What do you think?
Rate this book
Bravepaw #1
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria
An epic Tail of Adventure! Can one gallant mouse find the Heartstone and save her homeland from destruction?
When the sky fills with shadows
And all is turned to grey
Bravepaw will come
When hope turns to ashes
And all have lost their way
Bravepaw will come
The heart will light the dark
Night will turn to day
When Bravepaw comes
Brought up on tales of the gallant mouse hero Bravepaw, Titch has always dreamed of adventure, but she never thought it would actually happen to her. Afterall, she is nobody special. She is the smallest mouse in her family, living in a peaceful little village where nothing exciting ever happens.
When dire trouble comes to the Plateau, Titch and her best-friend Huckleberry must set out on a dangerous quest to take the Heartstone to the heart of Alluria, and repair the crack in the sky before the whole world breaks apart. Can Titch ever hope to live up to the legend of Bravepaw?
A fully illustrated and brilliantly readable adventure full of magic and prophecy, quests, heroism and loyal friendship - the world of Bravepaw will hook young readers until the very last page. This is the stuff of legend.
When the sky fills with shadows
And all is turned to grey
Bravepaw will come
When hope turns to ashes
And all have lost their way
Bravepaw will come
The heart will light the dark
Night will turn to day
When Bravepaw comes
Brought up on tales of the gallant mouse hero Bravepaw, Titch has always dreamed of adventure, but she never thought it would actually happen to her. Afterall, she is nobody special. She is the smallest mouse in her family, living in a peaceful little village where nothing exciting ever happens.
When dire trouble comes to the Plateau, Titch and her best-friend Huckleberry must set out on a dangerous quest to take the Heartstone to the heart of Alluria, and repair the crack in the sky before the whole world breaks apart. Can Titch ever hope to live up to the legend of Bravepaw?
A fully illustrated and brilliantly readable adventure full of magic and prophecy, quests, heroism and loyal friendship - the world of Bravepaw will hook young readers until the very last page. This is the stuff of legend.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 9, 2025
Read: December 8th - December 9th
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Not going to lie, the ending of this book snuck up on me 🤣It is very much only the beginning of the journey. Which isn't a bad thing, but I wasn't expecting it. So if you're going into this, know that the plot more leads up to a decision being made than any real conclusion.
It's a cute little book with really nice illustrations (puffles are ADORABLE). Bravery is a key part of the theme here. Not shocking, I'm sure, given the title 🤣 The narrative tackles the theme well for a fast-paced juvenile fiction book. It doesn't just go with the "bravery is doing things you're scared of" but emphasizes the various ways of being brave.
It did get surprisingly dark with mentions of the main characters being eaten by the antagonists of this book (multiple times at that). Putting it out there because may be a dark turn parents aren't expecting in the book they get their kids. Then again, from what I've heard (because I haven't seen it), Zootopia is all about prejudices in a prey and predator society, so who knows?
A fun, cute anthropomorphic fantasy adventure book that I'm sure younger kids would enjoy!
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Not going to lie, the ending of this book snuck up on me 🤣It is very much only the beginning of the journey. Which isn't a bad thing, but I wasn't expecting it. So if you're going into this, know that the plot more leads up to a decision being made than any real conclusion.
It's a cute little book with really nice illustrations (puffles are ADORABLE). Bravery is a key part of the theme here. Not shocking, I'm sure, given the title 🤣 The narrative tackles the theme well for a fast-paced juvenile fiction book. It doesn't just go with the "bravery is doing things you're scared of" but emphasizes the various ways of being brave.
It did get surprisingly dark with mentions of the main characters being eaten by the antagonists of this book (multiple times at that). Putting it out there because may be a dark turn parents aren't expecting in the book they get their kids. Then again, from what I've heard (because I haven't seen it), Zootopia is all about prejudices in a prey and predator society, so who knows?
A fun, cute anthropomorphic fantasy adventure book that I'm sure younger kids would enjoy!
May 16, 2026
This book reads like you are in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign in all the right ways! Titch is a young mouse living in an isolated village. She yearns for adventure, but when a mysterious prince arrives with a magical object that only Titch can use, it looks as if adventure has found her. I'm already so excited to read the rest of this series as Titch, her best friend Huckleberry, and her tiny poof ball companion Dollop embark on an epic quest to return the heartstone to the heart of Alluria and save the world from mysterious monsters!!!! Ahhh, I'm obsessed! This book is if Lord of the Rings and DnD had a baby, and I'm all in for it!
September 14, 2024
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson is the first in a new fantasy series for young readers.
Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured with the legend of Bravepaw - the bravest mouse who ever lived. She loves to swing her sword and pretend to be a warrior.
Her mother tells her they don't need warriors as there are no monsters anymore. However, when the monsters return, trying to suck all colour and heart from their world, Titch, along with her friend Huckleberry, must draw on all her courage to defeat the curseworms and save the villagers.
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is the most endearing tale. The book opens with a map and a prophecy which had me immediately engaged. This story has action, danger and suspense in bucketloads. Titch is the cutest protagonist I've seen in a long time and you can't help but love her.
This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others.
Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria.
Large print and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.
Content: mild battle scenes
not so scary monsters
Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured with the legend of Bravepaw - the bravest mouse who ever lived. She loves to swing her sword and pretend to be a warrior.
Her mother tells her they don't need warriors as there are no monsters anymore. However, when the monsters return, trying to suck all colour and heart from their world, Titch, along with her friend Huckleberry, must draw on all her courage to defeat the curseworms and save the villagers.
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is the most endearing tale. The book opens with a map and a prophecy which had me immediately engaged. This story has action, danger and suspense in bucketloads. Titch is the cutest protagonist I've seen in a long time and you can't help but love her.
This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others.
Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria.
Large print and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.
Content: mild battle scenes
not so scary monsters
September 14, 2024
I don't have any super deep thoughts about this one (Q. Are my thoughts ever deep? A. No) - but this was a really cute middle-grade novel! It has a nice easy to understand story that would appeal to kids, with some cute and fantastic creatures.
It has some nice messages about bravery and friendship and was a good opening to the series. The illustrations are also wonderful and would only be made better if they were in colour!
It has some nice messages about bravery and friendship and was a good opening to the series. The illustrations are also wonderful and would only be made better if they were in colour!
September 2, 2024
absolutely adorable
April 13, 2026
Amazing book! Super fun to read! I can’t wait to read book two!
August 23, 2024
When the sky fills with shadows
And all is turned to grey
Bravepaw will come
When hope turns to ashes
And all have lost their way
Bravepaw will come
The heart will light the dark
Night will turn to day
When Bravepaw comes
Raised on tales of the daring mouse hero Bravepaw, Titch has always longed for adventure, even though she never imagined it would find her. After all, she’s just an ordinary mouse—the smallest in her family - living in a tranquil village where excitement is as rare as a blue moon.
But when a dark calamity descends upon the Plateau, Titch and her fearless friend Huckleberry are thrust into a perilous journey. Their mission: to carry the Heartstone deep into the heart of Alluria and mend the rift in the sky before their world is torn apart. With every step, danger lurks, and the stakes have never been higher. Can Titch rise to the challenge and match the legendary feats of Bravepaw?
This is a beautiful wee read for our young ones - it has some fantastic illustrations, which is always something I really prefer in my young reader books. Good for those who may need a little help with the imagining! The narrative is fast-paced and a lot of fun. This story focuses on the beauty of unbreakable friendships and the power of believing in yourself. It is an utterly enchanting world. One for the primary school bookshelf!
"There are lots of ways to be brave."
And all is turned to grey
Bravepaw will come
When hope turns to ashes
And all have lost their way
Bravepaw will come
The heart will light the dark
Night will turn to day
When Bravepaw comes
Raised on tales of the daring mouse hero Bravepaw, Titch has always longed for adventure, even though she never imagined it would find her. After all, she’s just an ordinary mouse—the smallest in her family - living in a tranquil village where excitement is as rare as a blue moon.
But when a dark calamity descends upon the Plateau, Titch and her fearless friend Huckleberry are thrust into a perilous journey. Their mission: to carry the Heartstone deep into the heart of Alluria and mend the rift in the sky before their world is torn apart. With every step, danger lurks, and the stakes have never been higher. Can Titch rise to the challenge and match the legendary feats of Bravepaw?
This is a beautiful wee read for our young ones - it has some fantastic illustrations, which is always something I really prefer in my young reader books. Good for those who may need a little help with the imagining! The narrative is fast-paced and a lot of fun. This story focuses on the beauty of unbreakable friendships and the power of believing in yourself. It is an utterly enchanting world. One for the primary school bookshelf!
"There are lots of ways to be brave."
April 15, 2026
Un page-turner pour petits lecteurs dès 8 ans. Une quête, une élue, un compagnon d’aventure, un cristal et un ennemi féroce… oui nous sommes bien dans une réécriture de Tolkien. Aucun temps mort.
November 10, 2024
A gorgeous read. With plenty of action, bravery and friendship, as well as each chapter ending on a cliffhanger, this series will make the perfect class read aloud for lower primary.
February 1, 2026
Wilkinson’s fantasy series opener is highly illustrated, contains plenty of font type and size changes and the plot moves along from action to more action which is sure to appeal to the target audience of grades 2-4.
Younger elementary readers will be drawn into the friendship of mouslings Titch and Huckleberry and feel for Titch as she thirsts for adventure, making her own sword, practicing with it as often as her chores (and her mother) will allow and dreaming of her favorite hero, Bravepaw. Huckleberry supports his friend in everything she does and is right by her side when creepy floating eel things come up over the edge of the cliff and into their plateau home. Struggling to fight off the curseworms alongside the warrior hare who flies in with them, Titch grabs up the hare’s gem-topped staff, shouts and the resulting light blasts the beasts to smithereens. The wounded hare is treated by Huckleberry’s grandmother and shares the news of his quest to close a fissure in their country’s land that is allowing monsters to enter Alluuria using the staff that was once wielded by Bravepaw himself. Readers will not be surprised when the two young mice take up the staff and set out to accomplish the task on their own, venturing down from their home and discovering even more danger in the forest below.
Love that Wilkinson jumps right into the meat of the series and allows the depth of the friendship between Titch and Huckleberry to reveal itself a little bit more in every scene. Different creatures are also introduced at every stage leading readers to categorize them as either good guys or bad guys with at least one of them shifting from one side to the other. Mixed in with recognizable animals like mice, a hare, frogs, lizards and a few rabbits are more imaginative ones like the curseworms, an eaglebear and these adorable little puff balls called pufflings whose fur is used for clothes (with no pufflings harmed in the shearing) and whom Titch is supposed to be herding instead of practicing sword moves.
Highly recommended for younger elementary readers who love fantasy. And yes, oh, fans of Brian Jacques, there are shades of Redwall with a weapon-wielding mouse, a homeland to be protected and so many forest animals. I fully expect some feasting and maybe an October Ale-like beverage to be served in book 2, Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire.
Target audience: grades 2-4 (Publisher says 2-5 but this reads too young for the 5th graders I serve except that some of the vocabulary is pretty challenging and will require the younger end of the range to decode using the picture and textual clues, i.e. vile, brandished, plateau)
Profanity: none
Sexual content: none
Violence: good guys vs bad guys and monsters using swords, clubs, etc. but no blood and certainly appropriate for the genre and the age group
Note: I left my arc copy with my second grade grandson and while he did have his mom stop to define a few words in the two chapters they read together, he brought it with him to church, finished it during the service and asked for the next book. Was surprised to learn that both books 1 and 2 are available in Australia and book 3 will be out there soon. Books 2 and 3 will be coming to the US but a little behind the author’s home country.
Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Younger elementary readers will be drawn into the friendship of mouslings Titch and Huckleberry and feel for Titch as she thirsts for adventure, making her own sword, practicing with it as often as her chores (and her mother) will allow and dreaming of her favorite hero, Bravepaw. Huckleberry supports his friend in everything she does and is right by her side when creepy floating eel things come up over the edge of the cliff and into their plateau home. Struggling to fight off the curseworms alongside the warrior hare who flies in with them, Titch grabs up the hare’s gem-topped staff, shouts and the resulting light blasts the beasts to smithereens. The wounded hare is treated by Huckleberry’s grandmother and shares the news of his quest to close a fissure in their country’s land that is allowing monsters to enter Alluuria using the staff that was once wielded by Bravepaw himself. Readers will not be surprised when the two young mice take up the staff and set out to accomplish the task on their own, venturing down from their home and discovering even more danger in the forest below.
Love that Wilkinson jumps right into the meat of the series and allows the depth of the friendship between Titch and Huckleberry to reveal itself a little bit more in every scene. Different creatures are also introduced at every stage leading readers to categorize them as either good guys or bad guys with at least one of them shifting from one side to the other. Mixed in with recognizable animals like mice, a hare, frogs, lizards and a few rabbits are more imaginative ones like the curseworms, an eaglebear and these adorable little puff balls called pufflings whose fur is used for clothes (with no pufflings harmed in the shearing) and whom Titch is supposed to be herding instead of practicing sword moves.
Highly recommended for younger elementary readers who love fantasy. And yes, oh, fans of Brian Jacques, there are shades of Redwall with a weapon-wielding mouse, a homeland to be protected and so many forest animals. I fully expect some feasting and maybe an October Ale-like beverage to be served in book 2, Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire.
Target audience: grades 2-4 (Publisher says 2-5 but this reads too young for the 5th graders I serve except that some of the vocabulary is pretty challenging and will require the younger end of the range to decode using the picture and textual clues, i.e. vile, brandished, plateau)
Profanity: none
Sexual content: none
Violence: good guys vs bad guys and monsters using swords, clubs, etc. but no blood and certainly appropriate for the genre and the age group
Note: I left my arc copy with my second grade grandson and while he did have his mom stop to define a few words in the two chapters they read together, he brought it with him to church, finished it during the service and asked for the next book. Was surprised to learn that both books 1 and 2 are available in Australia and book 3 will be out there soon. Books 2 and 3 will be coming to the US but a little behind the author’s home country.
Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
June 15, 2026
Une histoire parfaite pour des pré-ados/ados, et plus !
Déjà, la couverture est absolument magnifique (la version que j'ai vient même avec deux marque-pages à tomber par terre).
Dans le livre, la mise en page est extrêmement agréable : l'interligne est plus grand que dans une grande partie des livres pour cet âge, le texte est aéré, certains mots importants sont écrits en gros, avec des dessins les mettant en valeur, il y a également des illustrations qui mettent en valeur l'histoire et que j'ai adoré.
Concernant l'histoire :
J'ai adoré Fluette, Croquette le pomponnet, et son ami.
Elle est brave, généreuse, et bienveillante.
Résumé :
Fluette vit sur un plateau et n'a aucune idée de ce qu'il se passe au-delà.
Elle rêve de devenir une héroïne, d'être comme Bravepatte, qui a chassé les monstres du monde autrefois.
Après la visite d'un étranger, nous découvrons que les monstres sont de retour. Elle part alors et réussit à manier un sceptre que seuls les Bravepattes peuvent manier et qui permettrait de refermer la faille du monde par laquelle jaillissent les monstres. Après quelques rencontres malheureuses il est temps de se mettre en route vers cette faille.
J'ai hâte de découvrir la suite de ses aventures dans le tome 2.
Déjà, la couverture est absolument magnifique (la version que j'ai vient même avec deux marque-pages à tomber par terre).
Dans le livre, la mise en page est extrêmement agréable : l'interligne est plus grand que dans une grande partie des livres pour cet âge, le texte est aéré, certains mots importants sont écrits en gros, avec des dessins les mettant en valeur, il y a également des illustrations qui mettent en valeur l'histoire et que j'ai adoré.
Concernant l'histoire :
J'ai adoré Fluette, Croquette le pomponnet, et son ami.
Elle est brave, généreuse, et bienveillante.
Résumé :
Fluette vit sur un plateau et n'a aucune idée de ce qu'il se passe au-delà.
Elle rêve de devenir une héroïne, d'être comme Bravepatte, qui a chassé les monstres du monde autrefois.
Après la visite d'un étranger, nous découvrons que les monstres sont de retour. Elle part alors et réussit à manier un sceptre que seuls les Bravepattes peuvent manier et qui permettrait de refermer la faille du monde par laquelle jaillissent les monstres. Après quelques rencontres malheureuses il est temps de se mettre en route vers cette faille.
J'ai hâte de découvrir la suite de ses aventures dans le tome 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
A fun story for children. I could definitely see myself absolutely loving this as a kid even as an adult, I enjoyed it. I will say, it's very short and you're immediately thrown into adventure with no build up or world building, which is such a missing opportunity to expand the world/lore.
May 4, 2026
Read aloud with my 4 and 6 year old boys. They loved it. Great illustrations throughout. Can’t wait to read the sequels!
I love books like this - an adventure with a great message. The power of friendship. Learning to be brave. Trusting yourself. So good.
I love books like this - an adventure with a great message. The power of friendship. Learning to be brave. Trusting yourself. So good.
September 17, 2024
literally me when i follow my heart
Read
April 10, 2026It's a lot of predictable "chosen one fantasy" tropes to read as an adult, but much less predictable for a 2nd-4th grader and the art is great
February 5, 2026
Themes of bravery, friendship, and a quest to help others. Loved the illustrations and typography. Can’t wait to see the final version, and looking forward to book 2!
September 5, 2024
Super cute adventure that had hints of The Hobbit for me. Perfect for any child that loves their little animals and a touch of magic.
November 6, 2025
Bravepatte ⚔️
Fluette vit dans un petit village tout en haut d'un plateau, en sécurité . Elle se rêve en aventurière brandissant une épée devant ses ennemis. Mais la vie dans son village reste paisible jusqu'au jour où des ombres l'envahissent, Fluette se voit alors confier une mission, sauver Alluria!
Ce petit roman a tout d'un grand!
L'ésthetique est accrocheur avec une police qui change pour appuyer sur certains mots ou exacerber les émotions!
Illustré de la première à la dernière page par de magnifiques dessins en noir et blanc, nous entrons dans un univers riche avec des créatures imaginaires, une prophétie et une quête !
Suivre Fluette, c'est vivre l'aventure avec elle! Elle nous épate par son courage et sa bravoure à toute épreuve. Une histoire où l'amitié est aussi mise à l'honneur, que serait-on sans des amitiés fidèles?
Une belle approche pour initier les jeunes lecteurs à la fantasy.
A partir de 8 ans.
Fluette vit dans un petit village tout en haut d'un plateau, en sécurité . Elle se rêve en aventurière brandissant une épée devant ses ennemis. Mais la vie dans son village reste paisible jusqu'au jour où des ombres l'envahissent, Fluette se voit alors confier une mission, sauver Alluria!
Ce petit roman a tout d'un grand!
L'ésthetique est accrocheur avec une police qui change pour appuyer sur certains mots ou exacerber les émotions!
Illustré de la première à la dernière page par de magnifiques dessins en noir et blanc, nous entrons dans un univers riche avec des créatures imaginaires, une prophétie et une quête !
Suivre Fluette, c'est vivre l'aventure avec elle! Elle nous épate par son courage et sa bravoure à toute épreuve. Une histoire où l'amitié est aussi mise à l'honneur, que serait-on sans des amitiés fidèles?
Une belle approche pour initier les jeunes lecteurs à la fantasy.
A partir de 8 ans.
March 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
"Il y a bien des manières d'être brave."
Fluette rêve depuis toujours de marcher dans les pas de Bravepatte, son plus grand héros. Alors, lorsque survient le danger, la souricelle surmonte ses peurs et se lance à l'aventure.
Une jolie histoire sur l'amitié, la confiance en soi et l'importance de croire en ses rêves, accessible grâce à de nombreuses illustrations et une mise en page aérée et dynamique.
"Il y a bien des manières d'être brave."
Fluette rêve depuis toujours de marcher dans les pas de Bravepatte, son plus grand héros. Alors, lorsque survient le danger, la souricelle surmonte ses peurs et se lance à l'aventure.
Une jolie histoire sur l'amitié, la confiance en soi et l'importance de croire en ses rêves, accessible grâce à de nombreuses illustrations et une mise en page aérée et dynamique.
August 8, 2024
This was so freaking cute. It's all about finding inner strength and continuing on through adversity and I just want to squeal while throwing it at all the 7-12 year olds in my life
March 18, 2026
Il est dit que le plus valeureux est Bravepatte et que son héroïsme sauvera le monde du Mal. Une jeune sourie, Fluette, la plus petite des souris vivant sur le Plateau, se rêve devenir aussi héroïque que Bravepatte, mais le lieu où elle vit est un coin très tranquille, qui ne requiert pas de guerriers. Tout va changer le jour où, débarqué du ciel grâce à un deltaplane, un Prince détenteur d'un bâton magique serti d'un cristal en forme de coeur, la Rochecoeur, se fait suivre par les vermaudits, espèce de long rubans malveillants qui rendent tristes ou violent les gens qu'elles touchent. Et quand Fluette se sert du bâton, elle les chasse grâce à la lumière qui émerge du bâton. Le Prince a alors une révélation: Fluette est le nouveau Bravepatte. Il faut maintenant amener le bâton à Alluria pour fermer le portail d'où s’échappent les vermaudits, mais Fluette se retrouve bientôt attaquée à nouveau et termine sa course bien loin de sa contrée. Elle pourra compter sur Airelle, son meilleur ami et Croquette, son petite pomponet.
L'éprouve le même malaise que la fois où j'ai lu "L'île du Crâne" et comprit que Rowling n'a finalement pas inventé grand chose vu que la base du roman semble provenir de ce roman. S'inspirer est une chose, mais ici, c'est carrément des reprises sur des noms, des actions, une quête et même certains personnages, ça fait beaucoup. J'ai personnellement trouvé que Bravepattte est un mélange peu rafraichissant et convenu entre Redwall et le Seigneur des anneaux, avec une souris lambda provenant d'un endroit bucolique à l'abri du monde ( La Comté) , révélée comme L'Élue ( Frodon) portant l'instrument de destruction (L'anneau) du Mal absolu ( Sauron), lancée dans une quête pour rapporter ladite relique ( ici un bâton avec un cristal comme le bâton de Gandalf) dans une contrée lointaine où on pourra s'en servir pour mettre fin au mal ( genre à Foncombe). En plus, on a droit au mythe Arthurien aussi puisque le dernier Bravepatte a extrait une épée à Alluria, l'endroit où il faut ramener le bâton dont le cœur s'appelle "Rochecoeur" ( une roche en forme de coeur). Fluette a même le droit à son propre Gandalf, avec le Prince souris, qui débarque avec un bâton et une quête, ainsi que Sam Gamegie avec Airelle, une souris amateur de bonne bouffe et au grand cœur qui s'engage de manière un peu dramatique dans la quête aux côtés de Fluette. Ça me rappelle Sam, quand il tente de rejoindre Frodon dans la barque, alors que ce dernier quitte secrètement le groupe pour poursuivre la quête seul et où Sam manque de se noyer. "Je viens avec vous, m'sieur Frodon!"Ah, Sam. On t'aime. Bref. Pour ceux moins familiers avec Redwall, une série jeunesse absolument traumatisante, il s'agit de l'histoire de Mathias, souris ordinaire devenu l'Élu porteur de l'Épée de Martin, souris légendaire et défenseur de Redwall il y a un siècle, qui combat un groupe de mercenaires sanguinaires et cruels rats. Par ailleurs, les mignons "vermaudits" ( bah oui, désolé, je les trouve mignons ces serpents-banderoles à dents de serpents et moustaches de chat!), sont sensiblement comme les Détraqueurs de Harry Potter: Ils drainent la joie et l'espoir de ceux qu'ils touchent. Donc, côté originalité, je ne peux pas dire que je suis impressionnée, franchement, c'est vraiment très classique et facile comme univers. Même le sauvetage de l'aiglours était incroyablement prévisible. Ah et cette scène avec Fluette qui plante son bâton magique dans la terre pour chasser un vermaudit en mode "VOUS NE PASSEREZ PAS!!!" avec un bâton qui s'illumine...sérieusement....à quel point copie-t-on Tolkiens?.....Mais bon, je dois me rappeler que mes 7-8 ans ne connaissent pas le Seigneur des anneaux et mes Aiëux merci, Redwall non plus. Pas que c'était une mauvaise série, mais, c'était parfois glaçant. Mais je m'égare!
