This charming picture book tells the story of a very special place. Due to a surveying mishap in 1882 that rendered it more or less invisible, a small square of land in northern Minnesota remained untouched by the logging industry for three quarters of a century. In 1958 the error was finally discovered, and the forest service was thrilled to discover this precious patch of old-growth forest, one of few that remain in Minnesota. It was thrilling to learn about this location in my home state of Minnesota, and now it's on my list of places to go! ( )

This is one of three picture books I had left over from my stash of paper books I’d borrowed from the library before the pandemic shut things down. I’ve read/watched the other items I’d borrowed in early March/later February. I haven’t been in the mood to read them but in anticipation of reopening or at least be able to return library materials I’m attempting to finish the library books I have at home.

This real life history story is definitely worth 5 stars and I’m glad I leaned about what happened.

The book is wonderfully done, with maps (I always appreciate maps in books) and the story of what occurred and how the forest was eventually found, giving information about old growth forests and the plants & animals that live in their habitats, old growth forests in Minnesota where the lost forest was eventually properly identified, and information about surveyors including their implements and some applicable vocabulary, etc. There are many good illustrations and a couple of historical photographs. I thought that some of the illustrations were lovely.

I was elated reading about how the forest was “lost” because of how it had been identified as a lake and enjoyed reading about the trees that kept growing. If only humans had less of a footprint on the land/ecosystem. I felt sad when I thought about how not knowing it was there was what it took for it not to be cut down. I’m grateful for what old growth forest remains worldwide and sad that so much is gone.

The story of what happened is told in a straightforward manner. It’s interesting enough, I suppose.

Story and illustrations 3-1/2 stars. Real non-fiction story that needs to be told 5 stars. It’s a good book and I’m glad that I read it and glad that I learned about this forest. ( )