Earl Wayne believes that kids simply don’t get a lot of opportunity for ‘real’ fun these days. Between the rigors of a structured educational system, electronic gadgets, parents overwhelmed with responsibilities and, of course, peer pressure, many children get lost in the crowd. Wanting to help those kids expand their imaginations while subtly teaching object lessons from manners and respect to bravery and honesty, he created The Secret Forest, Princess Keira’s Birthday: Adventure #1, the first in a fully-performed audio book series complete with character voices, special effects and music. Each storybook CD is packaged with a children’s coloring book that follows the story, a sticker page and a story-specific poster.

“The Secret Forest is a family project that we’re very proud to be a part of,” says Wayne. “The audio book has all the characteristics of a movie because we wanted kids to see the story in their minds and the coloring book gives them character reference and additional entertainment. The Secret Forest characters teach children things like manners, doing the right thing, having courage, being honest and more through the characters’ behavior, actions and adventures. Kids can relate to the characters and learn without ever being told.”

A fun adventure series for kids of all ages, The Secret Forest begins as the Royal Family is taken prisoner and the Blue Witch Queen is in control of the Castle of Light. Suddenly Merlin the Black Cat and Marty the purple bird, have found themselves on an adventure to save their forest.

Will these two unusual friends make their way to the Castle of Light in time? If they do, how can a cat and bird hope to defeat the most powerful and evil witch to ever live? Will Merlin and Marty fall victim to the Blue Witch Queen’s plot or find a way to save the day, the Royal Family and the Secret Forest?

More than a fairy tale, The Secret Forest appeals to boys and girls as well as parents and grandparents and is sure to be listened to over and over again. The Secret Forest characters will find their way into kid’s hearts and are destined to become a family favorite.