The Woods

“Mysterious and beautifully rendered, R.L Toalson’s THE WOODS is a heartbreaking story of family, magic and grief that will touch readers’ hearts.” – Samantha M Clark, author of THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEASTToalson intersperses Lenora’s story with Richard’s journal excerpts and an enigmatic, menacing character’s first-person narrative, all of which lends context and dimension. The seamless blend of fantastical and realistic elements is particularly effective at exploring the multifaceted impact of tragedy and loss. – Booklist“A supernatural wonder of a book. This Grimm-like fantasy is vividly detailed and will appeal to young and old readers alike.” – School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)

R.L. Toalson has always been captivated by woods, particularly the piney woods of Texas. Her visits to woods have taken her to dark places, hopeful places, and humorous places (she once watched her husband try to tackle the above-ground tree roots in the woods of Huntsville State Park and, instead, fly over the handlebars of his bike). Woods are magical, mysterious places that often find their way into her stories. She is the author of the middle grade novel in verse, The Colors of the Rain, and silly kid poetry that has published online and in print publications around the world. You can visit her online at rltoalson.com.