As the Whispers of Trees Blog Tour comes to a close I want to take a moment and recap what reviewers have said about Ben Woodard's newest mythical adventure and also share my review.
If you missed any of the tour stops visit the Whispers of Trees Tour Page for a complete list of all participating blogs.
If you missed any of the tour stops visit the Whispers of Trees Tour Page for a complete list of all participating blogs.
About the Book
Title: Whispers of Trees |Author: Ben Woodard | Genre: Children's Multicultural Adventure
Number of Pages: 57 | Publisher: Miller-Martin Press | Publication Date: March 15, 2016 Synopsis: An ancient forest, a dark night, a strange woman—and whispers.
What is going on in this eerie Irish forest? Ten-year-old Declan has to find out. His brother is missing and only he can solve the mystery. But why him? He doesn’t even like his always-yelling brother who his sister says was eaten by wolves. But there are no wolves in Ireland.
Then a witch-like woman tells him the two of them have to go into the spooky woods to save his brother. But from what? The strange trees only whisper the answer and he must discover what they are trying to tell him. But he will learn much more than he ever dreamed.
Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure.
This is the second book in the Mythic Adventures Collection. The first book is The Boy Who Flew With Eagles.
You can preview it here: The Boy Who Flew With Eagles
Number of Pages: 57 | Publisher: Miller-Martin Press | Publication Date: March 15, 2016 Synopsis: An ancient forest, a dark night, a strange woman—and whispers.
What is going on in this eerie Irish forest? Ten-year-old Declan has to find out. His brother is missing and only he can solve the mystery. But why him? He doesn’t even like his always-yelling brother who his sister says was eaten by wolves. But there are no wolves in Ireland.
Then a witch-like woman tells him the two of them have to go into the spooky woods to save his brother. But from what? The strange trees only whisper the answer and he must discover what they are trying to tell him. But he will learn much more than he ever dreamed.
Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure.
This is the second book in the Mythic Adventures Collection. The first book is The Boy Who Flew With Eagles.
You can preview it here: The Boy Who Flew With Eagles
What reviewers have to say...
"Whispers of Trees really is a page-turner, a beautifully penned tale of fantasy, mystic folklore and thrills." - Mami Tales
"Was easy to fall into the story, easy to keep up and has a smooth tell through the entire book! All in all a great read!" - Stormy Nights Reviewing
"I thought the main plot of the story was good and taught respect for the forest. It was a short chapter book and would be good for older elementary and middle school kids that don’t get scared easily and like a little mystery." - Rockin Book Reviews
"This is a great story for young readers. It has a great sense of nature and a great feeling of listening to your heart. I love that the author combined fantasy with folklore to create this perfect length story." - Deal Sharing Aunt
"The author did a great job revealing a ten-year-old's inner struggle against fear, suspicion, and emotional distance from his father and brother." - Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest
"Was easy to fall into the story, easy to keep up and has a smooth tell through the entire book! All in all a great read!" - Stormy Nights Reviewing
"I thought the main plot of the story was good and taught respect for the forest. It was a short chapter book and would be good for older elementary and middle school kids that don’t get scared easily and like a little mystery." - Rockin Book Reviews
"This is a great story for young readers. It has a great sense of nature and a great feeling of listening to your heart. I love that the author combined fantasy with folklore to create this perfect length story." - Deal Sharing Aunt
"The author did a great job revealing a ten-year-old's inner struggle against fear, suspicion, and emotional distance from his father and brother." - Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest
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"As a young reader, I would have fallen in love with this story of a young boy caught in the midst of a troubled family. Reveled in the adventure deep into the lush green forest even with a million eyes following me. Shivered at the strange presence I sensed lurking all around me. Drawn to the mysterious woman living within the forest’s shadow. Afraid of what might have happened to my younger brother.
