A beautiful fantasy world that welcomes you in from the very first page. I had a great time reading this book and also listening to the audiobook. The illustrations are stunning and magical. Anne is a heroine who is perfect for young readers to follow along with as she uses her courage to save her brother Rainer.

R.M. Romero writes such wonderful fantasy worlds which come alive on the page. This book was a joy to read. I loved the way she weaved in the interludes and other stories from the past of Bei Ilai. It was great to learn about so much of this world while also seeing how Anne’s adventures unfolded.

Portal fantasy stories will always draw me in. I’m hoping Romero will return to Bei Ilai in further books so we can see more adventures with Anne and Rainer. Definitely, want to see what happens with them both after the ending.

A beautiful work of fantasy mixed with religion! I love that the character isn’t just Jewish, but that her faith and her prayers become a part of the magic. It is narrated in an old classical fashion where the narrator speaks to the reader. This style flows well and is a joy to read. I love the combination of familiar fantastical creatures and new ones I have never encountered. A wonderful story with great character development!

Another beautiful, lyrical story from a favorite author! This story has everything I look for in a fairy tale with a modern twist, including an enchanted wood and family lost and found. The internal illustrations are a magical added touch!

This was such a wonderful world of talking animals and adventure, witches and magic, found family and rediscovered family - it was everything I want in a middle grade fantasy!

What I really loved about this was the Jewish rep. All of the familiar songs and Shabbat, being included in an actual book? Especially one with cool creatures and magic forests? I would've been so excited as a little kid to pick this up. So I absolutely love that it exists for kids now.

The story is about twins and finding your other half, two coming together to be stronger together than they are apart, and standing up for your beliefs and what's right.

Audiobook Notes:
The narrator does sing some of the Hebrew prayers and songs, and there are several types of chapters that have music played over the top of them. Because I'm not listening at 1x speed and the music actually lasts for a really long time, I found myself impatient and disliking those chapters, even skipping through the last two because I just couldn't stand it anymore. But if you were listening at 1x speed as a bedtime story or something, it'd be a nice addition.

R.M. Romero has been a must read author for me since The Ghosts of Rose Hill, and I was excited to read Romero’s prose! Tale of the Flying Forest is described as Jewish Narnia, and I definitely felt that! Tale of the Flying Forest is middle grade, so while I definitely enjoyed it, it’s probably not for many of my peers, but I highly recommend it to those who enjoy middle grade or have a middle grade reader. I like that it dealt with dark themes, like child abuse and grief, but I loved the positivity of finding literal family and discovering one’s own courage and heroism. I thought it was unique how it brought Judaism in with Jewish stories, language, and ideas. Even as an atheist, I enjoyed learning about aspects of Judaism, and it felt very natural in its delivery, so I believe anyone of any background or religion would still enjoy this book. This book is five stars from me!

I’ve read some amazing MG books, but this one takes the cake. This fantasy adventure tackles themes of grief and love and focuses on the importance of family. Anne, driven by love, is a remarkable and brave protagonist. The book is inspired by German and Jewish folklore and is spectacularly written. The dangerous journey and the heartwarming characters Anne meets along the way kept me hooked. If you love found family, Narnia vibes and magical worlds, this is the perfect book for you.

I love the R. M Romero has returned to middle grade and I hope she stays :D

Tale of the Flying Forest is a fabulous blend of portal fantasy and folklore. R.M. Romero has created a world as richly detailed as Narnia or Wonderland with creatures just as imaginative. The author masterfully blends in retellings of familiar folktales and biblical stories for a fantastic middle grade adventure. The intricate illustrations by E.K. Belsher literally draw the reader into the world of the Flying Forest.

The story begins when Anne's mother gives her an old book "The World to Come", a collection of fairy tales about the flying forest of Bei Ilai. The book is full of stories with good witches, brave knights and happy endings, but the most unusual thing about it is the passage her mother wrote in the front. Her mother had written "To Anne and Ranier", but Ranier did not exist. Anne's mother was convinced that she was going to have twins, but when Anne was born, she arrived alone. When a talking raven tells her that her brother does exist and needs her help, she sets out to find him. Soon she discovers that Bei Ilai is real and enters a world where the greatest evil used to be good. This book lives up to the publisher's label as a Jewish Narnia. Many of the characters are modeled after those in the Torah or Talmud and magical spells are actually Hebrew blessings. There is a strong emphasis of Tikkun Olam as Anne tries to fight the Birch witch and repair the world. But the story itself is universal and can be enjoyed by readers of any heritage.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that fantasy element that I was looking for and was well written in the children’s fiction genre. The characters worked well in this story and was hooked from the first page. I enjoyed how good R. M. Romero’s writing was and am excited for more.

Dnf at page 68— NO fault of the author! I love R.M Romero and I can’t wait to finish this book, but it was really difficult for me to read it on my phone. This one not being on kindle killed it, alas. Can’t wait to find it on an alternate format! The prose was really whimsical and stylised, the protagonist was sweet and plucky, and I loved the incorporation of Jewish texts and traditions.

