My enormous thanks to the lovely folk at Harper Collins for sending me a copy of Out of the Woods by Betsy Griffin in return for an honest review all those months ago. With the paperback release imminent I am delighted to share my review today.

Out of the Woods is released in paperback tomorrow, 29th February 2024, by HQ and is available for purchase through the links here.

Out of the Woods

As she finds her way home out of the woods, Betsy Griffin takes us on a journey through the darkest of forests to find the light.

With wise advice from woodland creatures along the way, Betsy takes it upon herself to change her outlook on the world.

In this deeply moving and inspirational fable, she teaches us how to face our struggles with courage and determination, and shares powerful lessons about positivity, kindness and hope.

Despite her young age, Betsy’s wisdom will inspire readers of all ages.

Above all, she shows us that anything is possible.

My Review of Out of the Woods

Betsy gets lost.

What an utterly charming book. Out of the Woods may have been written by a child, Betsy Griffin, for children, but her adventures have such resonance for all regardless of age that this is a very special book indeed. Once the reader appreciates that this young author is blind and lives with a brain tumour, the incredible positivity in the story becomes even more fully appreciated. 

Assisted by Sue Belfrage and with charming and attractive illustrations by Emanuel Santos, Betsy Griffin tells a story that will entrance young readers. Betsy’s adventures as she gets lost in the woods, discovering the puppy Clementine and meeting various birds and animals on the way are an encouraging metaphor for life. Through her adventures she enables the reader to experience a wide range of emotions from fear and sadness to love and joy in a safe and sensitive way. 

The chapter titles become a brilliant set of guidelines to live by and once you’ve read Out of the Woods, you’re going to want to inject as much ‘spandandall’ into your life as you possibly can. Read the book to find out what that is! 

Alongside a story just perfect for young readers are messages in Out of the Woods that the world really needs. Knowing that you have to be afraid before you can be brave and face your fears, realising that a hug and a little kindness can transform another person’s feelings, understanding that if you meet a new creature different to you or a situation you haven’t previously encountered, that it doesn’t automatically mean they are a threat, is so relevant to all. When Betsy realises that she can choose how to respond to what life throws at her, she learns a very special lesson indeed. 

I thought Out of the Woods was not only entertaining, but hugely important. I’d urge older readers to read the introduction by Fearne Cotton and the acknowledgements from Betsy in order to appreciate fully the true inspiration of the courageous Betsy Griffin and the beauty of her book Out of the Woods. Don’t miss it.

About Betsy Griffin

Betsy Griffin was diagnosed with a rare and inoperable brain tumour at two years old that left her blind. Undeterred, Betsy wanted to inspire others to be more positive in their lives.

For further information, find Betsy on Instagram or visit her YouTube channel.