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Brambly Hedge #6
The High Hills
It was the very end of autumn, and Flax and Lily were busy making blankets for the voles in the High Hills. Mr. Apple had to deliver the blankets to them before the cold weather set in, and Wilfred Toadflax was eager to go along. He was convinced there was gold to be found in the hills beyond Brambly Hedge, and this was his chance to discover it. Everything went according to plan until Wilfred scrambled up a rock face and couldn't get down. The mist began to rise, and soon Mr. Apple and Wilfred were engulfed in a thick white fog, unable to find their way home...
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
6 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Jill Barklem
124 books262 followersJill Barklem (1951-November 15, 2017) was a British writer and illustrator of children's books. Her most famous work is the Brambly Hedge series.
After an accident when she was thirteen, Jill was unable to take part in PE or games at school and instead developed her talent for drawing and art. On leaving school, she studied illustration at St Martin's in London. She became a full-time illustrator. She spent five years on research before she started to write her first stories about the mice of Brambly Hedge.
After an accident when she was thirteen, Jill was unable to take part in PE or games at school and instead developed her talent for drawing and art. On leaving school, she studied illustration at St Martin's in London. She became a full-time illustrator. She spent five years on research before she started to write her first stories about the mice of Brambly Hedge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 7, 2018
When Wilfred Toadflax learns that the mice of Brambly Hedge will be sending a delivery of blankets to the voles living in the nearby High Hills, the young mouse - fired up by stories of daring adventurers like Sir Hogweed Hoarhound - pleads to be allowed to accompany the mission. But his roadside exploration soon finds him, together with Mr. Apple, stranded on a cliff-side late one cold night. Will Wilfred rise to the occasion, and demonstrate that he is a true explorer...?
The sixth of Jill Barklem's adorable Brambly Hedge books - the first four seasonal titles ( Spring Story , Summer Story , Autumn Story , Winter Story ) originally came out in 1980, with an additional title ( The Secret Staircase ) published in 1983 - The High Hills boasts the same engaging story and delightfully detailed artwork as the previous entries in the series. I particularly liked the scene in which Wilfred and Mr. Apple sit gazing into their fire, with the cliff at their back. Highly recommend to any reader who enjoyed the other stories about the wonderful mice of Brambly Hedge!
The sixth of Jill Barklem's adorable Brambly Hedge books - the first four seasonal titles ( Spring Story , Summer Story , Autumn Story , Winter Story ) originally came out in 1980, with an additional title ( The Secret Staircase ) published in 1983 - The High Hills boasts the same engaging story and delightfully detailed artwork as the previous entries in the series. I particularly liked the scene in which Wilfred and Mr. Apple sit gazing into their fire, with the cliff at their back. Highly recommend to any reader who enjoyed the other stories about the wonderful mice of Brambly Hedge!
December 8, 2018
A good story for children with beautiful illustrations!
June 3, 2025
Cuento infantil donde se narra la aventura del señor Manzano y Lino perdidos en la montaña. es muy gracioso por las ilustraciones de los ratoncitos que me recuerdan a Beatrix Potter. la pega es que es demasiado corto!!
April 11, 2025
Every book in this world is visually stunning and full of relatable, whimsical characters. My daughter fought so hard to stay awake for this book.
August 17, 2025
Como todos, muy bonito.
December 4, 2017
I guess you could call Wilfred one of the principal characters of Brambly Hedge, since his birthday is the focus of the first story and he takes an active part in many others. Here he finds himself in the weavers' workshop, where they won't let him help out because they have a rush order to finish. With nothing interesting to do, he picks up a book and gets lost in an adventure tale. Why his mother sent him where she knew he'd be in the way is beyond me, but there are mothers who do that. As long as the kid's not underfoot for them, they don't care who else is inconvenienced. This is bourne out by Mrs Toadflax saying she'll send him along the next day.
Fired by the explorer's feats of derring-do, Wilfred asks to go along on the overnight trip to deliver the blankets. In true boyscout style, he takes along all the things an adventurer might need. The adults tell him to leave the stuff behind or tote it himself, so he does. In the end everyone is glad that at least the kid nobody really has time for was prepared.
A good evening read, especially for those of us who often feel left out or pushed to the edge of a group.
