The Secret Rules ofMagic in Willowbrook

Nia used to love watching the world from the safety of her stone wall. Willowbrook was a peaceful place, full of hand-carved wooden toys, laughter, and sunny afternoons. But one day, a mysterious gray cat starts making the toys move on their own, and Nia realizes something much darker has come to her village.

To save Willowbrook, Nia has to leave the safe wall behind and cross into the Whispering Forest, with only her loyal puppy Cos and a small stone marble in her pocket. What she discovers out there is a strange, hidden set of "rules" that magic has to follow, and if she can figure them out, she might just have a chance.

Here are a few of the mysteries she'll have to solve.

Where Does the Witch Get Her Power?

The Witch doesn't shout or roar like you'd expect. She smiles calmly while everything falls apart around her, and hums a strange little tune. That's actually a clue. Her magic has to come from somewhere, and it isn't from her alone. Nia has to figure out exactly what feeds it, and what starves it, before it's too late.

Why Won't One Little Toy Disappear?

As the Witch's spell spreads through the village, toy after toy starts to fade away, all except one small, smooth stone marble. Every other toy vanishes. The marble doesn't. Nia has to work out what makes this one object so different from everything else, and the answer surprised even her.

Does the Witch Have a Weakness?

Here's something curious: the Witch never once walks on her own. She always rides something, a cart, a wooden horse, a carved dragon. Why do you think that is? Nia notices it too, and it might be the one clue that helps her and Cos turn the tables when it matters most.

What Can a Puppy Do That a Witch Can't Stop?

Cos isn't just along for the company. Animals in Willowbrook can sense magic before people can, and Cos senses something is wrong before anyone else does. When the moment comes for real courage, it's not always the person with the plan who saves the day. Sometimes it's the one who acts on instinct and loyalty alone.

The strongest magic doesn't come from spells. It comes from kindness and a clever mind.

Nia's journey through the Whispering Forest is full of puzzles, courage, and a few surprises even grown-ups won't see coming. Will she and Cos figure out the Witch's secrets in time to save Willowbrook's toys?