About

Pilu of the Woods is written and illustrated by Mai K. Nguyen.

Pilu of the Woods book cover

Blurb

A heartwarming story of friendship, loss, and finding your way home from debut author/illustrator Mai K. Nguyen!

Willow loves the woods near her house. They’re calm and quiet, so different from her own turbulent emotions, which she keeps locked away. When her emotions get the better of her one day, she decides to run away into the woods.

There, she meets Pilu, a lost tree spirit who can’t find her way back home—which turns out to be the magnolia grove Willow’s mom used to take her to. Willow offers to help Pilu, and the two quickly become friends.

But the journey is long, and Pilu isn’t sure she’s ready to return home yet—which infuriates Willow, who’s determined to make up for her own mistakes by getting Pilu back safely. As a storm rages and Willow’s emotions bubble to the surface, they suddenly take on a physical form, putting both girls in danger… and forcing Willow to confront her inner feelings once and for all.

Review

This was an emotional and heartwarming read (think "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Inside Out"). And the illustrations were superb.

The plot switches between the present and flashbacks to good effect (though it confused me a bit at the start). Willow loves the woods, thanks to her father's work. After certain events, she struggles with her emotions and ends up in the woods in the company of her faithful (and cute) dog. While trying to come to terms, Willow meets Pilu (another runaway) and together they end up helping each other. Along the way, Pilu (a woodland creature) learns a few tidbits about mushrooms (which were educational for me as well).

Afterwards, I felt like I should make a better effort to read more graphical novels. And start watching animated movies again.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟☆

What others are saying

From destiny's review on goodreads:

I don't know if a graphic novel has ever given me quite as many Feels as Pilu did, but wow, this little story is incredible. Don't be turned off by its marketing as a middle grade story, because it is without a doubt the sort of tale that could be enjoyed by anyone of any age. The artwork is stunning and some of my favorite I've ever seen in a graphic novel, the plot is beautiful, and the characters are so lovable.

From Rachel's review on goodreads:

Beautiful illustrations! And a great story about regulating your emotions, I think lots of middle grade readers will relate to this book a lot.

Bingo

/r/Fantasy/ 2022 bingo categories:

  • Standalone (HM)
  • Name in the Title
  • Author Uses Initials
  • Features Mental Health (HM)
  • BIPOC Author
  • Family Matters