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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Ben and the Spooky Forest by Brian Keith Higgins, readers meet a curious young boy named Ben. While his dad is away at work, he spends time at home with his mom. On those days, he enjoys baking (especially chocolate treats) and spending time in his backyard. One ordinary afternoon, while waiting for his father to return home, Ben discovers a bird’s nest, watches a chipmunk, and slowly inches his way closer to the dark forest at the edge of the yard. The shadows and sounds really get his imagination—and worries—going. Then he hears a noise he recognizes coming from the trees, and his day suddenly feels anything but ordinary. Will Ben decide to enter the dark place? Will his mom come out to help him? And what was the noise?
I really enjoyed Ben and the Spooky Forest by Brian Keith Higgins. I especially like how it captures a child’s mix of courage, worry, and curiosity in a simple, honest way. Young readers will be able to relate to Ben, the main character. As an educator, I can see this being used to start conversations about bravery, what children enjoy, and how imagination works. Teachers could also make a chart of favorite cookies or ask students to draw what scares them and what makes them feel safe. The illustrations are quite vivid and look almost like real photos. Kids will stay engaged, looking at them as they read about Ben’s world. This family-focused story offers a bit of suspense while still feeling comforting and easy to love.
