Wildwood, by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis

When Prue McKeel's baby brother, Mac, is swept into the Portland sky by a murder of crows she's simultaneously dumbfounded, scared, and heartbroken. However, there is no time to dwell in her feelings as she chases them into the uncharted area just outside of the city known as Wildwood.

This area is rarely, if ever, entered and Prue quickly finds out it's a world entirely its own. Just before she enters the woods she happens to run into a boy from school, Curtis, who insists on going along for the ride. Soon, they encounter a group of coyotes in military uniform that kidnap Curtis, leaving Prue all alone. The two have different, but equally wild experiences, as they happen upon good and back creatures, including a wise owl, a helpful rat, an eagle that is a general, the evil governess, a rabbit that is a constable, a mystic name Iphigenia, and a melting pot of creatures that make up a group of bandits. All creatures walk, talk and act like humans in this area made up of Wildwood, Northwood, and Southwood. The creatures of each area have their own ways, but overcome their differences when all of The Wood is threatened by the governess who intends to sacrifice Mac to the ivy, so that it will take over and she can rule supreme.

Prue and Curtis both find that they have inconceivable family ties to The Wood and each are forced to make very difficult decisions that, in turn, ensure the safety of Mac and in some cases change their lives foreer. The combination of Meloy's melodious magical narrative with Ellis' deliciously detailed pen and watercolor illustrations is beyond captivating. So, turn on some Decemberists and snuggle up by the fire with this book that goes hand-in-hand with all the magic of Fall.