The Faraway Forest: Hester's Big Dream

Welcome to The Faraway Forest, a graphic novel series for early readers about a magical woodland village that's home to an assortment of adorable animal characters. Perfect for kids who love Animal Crossing!

Hester has just moved to the Faraway Forest. As a night owl, she loves to rise just as the sun sets, and she keeps herself busy all night with her hobbies: dancing, cooking, writing, and costume making. But Hester wonders if there are new friends to be made when the sun is out. Can she stay awake long enough to find out? Or will she discover there is more to the mysterious forest night than she imagines? Either way, Hester is definitely going to have an adventure!

For readers who love The Faraway Forest: Wally's Route or anyone new to this lively illustrated series, good feelings and great fun await in this delightful story.

"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." ―Booklist on Book 1

GREAT FOR NEW READERS: Wonderfully relatable characters, sweet humor, and comic-style layouts make this series ideal for emerging and independent readers. Playful challenges, including a seek-and-find and spot-the-difference, and a "how to draw" section, add some interactive fun to the experience!

GRAPHIC NOVEL FUN: Kids love graphic novels! There's a ton of excitement among young readers about including illustrated chapter books and graphic novel-style stories in their reading choices. This series will be a delight for visually oriented kids.

A RELAXING ANIMAL WORLD: Stepping into the Faraway Forest is as charming and immersive as playing Animal Crossing or Littlest Pet Shop. Parents, caregivers, and kids can all enjoy the cozy vibes of this magical woodland world.

RELUCTANT READER APPEAL: This book's simple text, short chapters, and engaging artwork make it perfect for readers of all interests and abilities, including less enthusiastic readers.

COZY GIFT FOR ALL OCCASIONS: With a classic feel and stories that are centered around themes of kindness, community, and inclusivity, The Faraway Forest series will make a warm and welcome gift for birthdays, back-to-school, holidays, or any special occasion.

Perfect for:

• Readers ages 5 to 8 years old
• Fans of young graphic novels
• Family and classroom read-aloud book
• Early, emergent, and reluctant readers
• Fans of friendship book series like Fox & Chick, Frog and Toad, and Elephant & Piggie

Author: Debbie Fong
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 09/15/2026
Pages: 96
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.38h x 7.33w x 0.56d
ISBN: 9781797230436
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 560051 / Hester's Big Dream


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 08/01/2026 pg. 75
Kirkus Reviews 09/15/2026

About the Author
Debbie Fong is a Taiwanese American author, illustrator, and cartoonist. She's the creator of The Faraway Forest series for early readers, as well as multiple Eisner-nominated graphic novels, including her debut, Next Stop. She is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling nonfiction children's books How to Be a Person and What Can I Say?. Debbie lives in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, with her spouse and a menagerie of plants and animals.