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Brambleheart #1
Brambleheart: A Story about Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship
From the beloved illustrator and author of A Nest for Celeste comes Brambleheart , a beautiful tale about nature, imagination, and how love is the greatest thing we build. With stunning black-and-white artwork, Henry Cole’s animal fantasy adventure harkens back to Brian Jacques’s Redwall and Avi’s Poppy series.In the Hill, animals work as Weavers, Smelters, and Carvers—but Twig doesn’t know who he wants to be. He tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard . . . and then he loses his focus. After Twig makes a big mistake in front of everyone, he sets out on a secret journey to discover himself. But as he wanders deeper into the Yard than he’s ever wandered before, Twig finds a curious colored globe. A dragon’s egg—which hatches in front of his eyes.Now protecting the baby dragon is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2016
44 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Henry Cole
255 books166 followersHenry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Nesting, Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, and On Meadowview Street. Henry loves being outside where he can sketch and write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 9, 2022
2.5 stars on the blog.
It took forever for this story to take off. I would say the first third of the book was repetitive. Twig failing and making a teacher mad, Twig failing and making a teacher mad, Twig failing and making a teacher mad, Twig failing and making someone mad, and mad again and again... each a full scenario. Also, I kept getting confused between the teachers because they would be initially described and then only identified by their name most of the time after that. They are all animals, so the author could have added the animal type to pin the character to the name more often than he did. This is important in stories for younger children.
I was thinking that this book lent itself to being a good chapter a night book for youngest MG readers and older Children's book ages, but there was a graphic and overly scary scene added; for what reason I don't know. What saved this book? The back half of the story was excellent! However, this always worries me with books for Middle Grade and younger readers. Kids will drop a book like a hot potato if it doesn't grab them quickly. I don't see many children waiting for the second half of the book before it gets interesting.
There was also a GIANT CLIFFHANGER at the end, and younger children don't like this. I see there is now a sequel, thank goodnes. When I was given the review book it was intended to be a standalone
The illustrations in the book were nice, but nothing special. I was thinking it might be a good story for readers too young for the Redwall books.
I was approved for an eARC, via Edelweiss, in return for an honest review. I will not be reviewing this title on my blog because it is less than four stars.
It took forever for this story to take off. I would say the first third of the book was repetitive. Twig failing and making a teacher mad, Twig failing and making a teacher mad, Twig failing and making a teacher mad, Twig failing and making someone mad, and mad again and again... each a full scenario. Also, I kept getting confused between the teachers because they would be initially described and then only identified by their name most of the time after that. They are all animals, so the author could have added the animal type to pin the character to the name more often than he did. This is important in stories for younger children.
I was thinking that this book lent itself to being a good chapter a night book for youngest MG readers and older Children's book ages, but there was a graphic and overly scary scene added; for what reason I don't know. What saved this book? The back half of the story was excellent! However, this always worries me with books for Middle Grade and younger readers. Kids will drop a book like a hot potato if it doesn't grab them quickly. I don't see many children waiting for the second half of the book before it gets interesting.
There was also a GIANT CLIFFHANGER at the end, and younger children don't like this. I see there is now a sequel, thank goodnes. When I was given the review book it was intended to be a standalone
The illustrations in the book were nice, but nothing special. I was thinking it might be a good story for readers too young for the Redwall books.
I was approved for an eARC, via Edelweiss, in return for an honest review. I will not be reviewing this title on my blog because it is less than four stars.
November 26, 2019
Welcome to the Hill, home to Twig the chipmunk and his furry friends. Trouble always seems to find Twig and today is no different than any other day. Failing in metal class, Twig is ordered to leave the classroom. Embarrassed and tired of being laughed at, the little chipmunk ponders his future. Unlike his BFF Lily, it's unlikely that Twig will be named a Master Metal Crafter. Twig isn't good at anything and he isn't sure what he wants to do. His favorite past time is reading and he spends most of his time with his beloved books, dreaming of adventure beyond the Hill. But, after stumbling across a magnificent egg in the forest, Twig's luck is about to change. Suddenly on top, Twig must decide who to trust and finds a friend in an unlikely creature.
A story of magic and friendship, readers of all ages will fall in love with all the creatures that inhabit the Hill. Middle school children will easily identify with Twig's classroom antics and his daily struggles with teachers and classmates. An imaginative tale filled with wonderful characters and beautiful illustrations. The story was open ended, leaving me to believe that Cole intends to visit this magical forest dwelling once again. If so, I'd gladly welcome Twig back. Recommended for ages 8-12.
Henry Cole has illustrated many children's books, including his very own Jack's Garden, A Nest for Celeste, and On Meadowview Street. Visit Henry online at www.henrycole.net.
* * I received an ARC courtesy of a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by Henry Cole.
A story of magic and friendship, readers of all ages will fall in love with all the creatures that inhabit the Hill. Middle school children will easily identify with Twig's classroom antics and his daily struggles with teachers and classmates. An imaginative tale filled with wonderful characters and beautiful illustrations. The story was open ended, leaving me to believe that Cole intends to visit this magical forest dwelling once again. If so, I'd gladly welcome Twig back. Recommended for ages 8-12.
Henry Cole has illustrated many children's books, including his very own Jack's Garden, A Nest for Celeste, and On Meadowview Street. Visit Henry online at www.henrycole.net.
* * I received an ARC courtesy of a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by Henry Cole.
March 1, 2019
Brambleheart is kind of a hard book to rate. On the one hand it is cute story about a chipmunk, named Twig, trying to find his place in the animal society that he's a part of. Twig is an endearing character and you enjoy seeing his story as he struggles in the high stress environment of the class room, tries to runs away, and finds a new friend in the process.
On the other hand the book is a bit of a mess. Other characters besides Twig aren't really developed the most. Lily is probably the one fleshed out the most. While you don't necessarily understand the motivations of a number of other characters. Basil goes from bully to friendly without really any explanation. A professor goes from being a rather strict figure to being almost obsessed with seeing Twig fail. Things like this just felt strange, out of place, and hard to figure out why these things happened.
The worst part of the book though is that I wouldn't even really call this a whole book. The story is really only half told here. Nothing really gets resolved in the least so the ending is severely underwhelming. It's a cute enough story and I did enjoy it, but not getting any kind of resolution and having a lack of character development really diminishes the book for me. It's not bad, I just felt it was an incomplete experience. I do want to pick up the next book to see how it goes though.
On the other hand the book is a bit of a mess. Other characters besides Twig aren't really developed the most. Lily is probably the one fleshed out the most. While you don't necessarily understand the motivations of a number of other characters. Basil goes from bully to friendly without really any explanation. A professor goes from being a rather strict figure to being almost obsessed with seeing Twig fail. Things like this just felt strange, out of place, and hard to figure out why these things happened.
The worst part of the book though is that I wouldn't even really call this a whole book. The story is really only half told here. Nothing really gets resolved in the least so the ending is severely underwhelming. It's a cute enough story and I did enjoy it, but not getting any kind of resolution and having a lack of character development really diminishes the book for me. It's not bad, I just felt it was an incomplete experience. I do want to pick up the next book to see how it goes though.
February 2, 2016
Henry Cole has written a sweet little story about a chipmunk trying to discover himself and his place in the world. The illustrations are amazing! There is a great message for children in this book however the ending is slightly abrupt and a little disappointing. I'm hoping that there is a sequel coming up that will pick up where this story ended.
September 20, 2015
I feel like this is a decent, cute book but at the same time, it did almost nothing for me so I cannot really be objective in my rating for the book.
Review might come in the future?
Review might come in the future?
February 8, 2016
Beautiful illustrations, interesting story with a slow start. However, there is no ENDING! It just stops in the middle of an action scene. What happens to the dragon? Does Twig get his name? Do they find Char's home? Does the ship sink? PLEASE finish the story. A Good Reads giveaway. (Would have received a higher rating if the story had an appropriate ending.)
May 3, 2016
Youngsters who don't feel they measure up will relate to Twig.
I wonder why Basil suddenly befriends him. I wonder what happened to the "Two Legs"
The story ended abruptly, so I wonder if this indicates a sequel. It might make a good read alound.
I wonder why Basil suddenly befriends him. I wonder what happened to the "Two Legs"
The story ended abruptly, so I wonder if this indicates a sequel. It might make a good read alound.
September 30, 2021
Date read: 20 Sep 2021
Rating: 3.5/5
A joint review for Brambleheart and Bayberry Island by Henry Cole
These two books are delightful little read and I recommend reading them back-to-back. The adventures of the poor little squirel Twig and his friends are a good bit of fun if you're in the mood for something light.
Twig is very lovable, even when he makes some very silly mistakes. The other characters are also fun, starting with the dragon Char to Twig's friend Lilly to even the 'villains' of the story.
It evokes the feeling of a fable, but still feels modern thanks to the way the characters speak and the technology the reference. The world itself is interesting. It's a mix of our familiar human world, a hyperbolic fable world and a fantasy 'dragons exist' world. It makes for an interesting mixture.
One thing I have to note is that it feels like the end of the second book feels a bit rushed. It feels like we're either missing some resolution at the end or there's supposed to be a third book.
Either way, these books are a fun read, especially considering the (almost nonexistent) time investment. Pick them up if you want a story that will throw you back to your childhood.
Rating: 3.5/5
A joint review for Brambleheart and Bayberry Island by Henry Cole
These two books are delightful little read and I recommend reading them back-to-back. The adventures of the poor little squirel Twig and his friends are a good bit of fun if you're in the mood for something light.
Twig is very lovable, even when he makes some very silly mistakes. The other characters are also fun, starting with the dragon Char to Twig's friend Lilly to even the 'villains' of the story.
It evokes the feeling of a fable, but still feels modern thanks to the way the characters speak and the technology the reference. The world itself is interesting. It's a mix of our familiar human world, a hyperbolic fable world and a fantasy 'dragons exist' world. It makes for an interesting mixture.
One thing I have to note is that it feels like the end of the second book feels a bit rushed. It feels like we're either missing some resolution at the end or there's supposed to be a third book.
Either way, these books are a fun read, especially considering the (almost nonexistent) time investment. Pick them up if you want a story that will throw you back to your childhood.
June 28, 2019
A cute little story in an interesting setting. The drawings greatly help imagine the world and lessen the need for long descriptiveness that ends up being unclear anyway. Moreover they're also simply lovely to look at. I wish more books came with so many great little drawings. They really do add value.
Be warned that it does not end and leads straight into the sequel though!
Be warned that it does not end and leads straight into the sequel though!
June 17, 2018
Quick and fun read for kiddos
But I do not like unresolved adventure in a children’s book.
But I do not like unresolved adventure in a children’s book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
When I was in fifth grade this book was like my favorite thing ever. It got me loving stories about little creatures like squirrels, chipmunks, and mice. I decided to reread it, and I forgot how adorable and detailed the art was.
This story is about a chipmunk named Twig who is having a rough time in his classes. He seems to not be good at anything and Basil the weasel isn’t helping at all with the name calling and the tripping that no one else seems to notice.
Just when he feels that all hope is lost and he’ll become a boring Errand Runner, he ventures off and finds something peculiar. It’s an egg! And it hatches! Inside is a dragon, a thing Twig has only read about in stories. Char the dragon helps Twig, until Char starts to get sick and needs to go home.
I still love this book. Sure it’s meant for a younger audience, but no matter how old you get you can’t resist beautiful art and a cute story.
3 stars, one for Twig, one for the art, and one for the nostalgia ❤️
This story is about a chipmunk named Twig who is having a rough time in his classes. He seems to not be good at anything and Basil the weasel isn’t helping at all with the name calling and the tripping that no one else seems to notice.
Just when he feels that all hope is lost and he’ll become a boring Errand Runner, he ventures off and finds something peculiar. It’s an egg! And it hatches! Inside is a dragon, a thing Twig has only read about in stories. Char the dragon helps Twig, until Char starts to get sick and needs to go home.
I still love this book. Sure it’s meant for a younger audience, but no matter how old you get you can’t resist beautiful art and a cute story.
3 stars, one for Twig, one for the art, and one for the nostalgia ❤️
December 21, 2024
This was a book I was given for the reading program at the school where I work. I must say that even though it’s intended audience is 8-12 year olds, I really enjoyed it. It is full of beautiful pencil illustrations throughout that I think really enhance the story. It is a story about find who you really are meant to become. My only “complaint” I must say is that the book ended on a cliffhanger and the kid inside needs to find out what happens in the next installment!
January 22, 2024
Previewed this one for my daughter. I picked this one and its companion title while thrifting because it looked sweet - and it is!
This isn't classic literature, but it's cute and fun and there isn't anything particularly concerning in it. There is a "follow your heart" message included in these titles, but it emphasizes it more in the area of finding what you love to do and pursuing it.
This isn't classic literature, but it's cute and fun and there isn't anything particularly concerning in it. There is a "follow your heart" message included in these titles, but it emphasizes it more in the area of finding what you love to do and pursuing it.
March 14, 2024
My kids loved it, and so did I
April 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It made a great family read aloud
June 8, 2018
This was a very cute read but for a book all about the magic of building friendships there was a significant lack of forging friendships. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time looking through the adorable eyes of an academically clumsy chipmunk but I feel that the author spent more time exploring the world around than the characters in the protagonist's life. Since I didn't get a chance to look at the personalities of each character, I don't really understand why they were inspired to do what they did. I suppose that is why there is a sequel but I'm not sure I'm interested even though this book left the reader on a bit of a cliffhanger. That being said, the struggle of the main character was rather charming and relatable. I could understand his desperation as that aspect was well formed. That along with the energetic illustrations made this a rather fun read! This little anthropomorphic animal world was more original than what was presented before what with the metal working classes and the adorable array of rabbits and weasels as classmates to the protagonist. This world made me curious and interested in the other worlds the author may have crafted. I do recommend this book for a relaxing sit-down read; the environment is cozy and the story is inviting!
December 16, 2015
I definitely have plans to buy this for my godson for his birthday in August. This book is absolutely adorable and is one of my favorite middlegrade novels ever.
I really like Twig and definitely understand the struggle between wanting to be left alone with your books and wanting to be a successful person. ;) I have so much to say but all of it centers around the "curious secret" and reactions to/helpers with said "curious secret," so basically just buy and read this book.
This book left me with a giant smile on my face and I definitely want to read more from Henry Cole.
Highly recommended.
I really like Twig and definitely understand the struggle between wanting to be left alone with your books and wanting to be a successful person. ;) I have so much to say but all of it centers around the "curious secret" and reactions to/helpers with said "curious secret," so basically just buy and read this book.
This book left me with a giant smile on my face and I definitely want to read more from Henry Cole.
Highly recommended.
May 24, 2019
My little brother and sister had to read this for their elementary school and when I read it to them they loved it. They fell into the story Of Twig who finds a dragon egg and then hatches it. They loved the Hill and were always begging me to read more. On the other hand I felt like this book did not have that complicated of a story line to capture me. That is the only reason I gave it 3 stars. Otherwise the book was well written and it was a good way to turn a picture book into something a little more challenging.
July 30, 2019
This book has so much going for it - characters kids love, cute illustrations, solid writing - but the ending was so disappointing. Partly, this was because (as so many other reviewers have noted) it ends abruptly. My 11-year old commented, "Worst ending ever!" Since there is a sequel, I could possibly overlook this problem. My bigger issue is with Twig's choice at the end of the book. All through the book we know he's making a poor choice, but near the end he *seems* to learn his lesson, only to turn around and repeat the mistake (at a greater level) a few moments later.
Too bad.
Too bad.
November 10, 2019
I quickly realized that this was an illustrator attempting to be an author. The illustrations are gorgeous, and brought my ratings up a star. The story isn't bad, but (as others have pointed out) it also isn't great. The author missed opportunities to explain rationales for his characters, and for character growth. And it's probably the most abrupt ending I've ever seen in any book, bar none . . . even for one where a sequel was planned.
