Book Review of The Tales of Sebastian the Ash
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The Children’s Book Review
The Tales of Sebastian the Ash
Written and Illustrated by Emily Poilé
Ages: 10+ | 76 Pages
Publisher: Nightingale Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-83875-771-7
What to Expect: Nature, love, growth, magic, forest ecosystems, and ecological balance.
In a vibrant forest where trees, animals, and fungi collaborate to maintain harmony, wise Sebastian the Ash guides readers through an enchanting world filled with magic and adventure.
Sebastian the Ash lives an idyllic life in the forest, surrounded by the plants, animals, and fungi who make up the forest ecosystem—and close to his beloved, a beautiful and wise boulder. However, things aren’t always peaceful in the forest—attacks can happen at any time, from the hunter targeting the stag to the invasive Emerald Ash Beetle.
There are smaller troubles too, such as the sadness and loneliness that can come from losing a loved one, or the devastation that a forest fire can wreak. Luckily, the forest has its own brand of magic. By working together, the plants, animals, and fungi can raise defenses and support one another, ensuring that the beautiful harmony and balance of the forest is maintained—keeping everyone who lives there happy!
In this unusual chapter book, the main characters are not humans, but trees, foxes, birds, and even mycorrhizal fungi. Sebastian the Ash is wise, compassionate, and philosophical, making him a wonderful guide for readers as they explore the unfamiliar, magical world of the forest ecosystem. The story is filled with rich descriptions of that world, from the smells of earth and the different qualities of light to the unique characters of the different plants and animals that inhabit the forest.
These descriptions aren’t just beautiful; readers will also learn a great deal of biological information along the way, from the way fungi transfer nutrients via plant roots to the way seeds can help a forest regenerate after a fire. The occasional black-and-white sketch is included, depicting the forest creatures with vibrancy and personality, while the story’s use of advanced vocabulary helps build readers’ literacy skills and scientific knowledge.
For any reader who loves the natural world, this magical and imaginative story is sure to become a firm favorite.
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About the Author
Emily Poilé is an artist and writer from Monterey, California. The splendor of the California coast impressed upon her the magic of nature from a very early age, which has proven to be a lifelong inspiration. She studied art at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She currently resides outside of Athens, Greece with her husband, daughter, and their dog, Betty, where she is currently working on her next children’s book.
For more information, visit www.emilypoile.com.
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