In this episode of Reading in the Middle, we’re taking flight into a world where the smallest hero faces the biggest challenge.

Meet Twig—a young chickadee whose peaceful life shatters when the ruthless Fortress Crows attack his village. Hunted by a powerful sorceress and her winged army, Twig is thrust into an epic quest filled with magical powers, fierce battles, and a ragtag team of allies—including a cunning bard, a fearless warrior, and two tumblers who cause almost as much trouble as they solve.

I’m joined by authors Keith Ward and Jeremy Mueller—part of the creative team behind The Unraveling: The Counsel of Crows, co-written with Karl Buechner—to talk about building the Woodland Realm, blending pulse-pounding action with laugh-out-loud moments, and why Twig’s story will stick with you long after the last page.

If you love Watership Down, Redwall, or The Green Ember, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Press play, and let’s go save the Woodland Realm!