Les Élu.e.s m'ont souvent agacé parce que c'est de toujours ramener l'Idée d'un prophétie qui dicte l'avenir d'un seul individu, définit par une roche, un bout de papier ou un vieux fou. Et souvent, on a droit au symptomatique "Héro au cœur pure", une idée tellement manichéenne. Je préfère les héros qui ne porte pas ce nom, qui n'en ont pas besoin et surtout, qui peuvent être plusieurs. Le Seigneur des anneaux m'a justement semblé plus subtile sur cette question justement. D'ailleurs, l'enthousiasme de Fluette du début tombe comme un soufflé assez vite merci, elle se met à douter et à se dénigré si vite que s'en est déstabilisant. On passe de "je veux devenir guerrière" à "je ne suis qu'une insignifiante plus petite souris de mon village". Vous voyez pourquoi c'est chiant les prophéties? Parce que ça met beaucoup trop de pression inutile.
Si la lectrice que je suis s'est plutôt ennuyé, la libraire a par contre repéré des choses intéressantes dans la forme. Déjà, les dessins sont très jolis et dynamiques, ils ajoutent une belle touche visuelle. Même les interpages entre les chapitres sont beaux, on dirait du papier peint couvert de cocotes et de branches de pin. J'ai aussi apprécié l'aération des lignes de texte et la police est légèrement plus grosse que la moyenne, sans être inutilement massive non plus. Aussi, le livre n'est pas très long à lire. Je pense à tous ces avantages surtout pour les lecteurs avec des défis en lecture qui aiment la Fantasy et qui sont toujours un peu prit de cours par la large prévalence des pavés dans ce genre littéraire. Le scénario est linéaire, les péripéties très simples, les personnages peu nombreux et la quête peu complexe. C'est globalement un univers basique, mais qui présente l'avantage d'être accessible aux lectorats moins amateurs des grosses briques ou de la Fantasy complexe. Bonus: Nous avons une héroïne. Ça peut sembler banal comme détail et en principe, ce devrait l'être, mais dans le contexte du recul du féminisme ( égalité des genre) dans les écoles, présenter des héroïnes dans un rôle autre que la stupide nunuche en détresse relève encore de la surprise pour certains jeunes garçons et jeunes filles. Donc, quand je pense aux besoins de mes 7-9 ans qui ont du mal avec les longues lectures sans images, Bravepatte peut être une suggestion intéressante.
Les pomponets me rappellent les fredounours dans "Willodeen", ils sont absolument adorables. Sauf que "Croquette", c'est un peu cliché comme nom, franchement. N'empêche, il est mignon. J'aimerais bien en avoir un pour nous aider avec les étagères pleines de poussière, on dirait des swiffers ronds, idéaux pour se glisser dans les espaces restreints nombreux en librairie jeunesse.
Donc, franchement, c'est le genre de livre que je vais oublier très vite parce qu'il ne se démarque sur aucun plan. Des souris courageuses, déjà vu. Une héroïne plus petite que les autres, dé vu aussi. Une quête pour sauver le monde grâce à un objet magique, Tolkiens nous en a donné les bases. Bref, je le proposerai peut-être aux profs avec des besoins en Fantasy pour lectorat avec des défis en lecture, mais autrement, je trouve ce livre vraiment très fade.
Pour un lectorat à partir du 2e cycle primaire, 8-9 ans+
Catégorisation: Roman fantasy britannique, littérature jeunesse intermédiaire, 2e cycle primaire, 8-9 ans+
Note: 4/10
L'éprouve le même malaise que la fois où j'ai lu "L'île du Crâne" et comprit que Rowling n'a finalement pas inventé grand chose vu que la base du roman semble provenir de ce roman. S'inspirer est une chose, mais ici, c'est carrément des reprises sur des noms, des actions, une quête et même certains personnages, ça fait beaucoup. J'ai personnellement trouvé que Bravepattte est un mélange peu rafraichissant et convenu entre Redwall et le Seigneur des anneaux, avec une souris lambda provenant d'un endroit bucolique à l'abri du monde ( La Comté) , révélée comme L'Élue ( Frodon) portant l'instrument de destruction (L'anneau) du Mal absolu ( Sauron), lancée dans une quête pour rapporter ladite relique ( ici un bâton avec un cristal comme le bâton de Gandalf) dans une contrée lointaine où on pourra s'en servir pour mettre fin au mal ( genre à Foncombe). En plus, on a droit au mythe Arthurien aussi puisque le dernier Bravepatte a extrait une épée à Alluria, l'endroit où il faut ramener le bâton dont le cœur s'appelle "Rochecoeur" ( une roche en forme de coeur). Fluette a même le droit à son propre Gandalf, avec le Prince souris, qui débarque avec un bâton et une quête, ainsi que Sam Gamegie avec Airelle, une souris amateur de bonne bouffe et au grand cœur qui s'engage de manière un peu dramatique dans la quête aux côtés de Fluette. Ça me rappelle Sam, quand il tente de rejoindre Frodon dans la barque, alors que ce dernier quitte secrètement le groupe pour poursuivre la quête seul et où Sam manque de se noyer. "Je viens avec vous, m'sieur Frodon!"Ah, Sam. On t'aime. Bref. Pour ceux moins familiers avec Redwall, une série jeunesse absolument traumatisante, il s'agit de l'histoire de Mathias, souris ordinaire devenu l'Élu porteur de l'Épée de Martin, souris légendaire et défenseur de Redwall il y a un siècle, qui combat un groupe de mercenaires sanguinaires et cruels rats. Par ailleurs, les mignons "vermaudits" ( bah oui, désolé, je les trouve mignons ces serpents-banderoles à dents de serpents et moustaches de chat!), sont sensiblement comme les Détraqueurs de Harry Potter: Ils drainent la joie et l'espoir de ceux qu'ils touchent. Donc, côté originalité, je ne peux pas dire que je suis impressionnée, franchement, c'est vraiment très classique et facile comme univers. Même le sauvetage de l'aiglours était incroyablement prévisible. Ah et cette scène avec Fluette qui plante son bâton magique dans la terre pour chasser un vermaudit en mode "VOUS NE PASSEREZ PAS!!!" avec un bâton qui s'illumine...sérieusement....à quel point copie-t-on Tolkiens?.....Mais bon, je dois me rappeler que mes 7-8 ans ne connaissent pas le Seigneur des anneaux et mes Aiëux merci, Redwall non plus. Pas que c'était une mauvaise série, mais, c'était parfois glaçant. Mais je m'égare!
