A new story for young readers weaves together magic, nature’s peril and the value of friendship.

Forest Girl, the latest work by Lucy Owen with pictures by Rebecca Harry, continues where their 2021 title Flower Girl left off, following Cherry, a girl created from flower petals.

The tale explores bonds between characters and conservation efforts as Cherry comes across a strange girl living among the trees—someone who feels strangely familiar, yet whose world faces sudden danger.

Ms Owen remarked that she was delighted to bring Forest Girl to audiences.

She explained that the story pays tribute to friendship and the difference possible when people work together for what they believe in.

She noted that her career in reporting provided inspiration for the narrative—reports about the Celtic rainforests in this country have long fascinated her.

She wanted to recognise their wonder and enchantment through these pages.

She anticipated young readers would enjoy seeing Cherry, Ruth, Joe and Bud the butterfly again.

She anticipated they would meet Ivy and Ringo the dragonfly for another magical journey, with a woodland’s future at stake.

Published by Atebol, Forest Girl is aimed at children from seven years upwards.

It merges environmental themes with storytelling to highlight Wales’s Celtic rainforests and the rare creatures that inhabit them.

Owain Saunders Jones, head of Atebol, commented that the company focused on creating content that motivates, inspires and educates readers of every age.

He stated that this explained their pleasure at partnering with Lucy and Rebecca on Forest Girl’s release.

He expressed hope that Forest Girl would find its way into libraries, bookshops and schools, as these environments play a vital role in sparking a lasting love of reading.