As a mature reader, I wanted more. And that’s what makes a great story!" - Carpinello's Writing Pages
"Whispers of Trees is a great story to encourage boys to read. The length of the book is easily manageable even for timid readers and there is a mystery to solve with a bit of suspense to keep them engaged." - Amanda's Books and More
"...this story took me to a place of whispers and dreariness but it held me captive to it’s tale." - 2ReadBook
"What really intrigued me about Whispers of Trees was the stories and legends about the trees. The book serves as a great reminder that we should respect the forest and all living things." - Where Connor & JT Go
"...a great story for children, especially if they enjoy suspense." - Bound 4 Escape
As a mature reader, I wanted more. And that’s what makes a great story!" - Carpinello's Writing Pages
"Whispers of Trees is a great story to encourage boys to read. The length of the book is easily manageable even for timid readers and there is a mystery to solve with a bit of suspense to keep them engaged." - Amanda's Books and More
"...this story took me to a place of whispers and dreariness but it held me captive to it’s tale." - 2ReadBook
"What really intrigued me about Whispers of Trees was the stories and legends about the trees. The book serves as a great reminder that we should respect the forest and all living things." - Where Connor & JT Go
"...a great story for children, especially if they enjoy suspense." - Bound 4 Escape
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"It has the perfect amount of mystery and suspense as well as a wonderful lesson for kids and adults. " - Lizards Laughter and Love
"This is a book your middle grade child will enjoy if they like reading about myths and legends." - Christy's Cozy Corners
"The visual imagery is very strong as well as the myth that is explored in the book. It is a simple story, one the children will follow quite well and learn from too." - Eloquent Articulation
"Well written story that inspires your imagination." - Kay LaLone
"This is a story with many layers of meaning which are exposed by repeated readings, and one that could definitely be used for guided reading in a classroom discussion on many topics." - Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog
"Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure." - Books Direct
"This is a book your middle grade child will enjoy if they like reading about myths and legends." - Christy's Cozy Corners
"The visual imagery is very strong as well as the myth that is explored in the book. It is a simple story, one the children will follow quite well and learn from too." - Eloquent Articulation
"Well written story that inspires your imagination." - Kay LaLone
"This is a story with many layers of meaning which are exposed by repeated readings, and one that could definitely be used for guided reading in a classroom discussion on many topics." - Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog
"Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure." - Books Direct
My Review
Whispers of Trees takes readers on a mythical journey deep into an Irish forest where legends are revealed and warnings are not to be ignored.
Declan and his family are vacationing in Ireland when his younger brother, Colin, suddenly vanishes. Their sister Bridget is certain he was eaten by a wolf, but Declan can't figure out what the fuss is about since Colin never behaves anyway. However, Declan can feel something from the surrounding forest. It's as if the trees have something to say, but how can that be? A chance encounter with the odd Mrs. O'Leary confirms Declan's suspicions and she convinces Declan that in order to save Colin he must listen to the trees. Will Declan heed her advice?
I found Whispers of Trees to be a consuming read full of suspenseful action and vivid detail. I love how one of the biggest lessons the story teaches is to slow down, stop running rampant, and listen to the world around you (or in Declan's case the trees) because there is a lot to be learned. As an avid hiker I have learned, just as Decaln does, to be more observant and to bring peace instead of chaos to those around me.
Whispers of Trees is a quick read, but the author is able to spin a beautiful story complete with important life lessons. I enjoyed the characters, especially the eccentric Mrs. O'Leary, whom I have yet to decide is a witch. The story is well organized and flows easily. The fast pace and intriguing plot will keep children engaged until the end. Great for reluctant readers.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
Declan and his family are vacationing in Ireland when his younger brother, Colin, suddenly vanishes. Their sister Bridget is certain he was eaten by a wolf, but Declan can't figure out what the fuss is about since Colin never behaves anyway. However, Declan can feel something from the surrounding forest. It's as if the trees have something to say, but how can that be? A chance encounter with the odd Mrs. O'Leary confirms Declan's suspicions and she convinces Declan that in order to save Colin he must listen to the trees. Will Declan heed her advice?
I found Whispers of Trees to be a consuming read full of suspenseful action and vivid detail. I love how one of the biggest lessons the story teaches is to slow down, stop running rampant, and listen to the world around you (or in Declan's case the trees) because there is a lot to be learned. As an avid hiker I have learned, just as Decaln does, to be more observant and to bring peace instead of chaos to those around me.
Whispers of Trees is a quick read, but the author is able to spin a beautiful story complete with important life lessons. I enjoyed the characters, especially the eccentric Mrs. O'Leary, whom I have yet to decide is a witch. The story is well organized and flows easily. The fast pace and intriguing plot will keep children engaged until the end. Great for reluctant readers.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
About the Author: Ben Woodard
Ben is an adventurer and storyteller who has traveled the world including climbing on Mt. Everest. He now writes adventure stories for boys and girls. Tales of lost gold and river caves, and flying with eagles. Stories of friendship that endure through adversity and danger. Adventures that inspire and educate and, most of all, entertain.
For more information about Ben, please visit BooksByBen.com.
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For more information about Ben, please visit BooksByBen.com.
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest
