The Faraway Forest: Wally's Route
By Debbie Fong
Early reader graphic novel series
Chronicle Books, September 9, 2025; 80 pages
Series: The Faraway Forest
Subrights Info
- Translation rights available via Chronicle Books
- UK/ANZ rights available via Chronicle Books
- Film/TV rights available via Janna Co.
- Merchandising and commercial rights available via Janna Co.
The Faraway Forest is a series of sweet and simple stories set in a magical woodland village with a rotating cast of characters. Themes of kindness, community, and inclusivity are central to the stories, which include plenty of humor and charm. As the series grows, more complex storylines and ideas are introduced and we learn more about the rich lives of the characters and the hidden mysteries of their forest home.
Book One, Wally’s Route, follows Wally, the sincere and steadfast raccoon mail carrier, as he delivers mail to all of the residents of The Faraway Forest and attempts to win over the most cantankerous of them all with his tenacity and kindness.
Reviews
“Delightfully adorable with a great message. Readers will eagerly await the next volume.”
“Messages of diligence, empathy, patience, and self-care are signed, sealed, and delivered with a light touch across this sweetly communal, well-paced work, while charming character designs effectively hint at lives beyond Wally’s, boding well for future installments. Includes seek-and-find activities, drawing tutorials, and more.”
“In this sweetly humorous, thoughtfully paced story world, Fong offers a gentle reminder that community is built on empathy and care. As inviting as a warm hug, this title delivers first-class appeal.”
Awards and Accolades
- 2025 Children’s Book Council September Hot Off the Press Reading List
- 2025 Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books
- 2026 Eisner Awards nomination for Best Publication for Early Readers
- Florida’s 2026-2027 Sunshine State Young Reader Award Junior Books
Good News
This book might appeal to fans of Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song, Owly: The Way Home by Andy Runton, and Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson.
If you are a rights buyer or a reviewer and wish to access the pdf, email me.
Author Bio
Debbie Fong is a comic artist, illustrator, and designer from Brooklyn, NY. Currently, she runs POMMO Press, an online shop selling mini-comics, zines, prints, and many fun accessories. As an illustrator, she enjoys both commercial work as well as longer narrative projects. Past clients include Time Inc. Books, The Strand, and CreativeFeed. Her most recent books include the forthcoming Faraway Forest series, and she was the illustrator for Catherine Newman’s What Can I Say? and How To Be A Person. Visit Debbie at http://www.debbiefong.com/.
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