A Forest Begins Anew

Told through lyrical rhyme and stunning 3D cut-paper illustrations, this is the captivating story of a forest's renewal as it goes from ashes to new growth in the aftermath of a sweeping forest fire.

Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

Back matter containing fascinating facts and further reading portrays forest fires not just as destructive forces but as catalysts for growth and rebirth. With its lyrical rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations, A Forest Begins Anew honors nature's ability to survive against the odds.

Author: Louise M. Aamodt
Publisher: Astra Young Readers
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 10.78h x 8.84w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9781662620065
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
School Library Journal 04/17/2026 pg. 1
Booklist 05/01/2026

About the Author
Louise M. Aamodt is an ESL and science teacher, an active SCBWI member, and children's book author. A Forest Begins Anew, which won the Marvelous Midwest Conference manuscript contest, is her debut picture book.

Elly MacKay is an award-winning picture book maker whose titles include Butterfly Park (a 2015 Junior Library Guild Selection) and Red Sky At Night (a 2018 New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids Selection). She has been interviewed about her unique illustration process in CBC Arts and the Washington Post.