Pilu of the Woods

Struggling after her mother’s death, Willow cannot find the peace that she needs. Her sister is acting like a parent, and the kids at school tease her for showing her raw emotions. On a particularly rough day, she erupts at her taunting classmates and bossy sibling and flees into the woods, where she feels most comfortable. There, she stumbles upon Pilu, a tree spirit who doesn’t believe her mother cares about her. Together, the two explore the forest, and, along the way, help each other reconcile the inner turmoil that neither is prepared to face alone. Nguyen’s tale draws out (sometimes literally) the characters’ inner demons and presents readers with a language of self-awareness. The subdued, earthy palette helps to emphasize the story’s focus on quiet internal growth rather than on bright, loud action. Nguyen’s manga-like art style and slow panel pacing also aid in conveying the story’s inward focus. Effectively navigating grief, anger, and their place in the world, the characters in this debut show without didacticism how to engage with tough emotions. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. [em](Apr.) [/em]