Spring Story (Brambly Hedge) (HB)

If you grew up with Brambly Hedge, you already know that particular cosiness of tiny mice living their best lives in a hollow tree, with acorn cups and mossy beds and hampers packed with good things. Spring Story follows little Wilfred on his birthday, lugging a very mysterious hamper through the fields, not quite sure what's inside, and Jill Barklem's illustrations are so quietly, perfectly detailed that you'll find yourself leaning in closer than your child just to see what's on the picnic blanket.

We love it because:

• Jill Barklem's colour illustrations are genuinely extraordinary, intricate, warm, and the kind your child will pore over long after the story ends
• It's a gentle, joyful birthday story with real heart (and a very satisfying ending to that hamper mystery)
• The cosiness is almost edible, meadows, picnics, springtime, tiny mouse celebrations
• It reads beautifully aloud at bedtime, without any of those chapters that go on forever
• A brilliant gift that will very likely end up being kept and re-read for years

What's in the box:

• Spring Story by Jill Barklem, hardback edition
• 32 pages of full colour illustrations

Great for:

• Ages 3 and up (and quietly for nostalgic grown-ups too)
• Birthday gifts, Easter baskets, or any spring occasion
• Bedtime reading and quiet time
• Sparking a love of beautifully illustrated books
• Starting or completing a Brambly Hedge collection

Important to know:

• Hardback
• 17.6cm x 14.6cm
• 32 pages with full colour illustrations
• Suitable from age 3
• Published 2011 by HarperCollins