The Faraway Forest: Wally's Route - by Debbie Fong (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Wally the raccoon mail carrier and his friend Bo deliver kindness and packages while trying to win over their grumpy neighbor, Mr. Sternbill"--

Book Synopsis

2025 ALA GNCRT Best Graphic Novel for Children

Welcome to Faraway Forest, a magical woodland village home to an assortment of adorable animal characters, including a sweet and dedicated raccoon named Wally and a loyal white rabbit named Bo. Perfect for kids who love Animal Crossing!

"This book has my stamp of approval! First-class delivery!" ―Ben Clanton, author of the New York Times bestselling Narwhal and Jelly series

A colorful cast of animal friends stars in this charming new young readers' graphic novel series by award-winning author-illustrator Debbie Fong.

Wally, the Faraway Forest's mail carrier, always tries his best. In addition to delivering packages of every shape and size, he and Bo, his best friend, also deliver kindness and a helping hand along the way. But can they win over their grumpiest neighbor, the cantankerous Mr. Sternbill? Wally and Bo are definitely going to try!

Follow this pair of friends as they discover the power of kindness and community in the first book in The Faraway Forest series.

GREAT FOR NEW READERS: Wonderfully relatable characters, sweet humor, and comic-style layouts make this series ideal for emerging and independent readers. A playful seek-and-find challenge and a "how to draw" section add some interactive fun to the experience!

GRAPHIC NOVEL FUN: Kids love graphic novels! There's a ton of excitement among young readers about including illustrated chapter books and graphic novel-style stories in their reading choices. This series will be a delight for visually oriented kids.

A RELAXING ANIMAL WORLD: Stepping into the Faraway Forest is as charming and immersive as playing Animal Crossing or Littlest Pet Shop. Parents, caregivers, and kids can all enjoy the cozy vibes of this magical woodland world.

RELUCTANT READER APPEAL: This book's simple text, short chapters, and engaging artwork make it perfect for readers of all interests and abilities, including less enthusiastic readers.

COZY GIFT FOR ALL OCCASIONS: With a classic feel and stories that are centered around themes of kindness, community, and inclusivity, The Faraway Forest series will make a warm and welcome gift for birthdays, back-to-school, holidays, or any special occasion.

Perfect for:

• Children ages 5 to 8 years old
• Family and classroom read-aloud book
• Early, emergent, and reluctant readers
• Fans of friendship book series like Fox & Chick, Frog and Toad, and Elephant & Piggie

Review Quotes

"Enchanting...A delightful and special delivery." -- The Horn Book

"In this sweetly humorous, thoughtfully paced story world, Fong offers a gentle reminder that community is built on empathy and care. As inviting as a warm hug, this title delivers first-class appeal." -- Booklist

"Messages of diligence, empathy, patience, and self-care are signed, sealed, and delivered with a light touch across this sweetly communal, well-paced work." -- Publishers Weekly

"Youngsters looking for a gentle read will be pleased with this whimsical graphic novel. Delightfully adorable with a great message. Readers will eagerly await the next volume." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A whimsical and heartwarming tale that feels like a warm hug in book form."--Susie Yi, author of the Cat Cat Adventures series

"The Faraway Forest invites us right into Wally's neighborhood, and we feel immediately welcome. Despite animal characters and a fantasy environment, The Faraway Forest is a great tale about the importance of knowing the members of our community."--Leigh Luna, creator of Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure

"A charming, cozy comic featuring kind-hearted critters and adorable artwork, The Faraway Forest is the perfect package!"--Jen de Oliveira, creator of Reggie: Kid Penguin

"An imaginary world so sweet and cozy that you'll never want to leave." --Andy Runton, creator of the Eisner award-winning Owly

"I want a mailbox on Wally's route." --Mika Song, creator of the Eisner nominated Donut Feed the Squirrels

"This book has my stamp of approval! First-class delivery!" --Ben Clanton, author of the New York Times bestselling Narwhal and Jelly series

"This book is like a warm hug! I wish to move to the Faraway Forest." --Alina Tysoe, creator of The Great Puptective