I recently found all my old Brambly Hedge books and decided to re-read them. I am happy to report that the stores are just as good and the illustrations are just as gorgeous as I remembered them being. I think these are stories young and old alike can enjoy and the beautiful pictures will definitely be of interest to all ages. ( )

My mom got these books before I was born, and I was charmed by the stories and illustrations alike. I am pleased to report that this book does indeed hold up from childhood. Hooray! Off to binge the rest of the series now. ( )

"On the other side of the stream, across the field... 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. The Spring morning on which out story begins sees young Wilfred Toadflax up bright and early, excited at the prospect of his birthday. Unbeknownst to him, the kind residents of Brambly Hedge - led by Mr. Apple, the storekeeper, and the illustrious Lord Woodmouse - have planned a picnic surprise for him...

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. 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. 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... ( )

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