Once upon a time, nestled somewhere beyond the winding paths of the British countryside, the Lantern Society began with a small thought: that in a world moving faster than we can catch our breath, there is quiet wonder in something that arrives slowly, by hand, once a month, through the post. There is an old kind of pleasure in waiting for a letter. In waiting for it to drop through the letterbox. In holding something someone made carefully, for you. 

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That is what the Lantern Society is. A growing collection of illustrated worlds, sent by post, one chapter at a time. More than anything, I wanted to build a small community of people who love storytelling, who miss the old way of connecting, the slowness of it, the care. I am in no hurry to grow this quickly. I would rather it found the right people than many people.

My hope is a simple one: to make people wonder, and wander. To join me on a journey into colour, adventure and light. And perhaps to find some friends along the way. 

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The first of these worlds is Whispering Woods. And at the heart of it is Alfred, a young mouse who lives in a hollow beneath an old ash tree. When something precious is taken from Whispering Woods, Alfred sets out alone to bring it back, on a journey that will carry him through the seasons and further from home than any mouse in his family has ever walked.

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Perhaps you might like to join me in following Alfred a little further beyond the trees.

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Warmly,

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L.J. Black x