A review by ghostlydreamer
Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don't think I even have words to describe how much I adored this story. Far more than I expected to, I can say that much, at least.

The themes this book touches on are tricky and sometimes heavy, and the author handled them with so much beauty, grace, and gentleness. Friendship and loss are important aspects of this story, because Willow struggles with bullies at school who thinks she's weird because of her interests, so it appears that she doesn't have any friends. It's also heavily implied, without ever directly saying it, that her mother has passed away. As a result of these things, Willow's relationship with her older sister is strained, because Willow isn't sure how to handle her emptions, particularly her anger, and is likely to burst when those emotions run too high. Sometimes this is triggered by the way her older sister talks to her, as though she is trying to be their mom instead.

Willow learns several lessons in this book, one of which is how her sister is trying to cope with their loss too, and that instead of tearing each other down and saying mean things to each other, it is better that they work through their issues and keep each other close, because those relationships are more important than ever now. Willow has to learn this new perspective to strengthen her relationship with her sister, and this happens in a beautiful, albeit roundabout way.

While Willow is in the woods, she meets Pilu, and they hit it off immediately. They have a lot of things in common, even if they don't immediately see it. Pilu doesn't want to go home because she feels like she's not being heard and isn't given everything she needs. As Willow talks to her about the importance of family and how much they likely care about Pilu, Willow realizes the same might be true for herself. I thought that was a lovely way to teach this lesson. Sometimes it is while we are helping and teaching others that we learn the most things about ourselves. I think, in a way, this helps Willow heal a little more. Loss is hard, but I think in recognizing the importance of apologizing to her sister, she holds true to the promises she made her mom, and feels a little less guilty, and maybe a little closer to her mom too. Or that is what I hope for her, anyway.

Their friendship is very sweet, and I think it gives Willow a sense that she is not alone and that others may actually be interested in some of the things she says. Pilu was interested in the mushrooms just like she was. I do love how much Willow enjoys nature. How she feels like she's at home in the woods, surrounded by trees and flowers and mushrooms. And fairy rings. I also love how the magnolia blossoms that are so special between herself and her mom also come up with Pilu.

But I think what I love most about this story is it's representation of anger. The art style in this book is already exquisite, but the way the monsters are bottled up, the way they explode out of those glass bottles, was so unique and creative, and a perfect representation and image of what it's like to hold anger in. I can relate to it as an adult, but I think younger readers, who this book is geared towards, will be able to understand what this means perfectly. It's not too abstract of a concept, and it's done in a way that I feel will make their own emotions make sense to them too. It's very relatable and easy to understand. I also love the way Willow talks about her anger. She is aware of what she feels, to some degree. She just has a hard time learning to control it until the storm happens. I don't see many middle grade books that talk about anger like this, so I really want to give this book credit for being able to do that.

The ending is heartwarming, and Willow's growth was believable. It's a very short story, so sometimes these things can feel like they come out of nowhere, but not this one. The way the story is woven, the way it comes together at the end, it's all so lovely, and both Willow and Pilu come out stronger for it in the end. Even Willow's sister does too. And I do love that Willow's father is so supportive as well. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. Or a better story.

I'd read this again, and I'll read anything else this author writes as well. Excellently done.