Board Game & Book Pairings: Woodland creatures on grand adventures!

17 Sep Board Game & Book Pairings: Woodland creatures on grand adventures!

This month, we’re looking at the secret lives of woodland creatures! From fables to Disney’s Robin Hood to Homeward Bound, there is a grand tradition of stories giving animals human characteristics. If you’re in the mood for adventures with birds, cats, and rabbits, we’ve got some recommendations for you!

Board Game: Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right, designed by Cole Wehrle with art by Kyle Ferrin

•  In the wild, predators and prey have different strengths and strategies for survival. Root takes a woodland ecosystem and reframes it as a factional struggle for control, giving each player unique abilities to create asymmetrical and strategic gameplay. With charming art and game tokens, this game is a great way to welcome fall! 
• Players: 2-4
• Playing time: 60-90min
• Age: 14+
• From the publisher: “Root is a game of woodland might and right. Stalk the woods as one of the Vagabonds, seize the initiative with the Eyrie birds of prey, rule over your subjects as the Marquise de Cat, or command the Woodland Alliance to create a new order. With creatures and cunning, you’ll rule a fantastic forest kingdom in the ultimate asymmetric board game of adventure and war.
• “….2 to 4 players battle for control of a vast wilderness. The nefarious Marquise de Cat has seized the great woodland, intent on harvesting its riches. Under her rule, the many creatures of the forest have banded together. This Alliance will seek to strengthen its resources and subvert the rule of Cats. In this effort the Alliance may enlist the help of the wandering Vagabonds, who can navigate through the more dangerous woodland paths. Though some may sympathize with the Alliance’s hopes and dreams, these wanderers are old enough to remember the great birds of prey who once controlled the woods. Meanwhile, at the edge of the region, the proud, squabbling Eyrie have found a new commander who they hope will lead their faction to resume their ancient birthright.
• “The stage is set for a contest that will decide the fate of the great woodland. It is up to the players to decide which group will ultimately take root.” (via https://ledergames.com/products/root-a-game-of-woodland-might-and-right) 

Book: Watership Down by Richard Adams

• It’s not easy being a rabbit. Threats are all around, and you have to watch for birds of prey overhead and four-legged predators on the ground while you’re just trying to find a patch of clover to nibble for breakfast. Watership Down follows the migration of a small rabbit colony after their warren is destroyed, introducing readers to the highs and lows of woodland survival.
• From the publisher: “A worldwide bestseller for over thirty years, Watership Down is one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in England’s Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey from their native Sandleford Warren, through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, and toward the dream of a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.” (description via https://www.amazon.com/Watership-Down-Novel-Richard-Adams/dp/0743277708)

Bonus

Bringing anthropomorphic animals to a contemporary setting, the 2016 film Zootopia tells the story of a young bunny who tries to serve her community and help her city live up to its ideals, putting adorable animals in a classic detective story!