him and stop him from exposing the vine's power before it is too late. 

This is the first book in a new series from Newbery Medal author Linda Sue Park, and has the potential to be the next big hit.  Fans of the Spirit Animals Series will love this story.  With an array of great characters who are thrown together on a dangerous adventure, this is one book you won't want to put down.

EL, MS -ESSENTIAL. Gina, Media Specialist