Fired by the explorer's feats of derring-do, Wilfred asks to go along on the overnight trip to deliver the blankets. In true boyscout style, he takes along all the things an adventurer might need. The adults tell him to leave the stuff behind or tote it himself, so he does. In the end everyone is glad that at least the kid nobody really has time for was prepared.
A good evening read, especially for those of us who often feel left out or pushed to the edge of a group.
December 29, 2021
The voles of the high hills have a problem: winter is approaching and their blankets have been eaten by moths. The mice of Brambly Hedge are spinning and weaving as fast as they can to help. Wilfred is staying out of the way and reading the adventures of Sir Hogweed Horehound and his discovery of gold in the high hills. He begs to go along for the delivery of the blankets and when, unexpectedly, his mother agrees, he packs everything an explorer like Sir Hogweed recommended. Which, despite the misgivings of others, turns out to be all that he needs when the party is trapped on the mountain overnight.
As usual, charming illustrations and homely delight.
As usual, charming illustrations and homely delight.
September 24, 2019
I’d like to be one of those weaver mice, please
July 28, 2022
I am healed🥺
August 1, 2024
C3: I just liked it. I really liked it.
She is getting tired of doing reviews so we will be taking a break from this bit. This was our last Brambly Hedge too.
She is getting tired of doing reviews so we will be taking a break from this bit. This was our last Brambly Hedge too.
February 5, 2026
It’s hard to pick a favorite among these incredible series of stories, but this is definitely one of her best.
June 8, 2011
Charming illustrations. I love the pictures in the Brambly Hedge books.
This is an advanced picture book, very heavy on text, although there are plenty of wonderful illustrations too. The tiny and wonderfully detailed pictures I could view over & over, and for long periods.
The story is sweet but didn’t wow me, and while it would have probably held my interest as a young child, I don’t think it would have ever been a favorite. The shooting the rapids part was fun, but even there it was the picture of it that I found most enchanting.
nearly 5 stars for the pictures, 2 ½ stars for the story = 3 ½ stars
This is an advanced picture book, very heavy on text, although there are plenty of wonderful illustrations too. The tiny and wonderfully detailed pictures I could view over & over, and for long periods.
The story is sweet but didn’t wow me, and while it would have probably held my interest as a young child, I don’t think it would have ever been a favorite. The shooting the rapids part was fun, but even there it was the picture of it that I found most enchanting.
nearly 5 stars for the pictures, 2 ½ stars for the story = 3 ½ stars
December 26, 2024
a classic
May 22, 2021
A real adventure!
September 10, 2024
Kleines Mäuseabenteuer🏞🐀
Wilfried verbringt einen herbstlich kalten Tag in der Weberei von Lily und Flax und langweilt sich. Abwechslung bringt ein Buch über Entdeckungen in den High Hills und Wilfred ist fasziniert davon, dass dort einmal Gold gefunden wurde. Er würde auch gerne losziehen und die Berge erkunden. Gelegenheit dazu bekommt er sogleich, denn Mr. Apple muss den Wühlmäusen die gewebten Decken in die High Hills bringen, da ihre alten von Motten zerfressen wurden. Wilfried darf mitkommen und überredet Mr. Apple anschließend noch etwas in die Berge zu steigen. Doch plötzlich ändert sich das Wetter und beide stecken fest. Nicht wissend wo sie sich befinden und ausgebremst durch Mr. Apples schmerzendes Bein müssen sie sich ihren Weg irgendwie zurück ins Tal bahnen. Zum Glück aber ist Wilfred gut ausgerüstet und mit einer kreativen Idee schaffen sie es, zur Erleichterung aller anderen Mäuse, die sich schon große Sorgen gemacht haben.📖
Ab und zu gönne ich mir ja sehr gerne mal ein hübsch illustriertes Kinderbuch, einfach nur aus Spaß an der kindlichen Freude, als Leichtes zwischendurch und weil ich schöne Illustrationen einfach mag.
