Writer and illustrator Mai K. Nguyen is debuting PILU OF THE WOODS via Oni Press on April 17th.

The press release follows:

Media Release -- Oni Press is proud to welcome Pilu of the Woods, from debut author and illustrator Mai K. Nguyen, to its catalog of amazing books for middle readers! On April 17th, readers will find themselves immersed in Nguyen's world of watercolor delight, in a heartwarming story of friendship, loss, and finding your way home.

Willow loves the woods near her house. They're calm and quiet, so different from her own turbulent emotions, which she keeps locked away. When her emotions get the better of her one day, she decides to run away into the woods. There, she meets Pilu, a lost tree spirit who can't find her way back home—which turns out to be the magnolia grove Willow's mom used to take her to. Willow offers to help Pilu, and the two quickly become friends. But the journey is long, and Pilu isn't sure she's ready to return home yet—which infuriates Willow, who's determined to make up for her own mistakes by getting Pilu back safely. As a storm rages and Willow's emotions bubble to the surface, they suddenly take on a physical form, putting both girls in danger… and forcing Willow to confront her inner feelings once and for all.

"With Pilu of the Woods, I wanted to show how the kindest thing you can do for a grieving heart is to embrace your emotions, both good and bad, and to open yourself up to the people that you love," said Mai K. Nguyen. "I hope readers of all ages find Willow and Pilu's journey through the woods to be an uplifting adventure."

Praise for Pilu of the Woods:

"With vibrant art and rich and challenging themes, Pilu and Willow's journey promises a resonant read for those in search of a thoughtful, comforting exploration of sorrow."
- School Library Journal

"Nguyen has created a beautiful full-colored graphic novel, with bold colors, intricate linework, and deft shifts between reality and memory. Different typefaces are used to create nature's sounds and movement, bringing the graphics to life. Her visual representation of hard-to-process events and feelings can help kids navigate their own emotions."- Kirkus Reviews

"Pilu of the Woods is a heartwarming tale full of natural wonder, with wise and lovely messages about coping with grief, facing your feelings, and learning to forgive yourself."
- Katie O'Neill (The Tea Dragon Society, Aquicorn Cove)

About Oni Press, Inc.:

Oni Press is a premier comic book and graphic novel publisher located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1997, Oni Press is run by Founder Joe Nozemack and Publisher James Lucas Jones. Oni Press's curated line includes a variety of bestselling, award-winning, original and licensed comic books and graphic novels, including: [adult swim]'s Rick and Morty, Nickelodeon's Invader ZIM, Scott Pilgrim, The Tea Dragon Society, Queen & Country, Courtney Crumrin, My Boyfriend is a Bear, The Sixth Gun, Sci-Fu, Wet Moon, Letter 44, The Coldest City, and Kaijumax.

About Limerence Press:

Limerence Press, an imprint of Oni Press, publishes quality erotica, sex education, and gender and sexuality studies comics. Limerence Press focuses on positive, inclusive, and approachable books that reflect a wide variety of emotional and intimate experiences, including the Eisner-nominated Small Favors, and the bestselling A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns.