Jennifer L. Rowlands

After a terrible loss, Max and his family move to a new town hoping for a fresh start. Their house is in a field on the edge of the forest and feels as lonely and empty as Max does... until night falls. Loud noises ringing through the house all night long and Max seems to be the only one who notices. When morning comes, Max creeps out of bed, tired and frightened. He finds the house has been invaded by creatures he never imagined existed.
They introduce Max to other magical creatures of the forest, though not all are as friendly. Max quickly learns the power of darkness and how it can change those he cares about. When one of his new friends is turned evil and his dad is swallowed by a mysterious pool, Max sets out to restore his friend to their true form and save the father he loves.