April 16, 2019
I liked the worldbuilding, and the illustrations were adorable. The setting is interesting and has the perfect blend of order and spontaneity. The characters were fitting for a middle grade story, if a little cliche. I thought that the plot could use a little smoothing--it's the first of a series, but even so, nothing really got resolved in the end.
January 25, 2018
Sweet animal fantasy but I felt the end was rushed and left me questioning why Basil, the antagonist, would so willingly give Twig the key to release Char. Story about friendship and discovering what is truly important. Loved the illustrations. Would make a nice read aloud.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
December 3, 2018Oops. Forgot to review this last week. At this point I'm not even positive that I finished. Cute enough, but really for the youngest MG, maybe for families reading together. I seem to recall an ending that didn't signify... but no interest in reading the sequel.
June 20, 2019
Cute story featuring Twig a chipmunk who cannot live up to his father’s reputation as a master metal crafter. Along with friends Twig goes on a journey to discover that he can accomplish more then he thinks. Felt a little disappointed at the ending.
October 14, 2016
I loved this little book! Delightful illustrations, characters, and a great story. I'm really looking forward to the next book!
June 19, 2017
Twig, a chipmunk, is struggling to fit in & succeed in school when he discovers a dragon's egg that quickly hatches. Great animal adventure story! (Library)
November 16, 2017
I liked the idea of this book, but the dragon part was never really fleshed out, maybe in book 2.
March 12, 2019
Brambleheart (2016)
by Henry Cole
Lower Level JFic
Brambleheart is a treasure of a book. With it's short chapters and black and white illustrations it would be a great book for second graders, a perfect transition from beginning chapter books to more complex books. The story is also sure to appeal to older kids and would be great read aloud. The story centers around Twig, a chipmunk who feels out of place in his community because he hasn't mastered any skill yet like his friends have. After being sent home for the day after he causes an accident in class, Twig wanders into the woods where he finds a beautiful egg unlike anything he has ever seen before. The egg soon hatches a beautiful baby dragon. Twig decides he must care for the baby, whom he names Char, until he can find it's home, so he hides it in an old clock near his home. Twig discovers that Char is a fire breathing dragon and with Char's help finds out that he is pretty good with metal craft. When Char is discovered Twig's community is frightened, so they lock the dragon up. With the help of Twigs friend Lily, and new friend Basil, he breaks Char free, and they embark on a journey to return Char to his rightful home. This is a warm and heartfelt book that shows kids the importance of being themselves and following your heart.
Three discussion questions I might with this book would be...
1. Why do you think Twig struggled with his classes?
2. Do you think being and Errand Runner, instead of a Master of Something is a bad thing? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever felt discouraged when learning something new like Twig? What advice would you give him?
by Henry Cole
Lower Level JFic
Brambleheart is a treasure of a book. With it's short chapters and black and white illustrations it would be a great book for second graders, a perfect transition from beginning chapter books to more complex books. The story is also sure to appeal to older kids and would be great read aloud. The story centers around Twig, a chipmunk who feels out of place in his community because he hasn't mastered any skill yet like his friends have. After being sent home for the day after he causes an accident in class, Twig wanders into the woods where he finds a beautiful egg unlike anything he has ever seen before. The egg soon hatches a beautiful baby dragon. Twig decides he must care for the baby, whom he names Char, until he can find it's home, so he hides it in an old clock near his home. Twig discovers that Char is a fire breathing dragon and with Char's help finds out that he is pretty good with metal craft. When Char is discovered Twig's community is frightened, so they lock the dragon up. With the help of Twigs friend Lily, and new friend Basil, he breaks Char free, and they embark on a journey to return Char to his rightful home. This is a warm and heartfelt book that shows kids the importance of being themselves and following your heart.
Three discussion questions I might with this book would be...
1. Why do you think Twig struggled with his classes?
2. Do you think being and Errand Runner, instead of a Master of Something is a bad thing? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever felt discouraged when learning something new like Twig? What advice would you give him?
