An Old-Time Fan of the Lost Forest Plus a Million Thanks

I stumbled upon your site by sheer accident, but once I did, I instantly recognized it and I felt compelled to write this email to you.

If you're not the sort that deals with these emails, whoever 'sales' is behind the email (as I imagine they deal with, gosh, sales?), then you can forward it to whomever can. I just want it to get to whoever should. Even if, I suppose, it might be a little pointless.

Anywho, I'm an American girl who, once upon a time, loved the Lost Forest store located at the Mall of America. My mother would take me there every week or so and I would buy books and the toys, and of course wander about being fascinated. I was probably about five or so then, when it closed.

I still remember what the store looked like, down to the colors and layout. I was endlessly enamoured with it, but you know how children can be. I was pretty heartbroken when it closed down, though. My mom and I were never very well off, you could say, and while I bought the books and devoured them (And I am now still as much a book addict), I'd always wanted one of those Flying Pygmies. My mom always shrugged off my desire to own one, but when she'd finally caved and decided to purchase one for me as a birthday present, she discovered your store closed! Oh no! 

I was so saddened by it, really. I kept the books (To this day I still have the original Lost Forest book with me -- the rest I have boxed and stored -- with my name 'Felicia' scrawled in huge permamarker letters) and I had a Gigalot Possum and Puggle (Both muchly loved until my house caught fire recently and they were lost). but I guess your Pygmies have haunted me in the worst possible way. Or perhaps, the most amusingly.

Though I grew up, I found myself searching for possible leftovers from the stores. Puggles, Possums, Catastrophe Kittens, but especially Pygmies. You can find amusing bits of my past mixed into what I own now, a few collectible flying pigs, my favorite pair of tennis shoes with flying pigs on them and the like. Its not much, but they were very much important to me as a kid. I guess there are two points to this letter, the first being that I want to express how important this story was to me as a kid. Sure, I'm sure you get it a lot, or maybe you don't, but if that's the case, you SHOULD.

People always hope that when a child picks up a book, that it will inspire them to do or believe something. Something that gives that child hope or inspiration. The Lost Forest did that for me. I actively became involved with the world around me, I suppose something of a mini-activist for the animals of the world, and though I am more quiet now, I am still very much so. And also, while neither are my main passtime, they are major ones, and that is to write and another is to draw.

The Lost Forest influenced and inspired me in so many ways as a kid. I still pick up the book in my now teenage years and would read it if I felt uninspired, or if I just wanted to venture back to something that while probably seemingly a minimal source for years my childhood, actually played a huge role. They still make me laugh, and for a time rather sad, because the thought of a place that brough me so much no longer existing was almost tragic. I love the stories you've told more than Harry Potter, more than even my own at times.

As someone who has written two novels and many other short stories, I feel like I have to tell you that without you, I probably would not have. Because without people who inspire and twist children's imaginations such as my own at one time, I don't know where I'd be these days. And for that, I really, really have to thank you.

The second thing that I would like to ask is, well, it says that stuffed Pygmies won't be on sale until sometime this year. When are their general release date, would you dare divulge it for me? I've waited and searched for them for almost fifteen years now, so another few months is not a big deal. But I am very curious, even if I can't afford one right now (We have to save to move, since the forementioned fire we are stuck in a friend's basement), so that I know how much I should have put away for when they do go on market. Would you perhaps let me know? I will stop pestering you now, but thank you so, so much for reading. It means a lot to me.

Thanks.

A Soon-To-Be-Again Loyal Customer,

Felicia Atkinson

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Hi there
I remember the Lost Forest stores when I was young. I was a HUGE fan. 
My eldest sister had many of your toys (and she was an adult at the 
time).
We used to visit the store in Melbourne when we were in the City. I 
could have lived in there!!!! It was a magical wonderland.
I was so sad when the stores closed. I have yet to see any store as 
magical!!!

I vividly remember a room spray you guys sold. It had a beautiful 
green mossy 'wet forest' smell.
Do you still make that?? I LOVE IT and would be thrilled to buy some.

Would love to hear from you.

Kind Regards
Paula M.
PS Now I've looked at your site at all the characters again, I'm 
tempted to buy all those fellows I couldn't afford as a little one.
I was so jealous my sister had them!! She wasn't good at sharing 
either. Hehe

 March 2007

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I really shouldn’t be writing an email at this ridiculously late time of night but it’s now or never. I stumbled upon this site while looking up dog breeds (Puggles) and almost fainted when I realised the Lost Forest exists again! Thank you for resurrecting something that holds dear childhood memories for not only myself but also others.

I had my fifth birthday party at the Chatswood store and I remember being fascinated by what was beyond the trap door. Catastrophe Cat even came with me when I left home, saved from the boxes destined for the garage storeroom.It’s going to be wonderful to introduce my young cousins to the world of the Lost Forest and all the creatures that make it so magical. Thank you, and I wish you good luck and longevity! 

Talitha B

March 2007

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When I was young we had a Lost Forests in the mall (Rochester, NY) I lived near. My grandmother would take us there everytime we did something good. To this day I still have a puggle in a bag, a baby puggle, a large fruggle, an uggle, a large flying pig, a penguin, a single pea from my peas in a pod, a printed bag, 3 books and a tape. Needless to say I loved that place. Now I am older and I want my kids to have a cool place like that. Do you think you will ever come back as strong as you were, and maybe to the USA?

Laura M. Rochester NY.

10^th July 2008

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 Hi there!
 I have ordered a puggle in a bag + baby for $39.95 online tonight.   
There was no option for colours, could it be possible to have a  
pink  puggle & pugglet. Would you believe my daughter now has my  
original  Puggle, Pugglet, Fruggle, Uggle & Snuggle from the 1980's  
& she now  desperately wants a pink one. I was so pleased to find  
your website as  I have always been a huge fan of your shops, 3 of  
which I visited in  Syd, Qld & Melb & am still the proud owner of a  
Gigalot possum.

Thankfully yours

Tracey R

28th July 2008

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