This brand new series about tiny magical folk saving animals and trying to reverse the damage caused by humans is not only charming, it has a strong eco-message. Perfect for readers moving on from picture books, it celebrates the beauty of the nature and the importance of rewilding.

In the middle of Whispering Woods live The Keepers - a secret tribe of little people who spend their nights to care for the countryside. Cora and Jax, fledging Keepers, are desperate to pass their trial. But with the world of Ruffins (humans) proving strange and exciting, will they stay focussed on the job in hand?

Written by the author of Unicorn Academy and beautifully illustrated by Katy Riddell, readers are emerged in both fantasy and reality. The set-up of the world is great - reminiscent of The Borrowers and Mrs. Pepperpot - and the plot and themes of the story will appeal to nature-lovers, animal-lovers and fairies. Teamwork and friendship is also championed in the book as well as responsibility, the importance of not shirking your duty, using initiative and being kind and caring. I loved how the characters made mistakes and then worked to put them right and seeing the actions of the ruffins (us) through the Keepers eyes is really...well...eye-opening. And, with more books on the way, I think this is definitely a series to watch.

Fox Club Rescue is a delight of a book. Julie Sykes quickly sets the scene for the world of the Keepers, magical folk whose work it is to look after the natural world and undo some of the damage done by humans (or Ruffins). Cora and Jax, the main characters, are off into the Ruffin's world for their first mission, to sow seeds and collect fir cones and birds eggs. It is this seemingly simple mission that sets in motion a fun adventure in which Cora and Jax find and rescue an injured fox cub, almost meet disaster on a playground slide, and learn a lot about setting priorities, sticking to their goals, working together and friendship. With a strong message about looking after our natural world as well as themes of working for your dreams and being true to yourself, Fox Cub Rescue is a beautifully written book. The world-building is delightful and if you don't want a cup of coffee in the Crow's Nest by the turn of the final page I will be very surprised.

My daughter who is seven adores books about woodland animals and this is no exception. A beautiful book with lovely descriptions and dialogue. .

I read this book, all the while thinking how much my 7 year old would love it. It has everything in a series of books that she loves: magic, adventure, friendship, wildlife. It is a lovely read about The Keepers, and a lot of young children who are beginning to try being more independent, but not necessarily getting it right, will really be able to connect with the characters Cora and Jax, and the mishaps that they have along the way.

I'll be looking out for this series as more books are released.

This is a lovely story of Cora and Jax who are young Keepers who are embarking on becoming fully fledged Keepers. Obviously, due to their actions, things do not go to plan.
This story is to teach children that every action has a consequence and you have to think before you act.

My son and I loved the story and also loved the fact there are instructions on how to create your own Wildlife Meadow at the end of the book which we will definitely be doing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for my ARC.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books, and Piccadilly Press for letting us have an ebook to review.

Deep in Whispering Wood lives a hidden community of smallfolk, woodland sprite-like folk who are not much bigger than a mouse. Their home is called Hidden Middle, and from there they head into the 'Ruffin (human) world to look after nature, reseed, repair and protect the environment from the actions of Ruffins. They also live off the land and seek out and collect their food and discarded objects to help their hidden community.

Those that do this work are called 'Keepers', and they do their work very early in the morning, or the last thing at night when the Ruffins are asleep.

Out two protagonist friends are Cora and Jax. When the story opens they are hoping that their first trip out into the 'BIG OUTSIDE' as they call the woods and Ruffin occupied places will also be the day they are accepted as trainee Keepers. Both are keen. Cora knows she can succeed today. Jax, well, he's a bit bold and a fun-loving lad who loves to sprint around and play. Together they are prone to mishaps. Both know they don't want to go back to school.

Their given tasks, to reseed a playing field, seem so easy, with plenty of time available. But very soon the awe of the Big Outside and a Ruffin playground causes a series of events that test not only Cora's and Jax's friendship and jeopardises their future chances but also puts others, including a fox cub, in peril. All as a direct result of their actions!

We instantly fell in love with Cora and Jax and were quite at ease with Julie Sykes' Hidden Middle world from the first page. Katy Riddell's wonderful illustration add just the right atmosphere at just the right time to give the very same sprinkling of 'Keeper magic mist' that Cora uses during the adventure.

The underlying story of action and consequence was ably woven throughout, subtly at times, but always relevant to the story.

The book concludes with a wonderful activity for the reader to create their own wildflower meadow. We love these extra activities and are so pleased that more books are including them.

All in all, top marks for an adventure that is fun, thrilling and full of positive environmental actions and activities to encourage the young mind.