Blackberry-laden hedgerows and busy mice

'It was a fine morning. The blackberries were ripe, the nuts were ready and the mice of Brambly Hedge were very busy'. So writes Jill Barklem in her Autumn Story.

No apologies for returning yet again to the wonderful world of mice, hedgerows and ancient tree stumps known as Brambly Hedge. In this beautifully depicted illustration from the Autumn Story you can see Lord Woodmouse using his walking stick to hook down a prickly branch laden with juicy black fruit whilst his little daughter Primrose picks up the berries from the ground.

 
Once the baskets are full Primrose makes her way back home but worryingly gets lost on the way and all the mice begin a frantic search for her.

Just look at those mice searching for Primrose on the shelves and in the cupboards of the magnificently named 'Store Stump'. One mouse is even searching in a bowl of blackberry and apple sauce... just in case! But do they find Primrose? If you haven't seen the book I hope I can tempt you to find a copy, I know you won't be disappointed.

The first stories were published in 1980 and there are now eight. These books are just the right size for little hands to hold.

 

I have a copy of 'The Four Seasons of Brambly Hedge' which not only includes the first four stories but also a detailed account of Jill Barklem and her work. Below you can see one of the pages showing illustrations and hand written notes from Jill's personal sketch book. What wonderful talent and imagination she has.

 
This post is dedicated to all you bloggers who are currently gathering seasonal fruit and veg and are busy baking, bottling, brewing and freezing in order to fill your store rooms. Particular mention goes to Suzanne at Blueberry Cottage who seems to have a succulent seasonal dish on the table every time I visit. Whilst reading her posts I can almost smell the tempting aroma's wafting from her kitchen.

You can discover more about Brambly Hedge on the official website. There are all kinds of treats. Visit the mice in their homes by clicking on areas of the map or print some of Jill Barklem's drawings for children to colour. There is even a bookmark to make. Have fun! 

Comments

[Martha]

Oh, I love Jill Barklem! I actually had a correspondence with her at one time. It was wonderful. She was hoping to get a new book out, but is having trouble with her eyesight. I haven't seen anything new from her in ages, so I do hope she is well!
Thanks for another lovely post!

[carolyna]

Thanks for visiting my blog, I will definitely be posting pictures of the garden in winter as I enjoy the winter beauty as well.We have had a few visitors from England this fall & we had a trip to England ourselves this spring.We really enjoyed the beauty of England & we hope to go back.
We picked a lot of blackberries this fall, I hope we did not step on any of those "Cute" little mice!

Cute post!
Take care,
Carolyn

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

What a delightful post! I am going to find those lovely Brambly Hedge books! The illustrations are so beautiful and the story sounds so sweet!!! She is a very talented artist! Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you for visiting me and for your sweet comments!!! Yes, we have a long growing season here. It does get cold and rainy in the winter and we will have some freezes, but the asters, pansies, violas, snapdragons, mums, and a few other things do very well here during the cooler months. In the vegetable garden I just planted swiss chard, broccoli, green onions, argula, spinach, lettuces, carrots, beets, and peas, all by seed. Hopefully they will all sprout (the chard already has) and provide us with some fresh produce through the winter.

I hope the sunshine will come your way. Thank you for keeping the Charlotte Mason post in mind. Please take your time!

A very happy weekend to you, Eli!!!
Love, Paula

[Rhondi]

Hi
Those Brambly Hedge books are precious. I'll have to keep my eyes open for them. They would be perfect for my little granddaughter.
That is a great idea to find fabric that might look like blue delft to make the necklace!
Hope you have a good weekend.
Hugs, Rhondi

[Selia]

I have just found you through dear Paula and cannot wait to read more! Thank you so much for sharing these delightful illustrations. My children read these wonderful books when they were younger.

Blessings,
Selia

[mumintroll]

The illustrations are so beautiful.She ist really a talented artist. I love her books...

Wish you a very happy weekend
Bettina

[Clarice]

Oh Brambley Hedge is my favorite. I want to live with Mrs. Apple. I never get sick of these charming books. You ahve such good taste !!! Clarice

[redwood house]

lovely autumn post, these fab little books are terrific my girls loved them as did I. There really is something very special about autumn I have never heard anyone say they do not like this wonderful colourful time of year and your blog is just perfect.
Jan

[redwood house]

Hi Eli thanks for the comments, the stuffing for the pin cushions are just regular toy stuffing but they are quite big for a pin cushion nearly 14cm square x 6cm deep. Not easy to lose!
Jan