The Heart of the Forest

Barry Jonsberg (author)

Craig Phillips (illus)

Scholastic, Australia: 50pp

ISBN: 9781862918139

Genres: adventure, realistic fiction

Keely hates the monthly bushwalks her parents insist they take in the Blue Mountains. They're supposed to be stress-free and peaceful - which is pretty hard when her parents are arguing and her twin brother, Aaron is always tagging along behind. Keely decides to take an alternate route and surprise her parents when she gets ahead of them. But she falls and loses her way.

And suddenly Keely, who's always been the strong one, finds that in the dark forest at night, it is Aaron who knows what to do; Aaron who keeps her safe and helps her find her way home.

One of Scholastic's Mates series, this is a simple interpretation of an Australian favourite - the child lost in the bush - Jonsberg's writing skill shines as he manages to craft the 1000 or so words into a delightful exploration of the complex relationship between twins. An unexpected twist in the conclusion raises the story to another level.