In 1994, however, she had an operation to remove a brain tumour, and although the procedure was successful, she subsequently had a number of health issues, including declining eyesight that effectively brought her charming world to a premature end. It is easily the most magical and fantastical of the Brambly Hedge seasonal stories - the Ice Hall is gorgeous and the later illustrations in this book benefit from its majestic blue-green pillars and high ceilings. And, in typical Brambly fashion, the more mundane scenes of kitchens and storerooms are just as impressive. It would not be a Brambly book without at least two kitchen illustrations, and this book has some of my favorites. This is the only seasonal Brambly book to be set mostly at night, which gives the illustrations a warm and magical quality. The illustrations are beautiful, detailed and heart warming and the story lines sweet, imaginative and fanciful. There are ongoing themes of friendship, community spirit and sharing throughout the whole timeless collection. The books, whose first titles were published in 1980, are written and illustrated by Barklem. The first four books follow the seasonal pattern of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Her later four books follow the mice's various adventures and activities.

The first four books were published in 1980, each representing one of the four seasons. [3] These four were originally released as individual volumes in a miniature format. [4] She wrote four more for the series, the last being published in 1994. In 1994, she had a successful operation for a brain tumour; however, the subsequent health issues caused her eyesight to decline, which ended her artistic career, and eventually led to her death. [6] Barklem died in London aged 66, on 15 November 2017. [1] Works [ edit ] Brambly Hedge Series [ edit ] It was the most beautiful morning. The spring sunshine crept into every cottage along Brambly Hedge, and the little windows in the trees were opened wide." Sadly, the books appear to be a UK phenomenon, which means it's hard to find copies of them in the U.S. When I consulted my librarian, she found a spin-off by Alan MacDonald called Wilfred to the Rescue. While the story was cute and the illustrations engaging, it was hard to see from this book exactly why Snapdragons would write about the Brambly Hedge mice with such passionate devotion. (I should probably mention here that The Four-Year-Old adored Wilfred to the Rescue. I liked it myself. I just didn't find it exceptional.)Jill immersed herself in the world she created. She was absorbed in the smallest details of everything from the blossom on a tree to the cogs of a machine. Her study and kitchen were both piled high with dried flowers, shells, nuts, feathers – anything and everything she could collect and use to inspire the Brambly Hedge world. A good cook, she made sure that every recipe for the wonderful food enjoyed by the mice at picnics and feasts could actually be made from foraged ingredients. She adopted the same approach to the mechanical implements she created within Brambly Hedge; all the machinery in the mouse mill and dairy had been trialled by Jill in miniature working models. A love of cooking goes hand in hand with the many fun feasts, picnics, and festivals that go on in Brambly Hedge. From birthday picnics to Naming Ceremonies to weddings, the mice of Brambly Hedge eagerly await any opportunity to celebrate. The Brambly Hedge Treasury (1999) — 1 volume containing The Secret Staircase, The High Hills, and an introduction with select illustrations from the first four books (~8.5x11 in) Spring Story (1980) – Wilfred Toadflax enjoys a picnic and a surprise for his birthday at Bluebell Bank.

A Year in Brambly Hedge (2010) — 4 book box set containing the seasonal first four books (5.75x6.93in)

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Jill Barklem (1951-November 15, 2017) was a British writer and illustrator of children's books. Her most famous work is the Brambly Hedge series. The Secret Staircase It is Midwinter's Eve in the Brambly Hedge and as per tradition, all of the mice are preparing for celebrations. Primrose and Wilfred have a special performance for the village mice and while they practice, they accidently discover a secret staircase in the house of Lord and Lady Woodmouse!! What ever will they find in there?