Shadow Forest

By Matt Haig

Published by Bodley Head

Samuel and Martha's parents are killed when a log falls on the family car. Traumatised, the children go to live with strange, sad Aunt Eda in Norway, close to a forest full of dangerous creatures. Martha ignores warnings not to enter the forest – she already knows how horrible life can be. Samuel follows her to bring her back. This prompts Aunt Eda to try to rescue them both, even though she had lost her husband in the forest years before. In the forest they find the creatures are not as wicked as they seem; an evil professor rules and keeps its inhabitants in thrall. Sad, macabre, touching and hopeful by turns, this is an engrossing story with rounded characters and a satisfying, uplifting conclusion.

 

Matt Haig said:  “I am absolutely over-the-moon that Shadow Forest won, not only as a lifelong Blue Peter fan but also because this is one of the only national awards where children decide the winner. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was halfway through a book event at a school when suddenly I turned around and saw a Blue Peter camera crew burst in to hand me the award. I nearly hyperventilated! I was up against some very stiff competition so I couldn’t believe I’d won my category let alone the overall prize, although I’m very pleased I did!”

Rhyl, 10, from Wales, one of the child judges, said:  "Shadow Forest was my favourite book. It is a creepy fantasy book full of weird and wonderful creatures and I found it extremely hard to put down.  Matt Haig had me gripped from start to finish."

Zoe, 11, from Scotland, another of the child judges, said: "Shadow Forest was by far the favourite book we judged. Personally, I couldn't put it down.  It was so exciting:  fun but scary at the same time. It was very well written and I never wanted it to end. When you read the book, you really felt like one of the characters. It was the best book in the final and I think most of the judges agreed."

Tim Levell, Editor of Blue Peter, said:  “The Blue Peter Book Awards are special because they are chosen by children for children.  We know how much our young audience loves reading, but on World Book Day, we want to encourage children to try some books they might not know about – and hopefully get some new favourites to add to their bookshelf!”