Forest and the Wandering Mist: A Story About Wandering Feet, Self-Awareness, and Becoming a Knight (The Knights of Emberhold)

Forest and the Wandering Mist is an illustrated early chapter book about a boy whose wandering feet carry him farther than he ever intended.When a day at the beach becomes overwhelming, Forest drifts away from the shore and finds himself aboard a mysterious ship, sailing straight into a fog-filled sea. Guided by Naiya, a calm and watchful dragon, Forest must learn to slow down, listen to his body, and stay grounded when big sensations and big feelings begin to pull him away.Through shimmering mist, steady breaths, and small brave choices, Forest discovers tools that help him stay present, make safe decisions, and face new experiences without losing himself along the way. His journey reminds readers that courage does not always mean rushing forward. Sometimes it means pausing, noticing, and choosing where to place your feet.Written for autistic children and other neurodivergent learners, including those with sensory processing differences, anxiety, ADHD, wandering or elopement behaviors, or difficulty staying aware of their surroundings, Forest and the Wandering Mist supports self-awareness, emotional regulation, and safety in a developmentally gentle, non-judgmental way.This story may be especially helpful for children who struggle with sensory overwhelm, anxiety, transitions, or staying close to caregivers in busy or unpredictable environments. It can be used by parents, educators, and therapists as a starting point for conversations about body signals, safety awareness, grounding strategies, and finding one’s way back.A story for readers who feel deeply, wander inward, and are learning how to find their way back. Read more