There is nothing funny about the subject of depression, but this magnificent novel manages to add humour to the beautifully written and often philosophical story of Aubrey and his depressed father. Aubrey is an unusual lad. The nurse who delivers him says he is 'rambunctious' and so he is, and he is constantly in trouble for the tricks he plays on his loving family. But when his fun-loving dad begins to suffer early symptoms of depression, Aubrey is determined to help. Having always been good at dreaming himself into secret adventures in Rushing Wood, the woodland behind his house, he is surprised to find one evening that the Wood and its animals are becoming real, and that an owl with whom he can communicate in thoughts has come to help him help his dad. Aubrey loves myths and legends, and the animals he meets and becomes involved with have connections to such. There are squirrels (lots of them), a raven, a hare, a heron and a bee, and they all have their part to play in helping Aubrey's dad get better. But he is enthralled by a spell, the terrible Yoot has invaded his thoughts, and he can't get away from him. The Yoot finally convinces Jim that his family will be better off without him and he makes an attempt at suicide, stopped only by Aubrey with his considerable connection with the animals and his very determined mother. There is obviously a great amount of fantasy to this story, and also quite a bit of philosophical rumination, which is done with such humour and understanding that it is perfectly comprehensible. In the end, we discover that the Yoot isn't all bad, and we (and Jim and Aubry) come to understand what has happened and why. The black and white illustrations add greatly to the novel, and the style is full of lovely description as well as humour and a very moving ending. Well worth reading, it will be loved by both children who like fantasy and by those who have encountered the serious subject of depression.