Willow and The Teardrop Forest by Andi Hayes

"Willow and The Teardrop Forest," written and illustrated by Andi Hayes, is a 242-page fantasy/fable with 9 color illustrations and a Cryptic Index. A fairy tale for the eternal child within us all, it has been called "A serious and substantial piece of work - not just for children."

*In a Forest petrified by apathy and bitterness, where emotions are hidden and compassion forbidden, the next tear Willow sheds could very well save them all...*

In his own Forest, Willow is an Outsider. As the sole willow tree in a clannish community of peevish pines, he is mocked and ostracized for doing what comes most naturally to him - weeping.

In this repressive arboricultural society where apathy rules and any overt display of emotion is heavily frowned upon, Willow's reverence for nature, guileless integrity, and compassion for all woodland creatures is in sharp contrast to the Pine's idolization of all things superficial and shallow, including their petty fixation upon becoming Christmas trees. Willow's only ally in this hostile world is the Wise Old Oak Tree, in whom he finds both kindred spirit and mentor to help guide him through his spiritual journey of self-discovery.

When Willow is visited one morning by a mysterious Ball of Light, he learns that the empathetic tears he sheds for others are not a curse upon himself but a blessing, and indeed can even effect miracles. And it is from that day onward that his mission becomes to teach all of the trees in the Forest that one must never be ashamed of their emotions nor of having compassion for others.

With its utilization of parables, good vs. evil and catastrophic events to illustrate an underlying theme of wisdom and compassion versus ignorance and heartlessness, the tale of "Willow" is particularly reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia." It will also appeal to fans of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" with its subtle underlying themes of societal politics and ethics.