When she was a baby, Louisa lost her father. He simply floated away, never to return. Now she’s lost her mother and has nowhere to go. As her coins continue to dwindle, her fears of being swept away in the wind grow. It’s auspicious that she finds an invitation to the “Carnival Beneath the Stars”, even if at first, she doesn’t see it that way.
While Louisa is a child, she is well ahead of her years in some aspects. That she can take care of herself after her mother dies is impressive. I thought the magic that the other performers had was creative. It made them multi-dimensional to the reader. Although I figured out who the villain was when it came to the mystery, and perhaps that is because of my age, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book.
This was a fun and creative read from the very start. From the love bugs and the fact that Louisa floats, and each person at the carnival, you’re immersed in a magical world. Every few chapters you get an illustration to go with the storyline. I think it unfair that adult readers aren’t reading through the eyes of the middle grade this is marketed to. It carries heavy themes of love and loss, of friendship, and healing. With the magic and mystery, it holds great appeal to readers of all ages. A fun and imaginative read. Thank you, Macmillan Children’s, for sending this along!
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The Forest of Stars is available on Amazon for $9.99.
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