There once was a small town far in the West, that bordered a forest.

The townsfolk believed the forest was haunted but they would still cross the river to take the firewood they needed. The only person with a boat is Leina, a girl who smiled but never spoke. Her favourite passenger is a young name named Oren, with smiling eyes and a welcome joke.

Then, just like the rumours, he too vanishes on a trip to the forest. The townsfolk don’t look for him but Leina doesn’t believe he is gone forever, and looks out for his lantern to return from the darkness. When she finally sees a light she ventures in, only to find a man sized toad.

He needs a ride across the river, which Leina provides. But soon this toad who claims to be Lord of the Toadstools is back, upset at the treatment he received. Leina is unnerved but brave, following the toad into an underground palace.

She can hardly believe what she finds, but must conjure even more courage and even more cunning to not become another soul lost to the forest.

Told like a fairytale, this sumptuously illustrated hardback picture book is something special. It reminded me of the classic Rumpelstiltskin where thinking clearly and being cleverer than your captor is the only way to escape.

Essentially, Leina and the Lord of the Toadstools is about not just taking what you want, but also giving back. Being grateful for what you have and forgiving those around you – all spun with a touch of magic.

Authors – Myriam Dahman & Nicolas Digard

Illustrator – Júlia Sardà

Sophisticated Picture Book

Look Inside here

(2022, Fairytale, Magic, Animals, Courage, Palace, Truth, Friend, Ferrywoman, Forest, Haunted, Fantasy, Historical)