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absentminded_reader's review against another edition
5.0
This is my first ★★★★★ book of the 2017. That means it's a solid ★★★★☆ book that inspires me.
Autumn Story is by far the best of the four books in this series that I've read. I have Sea Story waiting in the wings, and I've already flipped through it and can tell it isn't as strong.
A constant complaint of mine while reviewing these books was the lack of story. Brambly Hedge was the main character, and the problem with a setting being the center of attention is that it isn't very emotional. A setting is quaint, foreboding, lovely, or terrifying, but other than it's charm or lack thereof, a setting sits there waiting for actors to perform in it. Of course, a setting can be imbued with life by a skillful author, but Barklem hadn't proven to me that she was such an author. Barklem's books are about a fairy-like place where mice go about their very British days doing very British things of yore. Her stories are exhibition spaces where her art is displayed. This isn't necessarily bad, but if the art isn't up to the task, this approach can make for dull stories. Fortunately, Barklem's art is as skillful as it is delightful.
In Autumn Story, we had one protagonist, Primrose, who wandered off and got lost, then was found. That's it! These are simple tales for children. However, there was wonder, worry, fear, and conflict. The narrative was strong and focused even despite its simplicity. I wish all her books had been of this caliber.
These books are all about seeing little mice live as if rustic Brits from bygone days, but Barklem's art in this story was exceptional. Aside from her delicate line quality and classical watercolor washes, there was depth to the art in this story. One element missing from the art in her other books is contrast and drama. This story inspired more passionate art, as far as I'm concerned. Instead of simply showing us things, the art communicated emotion. There were influences of Arthur Rackham here and there with the nightmarish brambles and thorns, dark shadows, and terrifying trees. Several pieces I wished were available as prints.
Together, story and art told a tale that I know would move children. I have to admit that Barklem's tales had begun to bore me despite the whimsical art, but this story delighted me from beginning to end. It also reminded me of the need to infuse passion and drama into my own stories—that it isn't enough to tell people about a cool idea. We have to make readers care. Barklem got everything right with this story. Because this book stands out so much from the others, it surprised me. In fact, I found my own fires to write & tell stories rekindled. I don't want to forget this feeling.
Autumn Story is by far the best of the four books in this series that I've read. I have Sea Story waiting in the wings, and I've already flipped through it and can tell it isn't as strong.
A constant complaint of mine while reviewing these books was the lack of story. Brambly Hedge was the main character, and the problem with a setting being the center of attention is that it isn't very emotional. A setting is quaint, foreboding, lovely, or terrifying, but other than it's charm or lack thereof, a setting sits there waiting for actors to perform in it. Of course, a setting can be imbued with life by a skillful author, but Barklem hadn't proven to me that she was such an author. Barklem's books are about a fairy-like place where mice go about their very British days doing very British things of yore. Her stories are exhibition spaces where her art is displayed. This isn't necessarily bad, but if the art isn't up to the task, this approach can make for dull stories. Fortunately, Barklem's art is as skillful as it is delightful.
In Autumn Story, we had one protagonist, Primrose, who wandered off and got lost, then was found. That's it! These are simple tales for children. However, there was wonder, worry, fear, and conflict. The narrative was strong and focused even despite its simplicity. I wish all her books had been of this caliber.
These books are all about seeing little mice live as if rustic Brits from bygone days, but Barklem's art in this story was exceptional. Aside from her delicate line quality and classical watercolor washes, there was depth to the art in this story. One element missing from the art in her other books is contrast and drama. This story inspired more passionate art, as far as I'm concerned. Instead of simply showing us things, the art communicated emotion. There were influences of Arthur Rackham here and there with the nightmarish brambles and thorns, dark shadows, and terrifying trees. Several pieces I wished were available as prints.
Together, story and art told a tale that I know would move children. I have to admit that Barklem's tales had begun to bore me despite the whimsical art, but this story delighted me from beginning to end. It also reminded me of the need to infuse passion and drama into my own stories—that it isn't enough to tell people about a cool idea. We have to make readers care. Barklem got everything right with this story. Because this book stands out so much from the others, it surprised me. In fact, I found my own fires to write & tell stories rekindled. I don't want to forget this feeling.
allthatnas's review against another edition
relaxing
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
annaclarimoto's review against another edition
4.0
A great little series of illustrated children's books, this one a touch darker than Spring and Summer
half_bloodreader's review against another edition
3.0
Jill Barklem spent 5 years on research before she started on her first stories of the mice of Brambly Hedge.
Her interest in natural history and her curiosity about traditional rural customs and crafts has spilled over into these chronicles of hedgerow life.
Once again the art is lovely, similar to the Foxwood Tales, the kind we don't see today. I love the use of light.
The characters themselves don't have much depth, though it is a nice little story and lesson.
Her interest in natural history and her curiosity about traditional rural customs and crafts has spilled over into these chronicles of hedgerow life.
Once again the art is lovely, similar to the Foxwood Tales, the kind we don't see today. I love the use of light.
The characters themselves don't have much depth, though it is a nice little story and lesson.
lowieze's review against another edition
5.0
The wonderful and lovely nature pictures make me wish it was autumn already!
katekat's review against another edition
5.0
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.