In this installment of Jill Barklem's Brambly Hedge series 'Spring Story' her beloved mice embrace the season with fresh enthusiasm spurred on by a special event coming up. I can't recall exactly when I first encountered these books - I wasn't a child, alas, so I missed out - but they have certainly become a personal favorite! I'm reminded of Brian Jacques' series of murine fantasies, beginning with Redwall, and wonder if he was at all influenced by these lovely little books. It serves as a lovely introduction to this tiny, enchanted world, as it takes the reader into a variety of homes in the hedge, as well as the Store Stump, and establishes the fact that this is a community which likes to celebrate together! The illustrations are simply darling, with just the sort of intricate interiors that children love to pore over, studying every detail. Originally published in 1980, and reprinted a number of times since then, Spring Story is the first of Jill Barklem's four seasonal picture-books about Brambly Hedge, all brought out the same year. Apple, the storekeeper, and the illustrious Lord Woodmouse - have planned a picnic surprise for him. Unbeknownst to him, the kind residents of Brambly Hedge - led by Mr.

The Spring morning on which out story begins sees young Wilfred Toadflax up bright and early, excited at the prospect of his birthday.

amongst the tangled roots and stems,' lies the close-knit community of Brambly Hedge, a cooperative society of rural mice, contentedly living in their snug tree-trunk homes, and pooling their resources into endeavors like the Store Stump, where all their food is kept safe. 'On the other side of the stream, across the field.

Spring Story by Jill Barklem