About Keeper of the Clearing: A Woodland Adventure of Friendship, Courage and Discovery (Young Adult Fiction):

Keeper of the Clearing began with a simple question Jan Wood saw on a poster in her doctor’s office: Are you an owl, a turtle, or a tiger? That sparked something within her and bloomed into a fable filled with wonder, warmth, and the timeless wish that every child might discover their own way with clarity, compassion, and courage. 

Keeper of the Clearing is written for a time like this—where the world feels noisy, divided, and uncertain. It’s a woodland fable about listening deeply, acting wisely, and finding courage in unlikely places. 

In a forest unraveling from confusion and conflict, three unexpected travelers—Owl, Turtle, and Tiger—are chosen to search for a new way forward. What they discover isn’t a map, it’s something far more enduring: the strength that comes from walking together, with kindness and care.

This is a story meant for the young and the not-so-young. A compass—not to lead you somewhere new, but to remind you where you are—and who you truly are—is enough.

Author bio:

Jan Wood is a mother of five and grandmother to thirteen. She’s a longtime mindfulness practitioner who believes in the power of imaginative stories to speak truthfully to the heart. Jan lives in Eastern Oregon with her husband, Larry; her beloved dogs, Luna and Fiona; and two curious cats, Pookie and Boo—who often supervise her writing from the dining room table.

Gail Neufeld, Jan’s sister, is the illustrator for Keeper of the Clearing and a lifelong artist. Gail has worked in a variety of creative mediums over the years including painting, knitting, crocheting, pottery, and quilting. Her whimsical and folk-art-inspired style brings the world of the book to life in a way that resonates with readers of all ages. Gail lives in Redmond Oregon with her always entertaining mini dachshund, Penny.