Brambly Hedge bzw. auf deutsch Brombeerhaag hatte ich da schon länger ins Auge gefasst. Aber anstatt mir gleich die Hauptbox mit den Geschichten zu den jeweiligen Jahreszeiten zuzulegen, griff ich erstmal nur zu einem Fortsetzungbüchlein. Auch ohne die Charaktere von den Vorgängergeschichten genauer zu kennen, konnte man gut folgen. Zwar sehr kurz, für die Altersgruppe von 0-5 Jahren aber ja perfekt, und wunderhübsch illustriert. Eine heimelige, kleine hübsche Welt hat Jill Barklem hier mit ihrer Mäusegeschichte geschaffen. Sie hatte ein Auge für alle die schönen Details der Natur. Schade, dass sie bereits verstorben ist. Mir hat das kurze Büchlein sehr gefallen und werde mir wohl demnächst doch mal die Box mit den Mäusegeschichten zu Frühling, Sommer, Herbst und Winter erstehen. (5/5)⭐️🙂
Wilfried verbringt einen herbstlich kalten Tag in der Weberei von Lily und Flax und langweilt sich. Abwechslung bringt ein Buch über Entdeckungen in den High Hills und Wilfred ist fasziniert davon, dass dort einmal Gold gefunden wurde. Er würde auch gerne losziehen und die Berge erkunden. Gelegenheit dazu bekommt er sogleich, denn Mr. Apple muss den Wühlmäusen die gewebten Decken in die High Hills bringen, da ihre alten von Motten zerfressen wurden. Wilfried darf mitkommen und überredet Mr. Apple anschließend noch etwas in die Berge zu steigen. Doch plötzlich ändert sich das Wetter und beide stecken fest. Nicht wissend wo sie sich befinden und ausgebremst durch Mr. Apples schmerzendes Bein müssen sie sich ihren Weg irgendwie zurück ins Tal bahnen. Zum Glück aber ist Wilfred gut ausgerüstet und mit einer kreativen Idee schaffen sie es, zur Erleichterung aller anderen Mäuse, die sich schon große Sorgen gemacht haben.📖
Ab und zu gönne ich mir ja sehr gerne mal ein hübsch illustriertes Kinderbuch, einfach nur aus Spaß an der kindlichen Freude, als Leichtes zwischendurch und weil ich schöne Illustrationen einfach mag.
Brambly Hedge bzw. auf deutsch Brombeerhaag hatte ich da schon länger ins Auge gefasst. Aber anstatt mir gleich die Hauptbox mit den Geschichten zu den jeweiligen Jahreszeiten zuzulegen, griff ich erstmal nur zu einem Fortsetzungbüchlein. Auch ohne die Charaktere von den Vorgängergeschichten genauer zu kennen, konnte man gut folgen. Zwar sehr kurz, für die Altersgruppe von 0-5 Jahren aber ja perfekt, und wunderhübsch illustriert. Eine heimelige, kleine hübsche Welt hat Jill Barklem hier mit ihrer Mäusegeschichte geschaffen. Sie hatte ein Auge für alle die schönen Details der Natur. Schade, dass sie bereits verstorben ist. Mir hat das kurze Büchlein sehr gefallen und werde mir wohl demnächst doch mal die Box mit den Mäusegeschichten zu Frühling, Sommer, Herbst und Winter erstehen. (5/5)⭐️🙂
November 21, 2023
Among the many stories I've shared with my daughter this year, 'Brambly Hedge' by Jill Barklem is a captivating gem. While I typically reserve my Goodreads list for my reads, avoiding the inundation of children's titles, this series might break that tradition next year. It's rare to find a series that delights both parent and child alike, but 'Brambly Hedge' has done just that. Its charm and whimsy have not only captured my daughter's imagination, making it her favourite series, but it has also enchanted me, marking it as the most charming series I've read this year. 'Brambly Hedge' is a heartwarming journey through a world rich in detail and wonder, a must-read for parents and children alike. And the illustrations!!! Perfection, I love the cutaways.
Of the series my ranking would be:
Of the series my ranking would be:
Poppy's Babies
High Hills
Spring Story
Sea Story
Winter Story
Secret Staircase
Summer Story
Autumn Story
January 2, 2019
An outdoor adventure with the mice of Brambly Hedge. Thus the stories concern the everyday lives of mice who live in the hedgerow, put away food and supplies for the cold season ahead, and live the coziest lives any animal could dream of.
This book was about an adventure outside the hedgerow, though it began there while the mice were crafting blankets. From blankets to a ride on the rapids, the mice face what is necessary to help their friends and seek new sights.
You must read these books to understand the beauty of Jill Barkley’s illustrations. I can’t decide if I like the simple but sincere stories of the beautiful illustrations more, though the illustrations are ahead by a nose. But not by much.
This book was about an adventure outside the hedgerow, though it began there while the mice were crafting blankets. From blankets to a ride on the rapids, the mice face what is necessary to help their friends and seek new sights.
You must read these books to understand the beauty of Jill Barkley’s illustrations. I can’t decide if I like the simple but sincere stories of the beautiful illustrations more, though the illustrations are ahead by a nose. But not by much.
December 18, 2024
Interesting reading all of these stories in succession. Barklem is an exceptional artist, and I absolutely love her detailed and charming illustrations. As a writer, her first book or two had stories that seemed to only serve to string the illustrations together. But by the forth book (Winter Story she had significantly improved as a storyteller. The second quartet of books still have beautiful illustrations, but have stronger plots.
This is an adventure story perfectly suited to young readers. It’s never too intense, but does focus on a young male mouse who faces some peril and solves problems to save himself and an adult mouse.
Barklem seems to use a season theme with books 5-8, but in the opposite order of the first four books, so this has an autumn tone to it.
This is an adventure story perfectly suited to young readers. It’s never too intense, but does focus on a young male mouse who faces some peril and solves problems to save himself and an adult mouse.
Barklem seems to use a season theme with books 5-8, but in the opposite order of the first four books, so this has an autumn tone to it.
October 27, 2024
A lovely cozy read. This is more of an illustrated story than a traditional picture book. Like other Brambly Hedge books, the illustrations are lovely watercolors full of detail. Wilfred experiences his own adventure delivering blankets to the voles with Mr. Apple. The ending reaffirms safety and family love and is therefore satisfying.
As with other Brambly Hedge stories, I wish to live in my own cozy stump just like the mice.
As with other Brambly Hedge stories, I wish to live in my own cozy stump just like the mice.
July 20, 2018
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.
February 11, 2024
En esta ocasión acompañamos a Lino y al señor Manzano en una expedición para ayudar a los topillos que viven en la montaña. Lino estaba deseando emprender una aventura tras leer un libro, gracias al cual consiguen sobrevivir a los contratiempos.
Las ilustraciones son de las mejores hasta el momento, quitan el aliento. Los detalles, los colores... Te transportan a otro mundo.
Las ilustraciones son de las mejores hasta el momento, quitan el aliento. Los detalles, los colores... Te transportan a otro mundo.
August 22, 2019
An old favourite that we have read many, many times. This one has become part of our family culture.
A mouse adventure story that is beautifully illustrated.
This reading was because this was the only book I could think of that had anything to do with lichen in it.
A mouse adventure story that is beautifully illustrated.
This reading was because this was the only book I could think of that had anything to do with lichen in it.
March 30, 2020
Wilfred Toadflax and Mr. Apple help deliver blankets to the voles who live in the high hills and end up in a misadventure. Wilfred, however, is prepared for all sorts of emergencies and saves the day with his quick thinking. This is a darling adventure story for young explorers.
January 27, 2025
Una historia de aventuras que se desarrolla en un ambiente acogedor y lleno de ternura. Las ilustraciones son una delicia, completamente enamorada de la autora.
Un ejemplo perfecto que confirma el hecho de que los cuentos son para todas las edades 🩵
Un ejemplo perfecto que confirma el hecho de que los cuentos son para todas las edades 🩵
September 30, 2017
One of my favourite Brambly Hedge stories. The detail in the illustrations is amazing.
December 3, 2017
its a bit like the stories of beatrix potter that i truly love to read and i must say the stories from jill barklem are just as good
April 27, 2018
Very sweet story - wonderful imagery, lessons, and beautiful pictures children of all ages will enjoy. (:
August 1, 2019
Um lil explorer/adventurer mouse?!?!? This one may be my favorite one yet!
June 20, 2021
This story was cute. Glad to have found this series. Can't wait to see if everyone else will enjoy it as well. We shall see...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews