by Aubrey Hartman
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
2/25/2025, hardcover
SKU: 9780316575720
A Newbery Honor Award Book!
A fox and a badger begrudgingly team up to change their destinies in this endearing middle grade novel Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout, this critically acclaimed novel brings Deadwood Forest to life through both words and art. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Applegate.
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive--just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.
Clare's quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare's efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.
Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl--the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.
Target age: 8 to 11
Reviews:
"Hartman's animal fantasy is lightly macabre in its trappings but sweet and uplifting in substance, and the conversational narration adds an extra layer of whimsy to the proceedings. This tale of self-love and acceptance makes the most of its unique setting and the memorable characters found there." -- Booklist, starred review
"To tuck such a deeply felt tale of self-discovery and love in such a delightfully raucous adventure is quite the feat, and Hartman's sophomore outing is surely a classic in the making. Readers will not soon forget Clare and Gingersnipes--and they'll be thrilled by the revelation of the unknown narrator and an ending that potentially promises more adventures."-- BCCB, starred review
"Told in beautiful prose and with rich imagery, this is a deep story about death, loss, and grief, but also about compassion, finding meaning, and discovering what one really is made of in the face of the strongest adversity." -- School Library Journal
About the Author:
Aubrey Hartman is the Newbery Honor winning author of The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest and The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor. Her books have received critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, Book Riot, BCCB, and various other outlets, and have been featured on numerous Best Books of the Year lists. She lives in California with her husband, three young children, and cat.