Only the courage of a small girl
can overcome the dangers of
the deep dark forest.
Beware the deep, dark forest!
You should never, ever go in there …
When Rosie’s pup Tinky runs
into the forest, Rosie decides
to trek into this dangerous,
muddy place to rescue him.
But there are many obstacles
along the way – including a
huge grey wolf, a scary ravine
and a ferocious troll.
Illustrated by Annie White
Walker Books Australia
Hardback ISBN: 9781742032344
Paperback ISBN: 9781760654528 August 2021
Buy this book from your LOCAL BOOKSHOP or online at
REVIEWS
“… Highly recommended. Themes: Fear, Lost, Forests, Bravery. A wonderful tale of bravery and resilience is told in this attractive book, redolent of folk tales of the past … A wonderful read aloud, Beware of the deep dark forest will be read over and over by everyone who sees it.” Fran Knight, ReadPlus
“… Multi-talented Sue Whiting has collaborated with gifted illustrator Annie White to create an enthralling picture book full of adventure, danger, and obstacles to overcome … This is one of those wondrous books that will excite the imagination of daring children.” Kids Book Review
“… Her [Rosie’s] hunt for Tinky takes Rosie along paths she never dreamed. Her quick thinking and cunningness reveal strengths she didn’t know she possessed. Annie White’s illustrations are amazing! Rosie’s expressions add another layer to this soon to be classic story. From the plaited vines to the bristly wolf and blades of grass to Rosie’s gorgeous starry eyes.” Georgie Donaghey
“… a creative, fairytale-like adventure story with simple text that makes use of a variety of wonderful verbs, adjectives and alliteration, for example: ‘she swung across the dizzily deep ravine.’ The colourful, full-page illustrations depict a curious and brave young girl facing fearsome beasts and tricky situations to become a hero. The pictures also feel very fairytale-like, with the forest, thorns and menacing creatures providing a backdrop for bright, adventurous Rosie…” Reading Time
“… This whimsical tale by award-winning author Sue Whiting will delight children aged 3-7, and will be read many times by young readers aged 5-8. Annie White’s delightfully rich and colourful illustrations are a wonderful complement to the text and help bring the fears to life …” Trevor Cairney: Literacy, Families and Learning
“… This is a story about friendship, having courage to face and overcome fears and problems, being resourceful, and aiding/rescuing those who need help. Sue Whiting’s words, as always, are a delight to read (especially aloud), and the repetition and alliteration in the text make it a scary story that will become a family favourite …” Peter Taylor, StoryLinks
“… The illustrations are superb. Annie White creates a fearsome looking forest which hints at deathly acts and creates a monstrous troll who has his mind set on dinner. Great read-a-loud story for juniors with plenty to look through slowly later.” Bob’s Book Blog
“…Very effective watercolour illustrations thrillingly depict the forest and the dangers.” Margaret Hamilton, Pinerolo
“… Sue Whiting has written a story that is like a fairytale. It is lots of fun to read aloud with its repetition and descriptive words, especially when Rosie stands up to the muddy creature at the end! … Annie White’s earthy water colour illustrations take you into the forest with Rosie and often as the reader you can see things in the forest that Rosie can’t see …” Wild about books
” … This book has lots of repetition in it, something younger readers enjoy listening to and older readers enjoy reading out loud. It reminds me of the well known book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with its repetition of dangers as well as desire to keep on going. However here there is only one hero. White’s illustrations are sumptuous and enhance the text …” Wondrous Words
“… Stories that engage and involve readers so they become part of the action are my favourites – this would be one of those.” Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
To Quest or not To Quest: How to use Beware the Deep Dark Forest as a mentor text
Venturing into the Deep Dark Forest: on the worth of fairytales and the importance of girl power – guest post, The Booktopian
Interview with Kids Book Review (Includes interview with Annie White)
Acting Out: 5 books to inspire role play – book list, Better Reading
My 5 Picture Book Picks for Christmas – guest post, allisontait.com
One More Page Podcast – Episode 20: Trick or Treat! (Review)
What inspires children’s writer and AWC presenter Sue Whiting (blog interview with Australian Writers’ Centre)
AWARDS AND LISTS
2019 CBCA Notable Book – early childhood category
NSW Premier’s Challenge List K-2
Victorian Premier’s Challenge List, P-2
HIGHLY COMMENDED award to Annie White in the 2018 Illustrators Australia Illustration Awards – Children’s Book, Single
Ellaslist – best books to buy for kids this Christmas
The Book Chook – Book gifts for the whole family