Les Élu.e.s m'ont souvent agacé parce que c'est de toujours ramener l'Idée d'un prophétie qui dicte l'avenir d'un seul individu, définit par une roche, un bout de papier ou un vieux fou. Et souvent, on a droit au symptomatique "Héro au cœur pure", une idée tellement manichéenne. Je préfère les héros qui ne porte pas ce nom, qui n'en ont pas besoin et surtout, qui peuvent être plusieurs. Le Seigneur des anneaux m'a justement semblé plus subtile sur cette question justement. D'ailleurs, l'enthousiasme de Fluette du début tombe comme un soufflé assez vite merci, elle se met à douter et à se dénigré si vite que s'en est déstabilisant. On passe de "je veux devenir guerrière" à "je ne suis qu'une insignifiante plus petite souris de mon village". Vous voyez pourquoi c'est chiant les prophéties? Parce que ça met beaucoup trop de pression inutile.
Si la lectrice que je suis s'est plutôt ennuyé, la libraire a par contre repéré des choses intéressantes dans la forme. Déjà, les dessins sont très jolis et dynamiques, ils ajoutent une belle touche visuelle. Même les interpages entre les chapitres sont beaux, on dirait du papier peint couvert de cocotes et de branches de pin. J'ai aussi apprécié l'aération des lignes de texte et la police est légèrement plus grosse que la moyenne, sans être inutilement massive non plus. Aussi, le livre n'est pas très long à lire. Je pense à tous ces avantages surtout pour les lecteurs avec des défis en lecture qui aiment la Fantasy et qui sont toujours un peu prit de cours par la large prévalence des pavés dans ce genre littéraire. Le scénario est linéaire, les péripéties très simples, les personnages peu nombreux et la quête peu complexe. C'est globalement un univers basique, mais qui présente l'avantage d'être accessible aux lectorats moins amateurs des grosses briques ou de la Fantasy complexe. Bonus: Nous avons une héroïne. Ça peut sembler banal comme détail et en principe, ce devrait l'être, mais dans le contexte du recul du féminisme ( égalité des genre) dans les écoles, présenter des héroïnes dans un rôle autre que la stupide nunuche en détresse relève encore de la surprise pour certains jeunes garçons et jeunes filles. Donc, quand je pense aux besoins de mes 7-9 ans qui ont du mal avec les longues lectures sans images, Bravepatte peut être une suggestion intéressante.
Les pomponets me rappellent les fredounours dans "Willodeen", ils sont absolument adorables. Sauf que "Croquette", c'est un peu cliché comme nom, franchement. N'empêche, il est mignon. J'aimerais bien en avoir un pour nous aider avec les étagères pleines de poussière, on dirait des swiffers ronds, idéaux pour se glisser dans les espaces restreints nombreux en librairie jeunesse.
Donc, franchement, c'est le genre de livre que je vais oublier très vite parce qu'il ne se démarque sur aucun plan. Des souris courageuses, déjà vu. Une héroïne plus petite que les autres, dé vu aussi. Une quête pour sauver le monde grâce à un objet magique, Tolkiens nous en a donné les bases. Bref, je le proposerai peut-être aux profs avec des besoins en Fantasy pour lectorat avec des défis en lecture, mais autrement, je trouve ce livre vraiment très fade.
Pour un lectorat à partir du 2e cycle primaire, 8-9 ans+
Catégorisation: Roman fantasy britannique, littérature jeunesse intermédiaire, 2e cycle primaire, 8-9 ans+
Note: 4/10
December 8, 2025
Bravepaw and the Heart of Alluria is a delightful, action-packed adventure that brings readers into a world where courage comes in many shapes and sizes—especially small, whiskered ones. Titch Proudleaf, an unlikely hero from a quiet mouse village, suddenly finds herself swept into a quest worthy of the legendary Bravepaw himself. And though she doesn’t feel like a hero, the world of Alluria needs her more than she ever imagined.
This story is rich with charm: an all-animal cast, magical creatures, and a journey full of danger, humour, and heart. Titch’s friendship with the ever-supportive Huckleberry is one of the book’s sweetest threads, grounding the high-stakes quest in genuine warmth. Their dynamic is lovely to follow, and their loyalty to one another makes each challenge feel even more meaningful.
