Master Blacke by Pete Prown

There’s danger in heart of the Great Wood. After centuries of peace and tranquility, there’s a plot by the bigger creatures -- who call themselves The Vine -- to seize power and take control of the meek. But young Rue and Doily are fighting back with the help of their tutor, Master Blacke, and a strange, powerful friend named Jesper. But will it be enough to defeat The Vine and its forces of evil? As Master Blacke knows all too well, things are about to get much worse ....