Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Steward and Chris Riddell (The Edge Chronicles, Book 1)

Twig is a bit of a failure as a woodtroll ... he doesn't fit in with any of the other trolls his age, he's not very coordinated, or very big. He doesn't have any friends, and most of the other trolls his age pick on him. When his mother tells him of the true story of how he came to live with them, he almost feels relieved. It's as if a part of him knew he wasn't a wood troll all along. He's less relieved when she tells him he must leave the safety of the only home he's ever known to escape the Sky Pirates. All he has to do is follow the path, like any good wood troll would. And beware the Gloamglozer!

But he isn't really a woodtroll, is he? His first experience straying from the path leads him to come to the aid of a Slaughterer (not nearly as violent as he sounds). The boy's family is so greatful, they gift him with what becomes a truly treasured possession, his hammelhorn waistcoat. His next adventure includes witnessing the birth of a Caterbird. His travels are far from over. He encounters a wicked Blood Oak which tries to consume him, then he must escape a pack of Gyle Goblins and their Grossmother. It seems the Deepwoods are destined to create nothing but hardship for Twig, until he meets the Banderbear, who becomes his true companion after Twig saves him from a toothache.

His adventure isn't done yet, however, as he is taken as a pet by a termagant trog girl-in-training. Barely escaping with his life, Twig meets a wanderer who shows him his destiny (although he doesn't understand it at the time). It isn't until the great storm, and the crash of a sky ship that Twig realizes his dream to join the Sky Pirates. Or does he? The dangers of the deepwoods seem on a crash course to find Twig.

The first in a prolific series, it is a quintessential Tolkein-esque adventure fantasy. Recommended for 3-6 graders, and anyone interested in this type of book.

"‘That’s right,’ said Spelda, laughing. ‘Out you came with it, just like that. Twig! The first word you ever spoke. And then Taghair said, ‘You must look after him well, for the boy is special.’ Not different, but special! It was the one fact that had kept him going when the other woodtroll children had picked on him so mercilessly," (Stewart and Riddell pg. 24, 2008).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:

Stormchaser by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell Edge Chronicles, Book 2
The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley Sisters Grimm, Book 1
The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1

Stewart and Riddell. (2008). Beyond the Deepwoods. Oxford, UK: David Fickling Books.