Wilkinson writes a classic “chosen one” tale with a fresh, hopeful energy. The theme of believing in yourself is woven throughout, sometimes gently and sometimes a little repetitively—Titch’s mantra, “There are lots of ways to be brave!”, starts off inspiring but does lose a bit of its shine with frequent use. Still, its core message will resonate with young readers, finding their own courage.
The reading experience is enhanced by beautiful illustrations and playful typography—varying fonts and letter sizes make the story feel wonderfully dynamic and alive on the page. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put down, though the whimsical names may give aloud-readers a tongue-twisting challenge!
With magical animals, unforeseen allies, fast-paced action, and a courageous female lead, Bravepaw and the Heart of Alluria is a fun and accessible fantasy adventure. It’s thrilling without being too scary, heartfelt without being heavy, and utterly engaging from start to finish. I’m already eager to continue Titch’s journey in book two.
This story is rich with charm: an all-animal cast, magical creatures, and a journey full of danger, humour, and heart. Titch’s friendship with the ever-supportive Huckleberry is one of the book’s sweetest threads, grounding the high-stakes quest in genuine warmth. Their dynamic is lovely to follow, and their loyalty to one another makes each challenge feel even more meaningful.
Wilkinson writes a classic “chosen one” tale with a fresh, hopeful energy. The theme of believing in yourself is woven throughout, sometimes gently and sometimes a little repetitively—Titch’s mantra, “There are lots of ways to be brave!”, starts off inspiring but does lose a bit of its shine with frequent use. Still, its core message will resonate with young readers, finding their own courage.
The reading experience is enhanced by beautiful illustrations and playful typography—varying fonts and letter sizes make the story feel wonderfully dynamic and alive on the page. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put down, though the whimsical names may give aloud-readers a tongue-twisting challenge!
With magical animals, unforeseen allies, fast-paced action, and a courageous female lead, Bravepaw and the Heart of Alluria is a fun and accessible fantasy adventure. It’s thrilling without being too scary, heartfelt without being heavy, and utterly engaging from start to finish. I’m already eager to continue Titch’s journey in book two.
April 18, 2026
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria
by L.M. Wilkinson
Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division
originally published 2024
192 pages
ISBN: 9781665986588
Titch Proudleaf is a young mouse who dreams of being brave like her storied hero Bravepaw who is said to have saved the world from all its monsters. Titch believes the old legends and pretends she is as brave and stalwart as Bravepaw. Her best friend Huckleberry offers the perfect sounding board and buddy throughout the story.
Titch and Huckleberry are on an errand when they happen upon an injured warrior who needs their help. Titch is no Bravepaw, but she does what she can. She grabs the warrior's stick and yells, "Be gone" at the menacing wormlike monsters as curseworms trying to kill the warrior. Magic happens. The staff in Titch's hand comes to life and kills the monsters. The warrior is amazed and thankful. Could Titch be the answer the world has been waiting for?
Once he is being cared for on the Plateau, the warrior thanks Titch and tells her that she has the magic. There is not one Bravepaw; there have been many over the years. Clearly Titch yields the magic, so she is the next Bravepaw. The warrior turns out to be a prince who wants her to accompany him on his quest to return the heartstone to Alluria and mend the crack that is unleashing monsters and curseworms into the world.
Bravepaw is the perfect series for younger middle grade. If readers love Titch, a savvy librarisn will lead them to Brian Jacques' Redwall books.
by L.M. Wilkinson
Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division
originally published 2024
192 pages
ISBN: 9781665986588
Titch Proudleaf is a young mouse who dreams of being brave like her storied hero Bravepaw who is said to have saved the world from all its monsters. Titch believes the old legends and pretends she is as brave and stalwart as Bravepaw. Her best friend Huckleberry offers the perfect sounding board and buddy throughout the story.
Titch and Huckleberry are on an errand when they happen upon an injured warrior who needs their help. Titch is no Bravepaw, but she does what she can. She grabs the warrior's stick and yells, "Be gone" at the menacing wormlike monsters as curseworms trying to kill the warrior. Magic happens. The staff in Titch's hand comes to life and kills the monsters. The warrior is amazed and thankful. Could Titch be the answer the world has been waiting for?
Once he is being cared for on the Plateau, the warrior thanks Titch and tells her that she has the magic. There is not one Bravepaw; there have been many over the years. Clearly Titch yields the magic, so she is the next Bravepaw. The warrior turns out to be a prince who wants her to accompany him on his quest to return the heartstone to Alluria and mend the crack that is unleashing monsters and curseworms into the world.
Bravepaw is the perfect series for younger middle grade. If readers love Titch, a savvy librarisn will lead them to Brian Jacques' Redwall books.
June 15, 2024
I received an uncorrected proof of this book from Novel Insight. A great junior adventure novel and will appeal to readers who enjoy Wings of Fire and Delta Quest.
'There are lots of ways to be brave". The smallest mouse in Plateau, Titch has been brought up on tales of a hero mouse called Bravepaw, who once saved Alluria. One day, a warrior hare, Prince Vetiver comes to their village with a magical gem on a staff called the Heartstone of Alluria. Titch is told that there is a crack in the heart of Alluria, which is emitting monsters and foul creatures. These creatures want the Heartstone so they can take over the world. Prince Vetiver is in need of an apprentice but before Titch can say yes, the village is catapulted into a battle against the curseworms. To save the village, Titch decides to take the Heartstone and leave, thus taking the curseworms away from her village. Her friend Huckleberry Buttonbrow is right behind her and together they head off into an adventure of a lifetime. There are a variety of different animal characters in the story including a band of creatures known as the “Grabbers” who raid villages for valuables that they can sell at the markets and Titch’s pet puffling “Dollop” which will appeal to younger readers. As the story ends, the reader will realise that there is more to come in this series.
