What happens when you combine the style of classic fantasy series like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings with a group of adventuresome sword-wielding rabbits? You get The Green Ember series by S. D. Smith, of course!
This a middle-grade adventure fantasy series is filled with intense battles, selfless acts of courage and bravery, and a bold quest for truth. The protagonists include a pair of young rabbits named Heather and Picket. Together, they must face the injustice of betrayal as they struggle to solve the mystery of a missing prince and unknown heir. These sword-fighting rabbits search for answers and hope as they take on an army of villainous wolves and birds.
Do your children love epic adventures? And, moreover, stories in which characters use their individual gifts and strengths to defeat evil forces? If so, then this series will make a perfect choice for both independent reading and family read-aloud time.
Sarah Mackenzie, host of The Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, shared a hearty endorsement of The Green Ember. “This is the story we’ve been waiting for. When my audience wants to know our family’s favorite read-aloud, I answer without hesitation: The Green Ember.”
Although this series has become a popular read-aloud option, you will want to be aware that the books contain action and danger that might be too intense for young or sensitive readers.
Take our free The Green Ember Series Checklist to your local library!
S.D. Smith‘s goal is to tell “new stories with an old soul.” If you glance through the hundreds of positive reviews his books have accumulated on Amazon and Goodreads, you’ll find that he has accomplished just that. While Smith crafts stories that are stylistically reminiscent of the masters of the genre, the concept of rabbits with swords is a new and undeniably endearing approach.
The story of The Green Ember was initially inspired by the stories Smith told his children out on the front porch of the family’s West Virginia home. Fans will be pleased to know there are currently 10 books included in this series.
In The Green Ember, we first meet Heather and Picket. Unfortunately, our characters find themselves in the midst of an unexpected—and highly dangerous—adventure. A devastating separation from their family sends Heather on a search for answers. Subsequently, Picket starts on a quest for bravery and acceptance. But an unwelcome revelation causes Heather to question everything she knows about her family and her past. The identity of the unknown heir and the significance of the missing green ember lead the young rabbits on an epic journey of discovery.
Ember Falls, the much-anticipated sequel, continues the tale of Heather and Picket and the newly identified Prince Jupiter. As evil forces threaten the safety of the prince and the green ember, danger lurks at every turn. And Heather and Picket still need to be reunited with their family—if they can.
In the continuation of the Green Ember series, Ember Rising takes Heather and Picket inside enemy territory and into Morbin’s dark and foreboding shadow. As the story unfolds, the siblings learn more about mysterious family members. Meanwhile, they face danger from Morbin and his wolves and suffer an unexpected betrayal by a trusted relative.
Author: S.D. Smith
Genre: adventure, animals, quests, legends
Interests: family life, friendship, childhood, growing up
Suggested age range: 10 and up
Gender preference: boys and girls
In the series: 10 books, ranging from 160 to 416 pages each
Follow on social media: #RabbitsWithSwords
Do your kids need extra encouragement to read?
Take our The Green Ember Series checklist to your local library and have your child check off the books as he reads them.
Looking for more great chapter books? We’ve got you covered!
yoda
says:good book it was
Robin
says: Customer ServiceWe agree! Thank you.
Anonymous
says:I have to say, this book is excellent.
yoda
says:good book it was a
Robin
says: Customer ServiceThank you! Glad you hear you enjoyed it.
Anonymous
says:“Take our The Green Ember Series checklist to your local library and have your child check off the books as he reads them.” I think you meant “he or she”.
Abe Smith
says:They are! Some of my favorites.
Robin
says: Customer ServiceGreat to hear you enjoyed these books, Abe!
Shawnee
says:This series sounds like it will be good addition to our home library!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope you enjoy this series as much as others have, Shawnee!
Faith Wayman
says:They do contain lots of war and battle, lost limbs and kind of bloody, but it’s one of my favorite series!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Faith.
Melanie
says:Always looking for book recommendations. This sounds great!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGlad you like it, Melanie!
Charissa Field
says:These sound awesome!
Erikamari M
says:We have been reading the Narnia series out loud and tho my girls are younger (4 and 7) they are hooked! This looks so cool! I’m so excited to check this series out! Thanks for the recommendation <3
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Erikamari. (I’m currently reading The Horse and His Boy to my daughter. It’s my favorite Narnia book.)
Brittany
says:I have been wanting to read these. I may buy them for my daughter so i have an excuse to read them too! ??
Ammie
says:We love the first book in this series, and book two is definitely on my read-aloud list this year.
Megan
says:I can’t wait to read this series!
Ginny
says:Looks great!
Raeylan
says:I love it on the 3rd book already!!!!!!!!!!!
Milena
says:These look fun for me to read to my son. I am always looking for books that are enjoyable for both of us!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes! Reading aloud is best when the books are enjoyed by everyone involved. ?
April
says:I’m always looking for book suggestions for my kiddos and these look great!
Sugeily Mojica
says:I can wait to start this series!
Sana
says:Love this! Needed another cool book for my daughter to devour and I couldn’t find any!
Thanks!
Erin H
says:I’m excited to read these to my daughter soon!
Heather
says:These look like a great collection of stories to share!
Patricia
says:I heard so many great things about The Green Ember so I decided to read it outloud to my children. We were hooked from the very first page. The imagery was amazing! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWell, that definitely shows it’s a book to really get into to, Patricia!
Chelsea P
says:I love all of the positive character traits these book encourage!
Megan LoPiccolo
says:This series looks great! What age/grade do you think they’re appropriate to be read to?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMegan,
The series does contain battles and war, so it is probably better for somewhat older children. I’d estimate 8 and up, depending on your child’s sensitivity.
CarolAnn
says:These books look great! I think my boys will enjoy them!
Loreen G
says:This sounds like a wonderful series! Thank you for the great review.
Danielle
says:Looks like our next read aloud is chosen!
Anna
says:These look great!
Cathye Parsons
says:I can’t wait to read these!
Lisa Popovich
says:Love AAS and AAR!
Amanda
says:Thanks for introducing this series! A few years when my boys are older, I look forward to reading these aloud to them!