It is often the case that when it comes to children’s books, the settings and background details are often ignored in favor of the obvious story and more prominent characters. But Evan Bell Farrior made sure to pay extra attention to details in her new book, Beyond the Hill.On the surface, this children’s fairy tale looks like countless other ordinary stories out there that you’ve read and forgotten about. But hidden in plain sight are deep symbolic representations of the values that she wants to convey to the young readers through her work. Starting with the place where the story is set, in a beautiful valley inhabited by lovely people and royalty adored by people, a fairy tale setting. But in reality, Evan made sure to infuse these basic elements with much greater meaning.

The valleys in the story don’t only just act as the warm and cozy typical place where the story happens, but instead symbolize the familiarity of the traditions that King George has put into place and created his kingdom on. They represent the steadfast boundaries and the control that King George has over his daughter as well. His fear of the unknown is also shown through the one boundary that he places on Princess Diana, where she can only marry a prince from their own valley. The depths of the valleys themselves show the emotional journey that the characters are going to travel to reach the place where they find a better version of themselves. Aside from the valleys, the two courts themselves represent the two perspectives of acceptance and rejection towards the new and unfamiliar. Though in the end, their union shows that only by accepting the fact that it’s okay to change in the face of diversity and open up to the newer things around us.

The calm way that Farrior unfolds the story also encourages less stimulation before bedtime and strengthens the idea of curiosity, imagination, and an openness towards others. Ultimately, the setting in Beyond the Hills serves a clear purpose. It reinforces themes of independence, acceptance, and reconciliation. It shapes the emotional rhythm of the story without overwhelming it. Through careful world-building, Author Evan Farrior creates a fairy tale environment that feels both classic and approachable. For families seeking a gentle fairy tale that values emotional depth over spectacle, Beyond the hills offers a world that supports its message beautifully. And it is within that quiet landscape, beyond the hills themselves, that the story’s meaning truly unfolds. So, grab your own copy in e-book, audiobook, and paperback formats today from multiple digital stores now.