Princess Aubrey wakes up to a morning that feels all wrong. Her blanket is twisted like a dragon, her crown sits crooked on her head, and even her favorite bear, Bear Jax, seems quiet and still. The day feels gray before it has even begun. Convinced nothing magical could possibly happen, Aubrey decides she simply needs a little fresh air.
But the enchanted forest has other plans.
When Aubrey steps beneath the whispering trees, the light turns golden, her wand gives a tiny sparkle, and Bear Jax stretches, yawns — and comes to life. Soon they are joined by a shy dinosaur named Dan, who isn’t feeling very brave either. Together, they wander deeper into the glowing woods, where they discover forest friends who need a helping hand.
A hedgehog tangled in brambles.
A squirrel who has lost her precious acorns.
A frightened bunny searching for her way home.
And a worried snail certain he will never make it to the forest party on time.
With each small act of kindness, Aubrey’s gloomy morning begins to soften. She may not feel perfectly brave, but she learns that courage doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes it looks like helping someone else. Sometimes it looks like taking one careful step forward — even when you pause at the edge of a sparkling creek.
As the golden light fades and the forest magic settles quietly back into stillness, Aubrey returns home with more than she left with — a lighter heart, a steadier spirit, and the comforting realization that even the hardest days can end with something wonderful.
Beautifully illustrated and filled with warmth and whimsy, Princess Aubrey and the Magical Forest is a heartwarming picture book about friendship, empathy, resilience, and the quiet magic that lives inside every child.
Perfect for ages 4–8, this enchanting story reminds young readers — and the grown-ups who read with them — that even gloomy mornings can turn into something magical.
Sandra lives in Dallas, Texas and has a passion for writing children's books inspired by the adventures of her grandchildren. Their laughter, imagination, and love of storytelling continue to spark new ideas and magical journeys. Through her books, Sandra hopes to share the warmth of family, the power of kindness, and the wonder that lives in every child's heart.
Suzanne Pell builds children's books with intention, experience, and heart. With more than 40 years in print and graphic design - beginning with the opening of her first print shop in 1981 - she understands books from the inside out. As an author, illustrator, designer, and full-service publisher, she guides both her own projects and first-time authors from concept to completion, combining expressive storytelling with bold, page-popping design that helps books stand out in a crowded marketplace. The result is work that is not only beautiful, but strategically built, professionally produced, and made to last. You can reach her at sue@booksbysue.com.