January 31, 2019
This was my first attempt to do a chapter each night with the kids, and while they didn't always pay attention (or at all, really), I enjoyed it thoroughly and it was nice hearing a story in installments.
The prose and descriptions in Brambleheart are excellent. Cole paints a very clear picture of The Hill and its inhabitants. You get the impression that he wants us to care for the environment with all the messages about garbage.
So the protagonist, Twig, stumbles upon this dragon egg and it hatches. Twig sucks at school, at metalcraft, at just about everything he sets his mind to, UNTIL this dragon egg hatches and he realizes he can use the baby dragon, dubbed Char, as a blowtorch for his take-home school projects. Twig exploits Char for unpaid and strenuous baby dragon labor and Twig's projects quickly become well-known and praised by all his instructors. This is apparently a story about friendship, but considering how Twig often took advantage of Char and how his clumsiness is magically solved through this "friendship", it was a little difficult for me to see this as a positive friendship story. His instructors also do nothing to help him during his scholastic troubles and they often belittle him in front of his peers, who also want nothing to do with him aside from his sole friend Lily. Even Lily's own motivations are unknown other than she's kind enough to take pity on Twig (while he doesn't do much for her in return).
The prose and descriptions in Brambleheart are excellent. Cole paints a very clear picture of The Hill and its inhabitants. You get the impression that he wants us to care for the environment with all the messages about garbage.
So the protagonist, Twig, stumbles upon this dragon egg and it hatches. Twig sucks at school, at metalcraft, at just about everything he sets his mind to, UNTIL this dragon egg hatches and he realizes he can use the baby dragon, dubbed Char, as a blowtorch for his take-home school projects. Twig exploits Char for unpaid and strenuous baby dragon labor and Twig's projects quickly become well-known and praised by all his instructors. This is apparently a story about friendship, but considering how Twig often took advantage of Char and how his clumsiness is magically solved through this "friendship", it was a little difficult for me to see this as a positive friendship story. His instructors also do nothing to help him during his scholastic troubles and they often belittle him in front of his peers, who also want nothing to do with him aside from his sole friend Lily. Even Lily's own motivations are unknown other than she's kind enough to take pity on Twig (while he doesn't do much for her in return).
July 9, 2024
Found this book in the thrift store. On the back it states that the book was written for ages 8-11.
That being said, I gave this five stars because I was looking for a story that wasn’t too much detail while also able to maintain my attention. This book gave me exactly that! When my husband saw me reading it, he asked if I had read it in my youth. I said I had never heard of this book before and wanted to see if I would have read it as a child.
Turns out the book was written in 2016. I was in my mid-twenties by then 😆 but yes! I would have loved this book as a child too.
The world building was great, the characters were written in a way a lot of kids could relate to. The only thing I would have liked to see is the relationship between Beau and Twig more written out and shown. Very near the beginning, the book states Beau is like a fatherly figure for Twig, but the impression I got was that Beau was more like a friendly neighbor.
Overall, it’s a story written for a much younger audience and it’s a great story. I kept that in mind while reading. I honestly wish this was a tv series or a movie because I think I would have enjoyed seeing the animations for the drawings that were included in this novel.
That being said, I gave this five stars because I was looking for a story that wasn’t too much detail while also able to maintain my attention. This book gave me exactly that! When my husband saw me reading it, he asked if I had read it in my youth. I said I had never heard of this book before and wanted to see if I would have read it as a child.
Turns out the book was written in 2016. I was in my mid-twenties by then 😆 but yes! I would have loved this book as a child too.
The world building was great, the characters were written in a way a lot of kids could relate to. The only thing I would have liked to see is the relationship between Beau and Twig more written out and shown. Very near the beginning, the book states Beau is like a fatherly figure for Twig, but the impression I got was that Beau was more like a friendly neighbor.
Overall, it’s a story written for a much younger audience and it’s a great story. I kept that in mind while reading. I honestly wish this was a tv series or a movie because I think I would have enjoyed seeing the animations for the drawings that were included in this novel.
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