Written by Melissa Pellicci of Jupiter, Florida and lavishly illustrated by Alexandra Zgondea of Codlea, Romania, Best Friends Forest is a whimsical tale that reflects a world where it is possible to live in love and playfulness with nature, to be best friends with those dramatically different from us, and to experience daily the eternal and joyful embrace of Mama Earth and her Guardian Angels. Ms.Pellicci and Ms. Zgondea met while on a personal development retreat in Peru. They discovered their mutual desire to improve the world through children's storytelling, and Best Friends Forest is the result of a two-year, long-distance collaboration. Author Melissa Pellicci says that in her decades of work as a life coach and yoga teacher, she has discovered that most of us learn to stop trusting and believing in the positive nature of the world as children, and this brings us much anxiety, illness, and personal difficulty as adults. "If we could just keep our sense of wonder with nature and believe that the Universe is smiling on us no matter what, we would go a long way to make the world a safer kinder and more loving place, says Ms. Pellicci. "I want the story and images of Best Friends Forest to live in the minds of both children and adults reassuring us that through love and nature, everything indeed will always be alright." The illustrations by Alexandra Zgondea are remarkable in their colorful commitment to showing a world that smiles on Lourdes, the book's ten-year old, golden-haired narrator. The trees and flowers have "faces" that brighten the pages of the book, the colors soothe, and the characters are infused with charming appeal. Ms. Zgodea says, "In Romania, nature is our life teacher. It shows us how to live effortlessly and grow up gracefully. Mother Earth is our anti-depressant. As a new mother to a young son, I want him to see a path to happiness and feeling safe with a book like Best Friends Forest." The book's roster of characters include a talking cat Spirit, a flute-playing spider Cappuccino, a guardian angel J, and a beautiful African-inspired Mama Earth who provides the safe and caring ground our Best Friends walk on. Best Friends Forest is available in softcover for $19.99 and hardcover at $29.99.
Written by Melissa Pellicci of Jupiter, Florida and lavishly illustrated by Alexandra Zgondea of Codlea, Romania, Best Friends Forest is a whimsical tale that reflects a world where it is possible to live in love and playfulness with nature, to be best friends with those dramatically different from us, and to experience daily the eternal and joyful embrace of Mama Earth and her Guardian Angels. Ms.Pellicci and Ms. Zgondea met while on a personal development retreat in Peru. They discovered their mutual desire to improve the world through children's storytelling, and Best Friends Forest is the result of a two-year, long-distance collaboration. Author Melissa Pellicci says that in her decades of work as a life coach and yoga teacher, she has discovered that most of us learn to stop trusting and believing in the positive nature of the world as children, and this brings us much anxiety, illness, and personal difficulty as adults. "If we could just keep our sense of wonder with nature and believe that the Universe is smiling on us no matter what, we would go a long way to make the world a safer kinder and more loving place, says Ms. Pellicci. "I want the story and images of Best Friends Forest to live in the minds of both children and adults reassuring us that through love and nature, everything indeed will always be alright." The illustrations by Alexandra Zgondea are remarkable in their colorful commitment to showing a world that smiles on Lourdes, the book's ten-year old, golden-haired narrator. The trees and flowers have "faces" that brighten the pages of the book, the colors soothe, and the characters are infused with charming appeal. Ms. Zgodea says, "In Romania, nature is our life teacher. It shows us how to live effortlessly and grow up gracefully. Mother Earth is our anti-depressant. As a new mother to a young son, I want him to see a path to happiness and feeling safe with a book like Best Friends Forest." The book's roster of characters include a talking cat Spirit, a flute-playing spider Cappuccino, a guardian angel J, and a beautiful African-inspired Mama Earth who provides the safe and caring ground our Best Friends walk on. Best Friends Forest is available in softcover for $19.99 and hardcover at $29.99.
Take inspiration from the gentle wisdom of the wild woods Draw support, wisdom and inspiration from these 40 cards based on the delightful artwork of Tijana Lukovic. From the energy of dancing hares...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
Sign In
your cart
Your cart is empty
Menu
Search
PRE-SALES
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