'There are lots of ways to be brave". The smallest mouse in Plateau, Titch has been brought up on tales of a hero mouse called Bravepaw, who once saved Alluria. One day, a warrior hare, Prince Vetiver comes to their village with a magical gem on a staff called the Heartstone of Alluria. Titch is told that there is a crack in the heart of Alluria, which is emitting monsters and foul creatures. These creatures want the Heartstone so they can take over the world. Prince Vetiver is in need of an apprentice but before Titch can say yes, the village is catapulted into a battle against the curseworms. To save the village, Titch decides to take the Heartstone and leave, thus taking the curseworms away from her village. Her friend Huckleberry Buttonbrow is right behind her and together they head off into an adventure of a lifetime. There are a variety of different animal characters in the story including a band of creatures known as the “Grabbers” who raid villages for valuables that they can sell at the markets and Titch’s pet puffling “Dollop” which will appeal to younger readers. As the story ends, the reader will realise that there is more to come in this series.
June 22, 2026
Titch and Huckleberry and Dollop all live in Alluria. While not always the case, Alluria is currently a quiet, safe, peaceful community. Some (like Titch) might even say boring. Because Titch wants to be a warrior like Bravepaw! And it's hard to be a warrior when everything is peaceful and your mom just wants you to do the chores. But then everything changes as Titch and her best friend Huckleberry discover that monsters have invaded their kingdom. And her warrior wishes become true. (Dollop is an adorable little puff that stows away and joins their adventure.) It's up to them to find the place where the monsters are getting into their kingdom.
This is somewhat Redwall ish but geared for a younger audience. I have seen at least three more installments in the adventure so this would be a good choice for your young adventurer that likes a series. There are black and white illustrations throughout. But it's not a graphic novel.
This is somewhat Redwall ish but geared for a younger audience. I have seen at least three more installments in the adventure so this would be a good choice for your young adventurer that likes a series. There are black and white illustrations throughout. But it's not a graphic novel.
September 3, 2024
Such a sweet, fun story that is a perfect set up for what I’m sure is going to be the most fantastic series.
Following a little mouse named Titch, who is obsessed with the stories of the hero Bravepaw, in her safe little home on the Plateau where nothing ever happens. Until one day when danger arrives and Titch, her best friend Huckleberry and a daring little puffball named Dollop, must set out on a journey to save all of Alluria by returning the Heartstone to its rightful place.
This is sure to get so many little people hooked into the fantasy and adventure genre, and definitely for those who are wanting to start bridging across to something a little bigger than the early reader books.
Read by Indy
Following a little mouse named Titch, who is obsessed with the stories of the hero Bravepaw, in her safe little home on the Plateau where nothing ever happens. Until one day when danger arrives and Titch, her best friend Huckleberry and a daring little puffball named Dollop, must set out on a journey to save all of Alluria by returning the Heartstone to its rightful place.
This is sure to get so many little people hooked into the fantasy and adventure genre, and definitely for those who are wanting to start bridging across to something a little bigger than the early reader books.
Read by Indy
November 1, 2024
Great book! We got upsold this book at a QBD store, and so glad we did! Had read the first four Geronimo Stilton: Kingdom of Fantasy books to our four year old as bedtime stories, but I wanted a break for a bit. Admittedly found myself rephrasing a few sentences just to repeat character names more often for him, but otherwise he really enjoyed the story, and especially liked the Curseworm creatures and how they drain colour but also burst into a rainbow when defeated. His words just now when I asked what he liked in the story:
"I Liked about, the bit that I remembered, the worms called curseworms, cos I’d never heard the word curseworm before."
Looking forward to when the sequel is released! Great bonus to learn Wilkinson is an Australian author, too!
"I Liked about, the bit that I remembered, the worms called curseworms, cos I’d never heard the word curseworm before."
Looking forward to when the sequel is released! Great bonus to learn Wilkinson is an Australian author, too!
March 5, 2026
4.75/5
I am SO glad this delightful gem of a chapter book has made its way from Australia to an American publishing house, and I sincerely hope that Simon & Schuster continues to publish the rest of the series. While Wilkinson's magical world may not be wholly original, her characters, setting, and conflicts offer something that feels new and fun and captivating. I read this aloud to my son, and it is a truly delightful read aloud that I think would appeal to children as young as K/1st Grade all the way up through 4th Grade. I can't wait to see where Titch and Huckleberry's adventures take them next.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced copy.
I am SO glad this delightful gem of a chapter book has made its way from Australia to an American publishing house, and I sincerely hope that Simon & Schuster continues to publish the rest of the series. While Wilkinson's magical world may not be wholly original, her characters, setting, and conflicts offer something that feels new and fun and captivating. I read this aloud to my son, and it is a truly delightful read aloud that I think would appeal to children as young as K/1st Grade all the way up through 4th Grade. I can't wait to see where Titch and Huckleberry's adventures take them next.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced copy.
January 1, 2026
I love Lili Wilkinson's YA books (The Erasure Initiative, A Hunger Of Thorns, The Boundless Sublime) that I had to buy the first Bravepaw book, for younger readers. And I can't wait to gift this to my nephew at his next birthday, because I really think he will enjoy this one!
The story is fast paced but easy to follow, the art and typography is gorgeous and really helps to add to the atmosphere of the story. Titch the mouse longs for something more in her quiet life on the super safe Plateau - and the opportunity arises when a hare in a glider appears being attacked by curseworms. Adventure ensues!
The story is fast paced but easy to follow, the art and typography is gorgeous and really helps to add to the atmosphere of the story. Titch the mouse longs for something more in her quiet life on the super safe Plateau - and the opportunity arises when a hare in a glider appears being attacked by curseworms. Adventure ensues!
February 11, 2025
Titch dreams of being a hero and adventurer and when she and her friend Huckleberry help an injured hare, Prince Vetiver, she saves him and her mouse community from an attack from the dreaded curseworms. Titch saves the day with the heartstone staff and is the beginning of her adventures as she seeks the Heart of Alluria to wield the heartstone to close the crack that is destroying the land.
Great adventure read for 8 to 10 year olds with lots of black and white illustrations and expressive text fonts throughout.
Great adventure read for 8 to 10 year olds with lots of black and white illustrations and expressive text fonts throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews