The Coolest mice in the hedgerow (The Complete Brambley Hedge - Jill Barkin)

Member Name: JIL123

Product:	The Complete Brambley Hedge - Jill Barkin
Date:	31/05/01 (151 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gentle stories, Lovely characters, Wonderful illustrations

Disadvantages: None

Bedtime, and my three and a half year old son is stalling for time again. Not that I mind because his chief method of doing this is to ask for a story, and he always asks for Brambly Hedge. What a treat (I mean for me!)

This book is a gift for parents who like to read to their children at bedtime. The stories are gentle depictions of the lives of a number of mice who live in the hedgerow. There are no karate chopping mutated superheros and no talking trains/cars/helicopters. Bliss!

This collection contains about eight stories with an introduction from the author, Jill Barkin, explaining how the various characters came about. They are all very distinct and well drawn, from mischievous but good hearted little Wilfred, to wise old Mr Apple. The adventures themselves are very gentle but compelling, just enough to keep little minds interested without over exciting them!

I think the main strength of these stories lies in the atmosphere they create, a safe cosy little world of roaring fires and toasted teacakes - just right for snuggly bedtimes. There is nothing threatening or offensive - no baddies in Brambley Hedge - and the tales always leave you smiling. A major contribution to this atmosphere is the illustrations, which are incredibly intricate detailed depictions of the mice's homes in the hedgerow. These are what make the stories so interesting for the parent reading too!

As I said, this book is the firm favourite with my son, he can even recite some parts of Winter Story back to me. I would recommend it to any parent with children aged three and upwards.

Snuggle down and enjoy!

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