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Children's Fiction
Eleven-year-old Ben Taylor and his mates, Tim and Amy, discover a wondrous lake in the heart of Wildbush Forest, where mysterious happenings occur.
The kids soon learn that their friend, Jack Parker, an elderly farmer, owns the forest, and that it is prohibited to enter.
Despite this, Ben, Tim and Amy keep returning to the forest and its lake. Ben's the only one who sees the lake is deteriorating. Then one day, Ben is shocked when a strange voice pleads for his help. Why me? Baffled, Ben makes a promise to help the unseen speaker. But how?
The friends soon learn Jack is broke and his bank is about to foreclose. Two businessmen offer to buy his farm. Heartbroken, Jack agrees to sell.
Crestfallen, Ben knows the lake is doomed. He feels guilty about breaking his promise. Then, at the last minute, with the help of a peculiar magpie, Ben uncovers evidence that he hopes will change Jack's mind. But will Ben get to Jack in time before he sells?