Change is knocking at Mossingford Gate; and nothing can stop it from coming.

When Scoot, a simple wood mouse, wakes to discover two of his children are missing after a terrible storm, he has no choice but to set off in search of them. But traveling past the borders of Mossingford Wood is dangerous. The storm has left the forest damaged, and a restless scent of uncertainty hangs in the air.

With the help of an absentminded squirrel and a few unexpected allies, Scoot soon discovers that his adventurous children have been kidnapped by a dangerous enemy. The timid father will have to gather all his courage, forge new friendships, and cross paths few mice have dared to tread in order to rescue his family. As he does, the magic and mysteries he uncovers will change the course of Mossingford Gate forever.

About At Mossingford Gate

At Mossignford Gate is a fun fantasy adventure about the persistence of a father's love and the power of friendship. The story follows Scoot, a meek wood mouse, as he searches for his mischievous missing children, Pipi and Declan. He's quickly joined by his friend, Lavender, a silly but loyal squirrel who proves to be a valuable ally.

The pair journeys across racing streams, past the rusted remains of human-made machinery, and all the way into the strange landscape of Pond Kingdom. This vivid and varied setting was one of the highlights of the story for me. Little details sprinkled throughout brought the woods to life. We learn small facts about animals as we see the different creatures interacting with each other. The everyday wonder and beauty of the trees and pastures are writ large on the page, creating a whole magical world from what you could imagine being just a few acres of farmland and forest.

Another highlight were the wonderful themes Napier weaves into the tale. The story focuses on the unwavering love of a father determined to protect his family. However, other themes shine through just as brightly. The value of friendship is shown through Lavender's companionship. Scoot learns to look past differences and build community across boundaries as he befriends creatures he'd never though he'd meet. And of course, Scoot shows that bravery, cleverness, and teamwork can save the day even against the most frightening foe.

Final Thoughts:

Although the story does start out slow, the narrative picks up as we get closer and closer to discovering where Pipi and Declan have gone. By the end of the tale, Napier draws us wholeheartedly into Mossingford Gate and leaves us eagerly wondering what comes next for the creatures of the wood. This story is a great choice for kids who love cozy fantasies or books about animals. Although there's plenty of suspense, the tone of the tale is soft and whimsical. It's a fun story, and I look forward to future books in the series!

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Karley Conklin

Karley Conklin is a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a bookworm 24/7. Her goal is to use the power of stories to remind others of hope and joy in a world that all too often forgets both.