Peter just moved house. His new home is in the middle of a dark and gray forest and you have to cross a bridge to get to it. Ever since he moved, Peter has felt scared of the ghosts and other terrible being that seem to dwell among the trees. Not even the presence of his best friend, a dog named Harold, can comfort him. To find courage, he decides to create a guardian out of old clothes and a pillow: his name is Lenny and he stays outside guarding the door. Still, Lenny seems lonely, so Peter creates another guardian named Lucy.
"A quiet, comforting tale of finding where you belong." ―Booklist, on the English language edition
"A wonderfully creative story of resilience and friendship." ―School Library Journal, starred review, on the English language edition
"Hypnotic artwork and storytelling invite children to linger in the wild woods of worry and emerge intact, enriched, and utterly invigorated by this complex, contemporary fairy tale." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on the English language edition
"Erin Stead uses faded grays for the alien forest and warm, quiet color for the story's living souls. What stands out is the Steads' (Bear Has a Story to Tell) ability to evoke the wordless intimacy and companionship that every child needs-and will make for themselves, if necessary." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on the English language edition