After her mother’s death, Anne Applebaum finds solace in the pages of the book of fairy tales her mom gifted her. ‘The World to Come’ tells fantastical stories of the flying forest of Bei Ilai and magic exists. So when a raven tells her she has a missing twin brother called Rainer, she doesn’t doubt him for long. After all, Anne has always felt that something in her life has been missing. As she sets off to find her twin brother, she discovers that Bei Ilai is a real place and that’s where Rainer is— only it’s way more dangerous than in the stories!

This was a fun and delightfully whimsical story structured like a classic quest! Our brave protagonist is called into adventure, encounters a series of dangers, and meets magical friends along the way. The first half of the story serves to explore Bei Ilai’s atmosphere and magical creatures as Anne hunts for clues of Rainer’s whereabouts. The story is divided into 7 parts (you see, there is power in the number 7) and while I enjoyed parts 1-3, it wasn’t until the 4th one that I felt the story was truly coming together.

Once it did, I was invested and found that Anne and Rainer’s sibling bond was the main strength of this book for me. Both siblings had lost trust in adults in different ways and the devotion, care and support they showed each other was genuinely heartwarming. We also get to meet a lot of creatively delightful side characters along the way such as a fox in a waistcoat, and the Librarian of Songs! I think any reader would find the concept of a Librarian of Songs captivating but I especially appreciated the way music and songs played a huge role in the magic system of this world.

The Flying Forest is a fairytale patchwork of inspirations: from Jewish Folklore to German Folklore. A variety of elements was also pulled from specific stories by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perault, and Hans Christian Andersen. It was quirky and atmospheric, and the frequent 4th wall breaking asides solidified the fairy-tale feeling for me. Gentle reader, the narrator speaking directly to me to give opinions or offer assurances could be annoying but it works in the context of this story. The beautiful in-text illustrations by E.K. Belsher enhance the bedtime story ambiance. My favourite illustration is of a giant cat with the lower body of a snake sitting on a throne of mouse skulls, surrounded by books. I know, it sounds hectic but trust me it looks awesome!!

📖 Book Review 📖 It’s okay to judge this beautiful book by its cover (it’s amazing and can we talk about the deckled edges) because inside the pages is an amazing fantasy story of a young girl that will excite middle grade readers and remind them that behind every so called ordinary individual lies the chance to be extraordinary. Our heroine Anne, like so many children, lives in a dream world but Romero reminds us that reality is always lurking and ready to rear its often ugly head. After losing her mother, Anne embarks on a brave and magical journey in search of her long lost twin brother. Tale of the Flying Forest is a truly enchanting book, a once in a generation novel that delights the imagination and resonates deep within the hearts of readers.

What an enchanting story! it feels like a fairytale, so whimsical. It's the story of a young brave girl in a magical world, a flying forest, she is on a quest to find her twin brother, she will make friends along the way who will help her, she will have to use her ingenuity to overcome obstacles and defeat evil witches.

All her life Anne has felt that something is missing, her twin brother, her mother dreamed of him when she was pregnant, but when Anne was born, she arrived alone, shortly after her mother's death, Anne discovered that it was not a dream, but that her brother was stolen by witches, her mother's stories were true, there is a magical kingdom and her brother is captive there, so Anne has no choice but to go to his rescue. 

I love everything, the forest is captivating, the characters are endearing. Iis a beautiful, heartwarming but also emotional story, about grief, family, friendship, and courage. Anne is a wonderful main character, brave, clever, kind, and generous, she is still grieving for her mother when she arrives at the Flying Forest of Bei Ilai. The forest is lovely, it really feels like a fairy tale, and has many nodes to popular fairytales and the Jewish folklore. Anne will make friends quickly but also have to overcome challenges to move forward and the more she does, the deeper she will have to go into the dark side of the forest where the wicked witch lives, together with her brother. The witch is evil just like in the classic fairy tales, he is selfish and cruel. The side characters are charming, brave, and ready to help Anne, they are good friends. 

Although middle grade, it is a story for everyone that will take you back to your childhood, it has a strong Jewish inspiration, but also of Narnia, and the classic fairytales of the Brothers Grimm, (also, it reminded me a little to Alice Adventures in Wonderland, especially the beginning when Anne arrives for the first time in the forest). Bonus points because, not only it’s a beautiful story, it comes with illustrations, which transports you into the story. It’s a lovely story, with nostalgic vibes to childhood, a beautiful modern fairytale.

Read if you like:
• Fairytale Vibes
• Magical Worlds/ Portals
• Found Family
• Jewish & Fairytale & Folklore inspiration

This is an amazing fantasy novel with great mythology inspiration, not just Jewish, but also many influences from fairy tales. The journey of the main character into the forest is one of growth and courage in dealing with the loss of a parent. A portal fantasy with Jewish mysticism. She has lost her mother and now will fill a void in her by searching for her twin brother trapped in a magical land. A creative way to deal with grief and sadness.

Very few people could convince me to read middle grade these days, but without question, R.M. Romero is one of them.

