An astonishing odyssey is about to begin.   Gone are the wild grasses and rolling meadows. Gone too are the towering trees--except in one last forest in a forgotten corner of the world. Until something totally unexpected, remarkable, and frightening happens: The forest begins to grow. And grow. And grow. Mother Nature is back with a vengeance and mankind's very survival is at stake. Now a crusade of unlikely allies is venturing boldly into the heart of this dark and majestic world to learn its awesome secret--only to make the most breathtaking discovery of all. A shimmering fantasy brimming with magic, fun, and adventure, Rumors of Spring is a true fable of our times--a novel alive with imagery and humor, lush with power and grace.   "A rare and marvelous tale."--Los Angeles Daily News