Something Must Be Done! is inspired by the everyday magic kids notice, and grown-ups often overlook.
Set in the tiny town of Big Island, the story follows Harriet and Henry Hartley as they discover a mysterious forest song that sparks a joyful, kid-led uprising to protect imagination, wonder, and the wild beauty just beyond town limits.
Written in a playful, poetic, and high-energy style, the story blends laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt themes. Rhythmic language, bold characters, and delightfully exaggerated grown-up panic create a read-aloud experience that feels lively, theatrical, and irresistibly fun.
Recommended age range: 5 – 9 years: perfect for readers who love the humour and spirit of Robert Munsch stories, with slightly more layered storytelling and emotional depth for kids ready to take the next step.
Something Must Be Done! features bold, detailed, colour-rich illustrations by Manitoba artist, Christian Amiel Miranda, bringing the forest, the town, and its wild cast of characters vividly to life.
At its heart, Something Must Be Done! celebrates curiosity, quiet courage, teamwork, and the power of imagination. It’s a story for families who believe wonder is precious and who know that even the smallest voices can make the biggest change.
About the Author
Corey King is a writer, digital artist, and game developer based in Manitoba, Canada. With over 15 years of experience creating stories for Canadian-made video games and interactive projects, Corey brings bold storytelling and big imagination to everything he creates.
He is the Studio Head at ZenFri, where he has helped produce children’s games for CBC Kids, award-winning interactive experiences, and educational media. His writing has also appeared in newspapers, short fiction collections, and film projects.
Corey lives with his two children and spouse in Grosse Isle (Big Island), Manitoba, where the woods still whisper to his wee ones.
About the Illustrator
Christian Amiel Miranda is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator based in Winnipeg.
His work spans comics, video games, VR experiences and children’s books.
Story Inspiration
Tucked away in the tiny town of Grosse Isle (Big Island), near the author’s home, lies a bramble of bush.
For many years, this bush was overlooked. But that all changed when a trail was added, and a neighbour began placing funny faces on the trees.
At first, Corey found the decorations disastrous, a terrible, tacky blight on the wonderfully natural woods. His irritation soon influenced his two young children. Recognizing that his oh so-serious sensibilities were warping their wonder, he chose to shift his perspective.
These faces became the singing Sages. The family’s brisk walks through the bush soon began to wander into wonderful visits with fine forest friends.
