Matthew's world-famous scientist parents mysteriously disappear when he is only five, and his Aunt Vesta takes him to live with her in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Now, eleven-years-old, he has come to love his forest home, even though the mystery surrounding his parents weighs heavily upon his heart. But his quiet world changes the day he encounters Ulima, the strange, toad-not-toad protector of the forest. She tells Matthew he's urgently needed to help fight the evil that intends to destroy the forest. He resists her call until he stumbles upon a little poisoned coyote. Furious, he vows to do anything to protect his beloved forest. Who or what is destroying the forest? Read to take an exciting journey into the mysterious world of the forest, and to become acquainted with its magnificent creatures.