Marketed as a "Jewish Narnia," this sweet portal fantasy about the meaning of family absolutely gripped my heart. All throughout reading it, I was torn between whether I wished to have a young person in my life to read this to or whether I wished to be able to send this book back in time to have been read to myself as a child.

If you're looking to comfort your inner child with an utterly hopeful, Jewish story, or maybe if you have a child in your life who you like to read heartfelt, adventurous, and empowering stories to, I highly recommend TALE OF THE FLYING FOREST.

Oh, and of COURSE, I have to mention the stunning illustrations by E.K. Belsher. They took me back to a time in my childhood when I would flip through books I'd already read and trail my fingers across the illustrations, perhaps hoping to soak them up into myself, or step through the artwork and into the scene. Any good book illustration serves as a portal into the narrative, and Belsher did this beautifully.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

CW: death of mother, grief, character death, imprisonment, war, violence (light)

“A spellbinding and lyrical modern fairy tale about a girl who journeys to an enchanted world to find the twin she’s never met, filled with lavish illustrations that bring the magic to life, perfect for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia.”

Thank you so much, Little Brown Books, for this ARC. This mesmerizing and poetic modern fairy tale has quickly become a cherished treasure in our household.

This captivating narrative weaves a magical tapestry of fantasy, adventure, and the enduring bonds of family, love, and resilience. Anne is an extraordinary heroine, with her unwavering bravery and boundless love for her long-lost twin brother. It’s impossible not to cheer for her every step of the way. The characters she encounters bring such warmth and depth to the story, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart.

I can’t wait to add a copy to our home library on October 15, 2024, the publication date. I highly recommend it. This tale will surely become a classic in your home. 5 stars.✨

***I will post my review on 10/15/24 on my blog. Thanks!***

From the Publisher: After her mother passes away and her father retreats into his grief, 11-year-old Anne Applebaum is afraid the only happy endings she’ll ever have are in The World to Come, a collection of fairy tales about the flying forest of Bei Ilai. In its pages, children outsmart demons, girls train as knights, and songs come to life. But even these stories can’t stop Anne from feeling alone. So when a raven tells her that she has a long-lost twin brother named Rainer, she sets out to find him. Anne soon learns that Bei Ilai is a real place—and she must step through the door into this magical realm to seek her brother. But the dangers in the flying forest are just as real as its beauty. To overcome the challenges and monsters she faces, Anne must lean into the magic contained within her and her Jewish faith—especially when she discovers Rainer is locked away by a being more frightening than any dragon. Because the most terrifying villain of all is one who used to be a hero.

My Thoughts:

Such a cozy sweet story! It does feel like Chronicles of Narnia Vibe. The Tale of the Flying Forest is a story of Anne and her twin brother Rainer and their journey in finding each other, their courage and how their bond helps them to become stronger against loss and grief. I loved the lush flying forest of Bei Ilai and the pictures included in the book. It felt very nostalgic. I also loved all the characters, especially the sassy Raven! Most enjoyable was the writer's narrative. If you want a perfect cozy vine story to curl up with in a couch, this is it! Thank you so much Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the Kindle Arc. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful story! The illustrations were so nice and the story was sweet and enjoyable. I’m sure this would make a wonderful gift for a child in anyone’s family!

I just finished reading a moving story about eleven-year-old Anne Applebaum. After losing her mother and seeing her father struggle with grief, Anne is dealing with a lot of sadness and loneliness. She finds solace in a book called "The World to Come," a collection of fairytales set in the magical flying forest of Bel llal.

These magical stories are filled with courageous kids outwitting clever spirits, girls striving to be knights, and enchanting melodies springing to life. In one tale, Anne discovers from a wise raven that she has a twin brother named Rainer, and she sets out on a quest to the magical land of Bel llal to reunite with him.

The flying forest is stunning but dangerous, and Anne must rely on her inner strength and belief in magic to survive. Along the way, she discovers that her brother is being held captive by a frightening witch.

"The Tale of the Flying Forest" is a captivating story that reminded me of the magical world of Narnia. Interestingly, it draws on Jewish and German folk tales, which adds a unique and rich layer to the narrative.

Thanks NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book!

"Have hope, little warrior. There is nothing that evil hates more than that."

this was such a wonderful middle-grade fantasy adventure about family, grief, love, and magic. i enjoyed seeing not only some classic fairy tale stories with a new twist, but integrated with jewish folklore, mysticism, and biblical stories.

Here is an uncomfortable truth: Evil is not often a dark flower growing at the edge of the universe; it is not a cloud that settles over countries like a suffocating cloak. Evil is a choice. If it is chosen again and again, the person who does the choosing can reliably be called a monster.

i enjoyed this story so much. it had me tearing up at points, but there was also such a fun narrator-to-reader connection with some 4th wall breaking that it really felt just like having a childhood story read to you. i also loved the illustrations throughout, it really helped bring this vivid world to life!

this is going to be an instant classic for many families in the years to come.

"To bends in the rainbow and the fifth point of a six-pointed star. To kingdoms adults lose and children take back and countries that can only be found without a map. To all kinds of extraordinary places."

an honest arc review ♡