Brambleheart

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2016

Review

Have you ever worried if you will ever amount to anything? That is Twig the chipmunk's situation. He hasn't really applied himself as much as he could in trade school. As a result he is bullied by fellow student, and teacher favorite, Basil the weasel as well as the teacher himself. Twig's mind easily wanders to his books and adventures. But time is fast approaching when he will have to prove his skill in a trade or else become the dreaded errand boy for the community in which he lives. This community is populated by various forest creatures. And they all work at creating things out of items humans discard. In his frustration Twig wanders off into the woods, away from school. He finds a golden egg and brings it home. Soon a baby dragon hatches. They become friends. Twig also realizes that the dragon can help Twig create wondrous contraptions and art work with his fire breathing and strength. Twig's secret is soon discovered by his community. The mean welding teacher (and uncle to Basil) wants to use the baby dragon for his own benefit. It's at this time that Twig realizes he has been using the baby dragon as well and that he must return him to his own family. With the help of his best friend Lily (a rabbit) and Basil (who has had a change of heart), they free the baby dragon and set off on an epic adventure to get him back to his home and family. That, unfortunately, is where the book ends. It is a bit abrupt, but thankfully there will be a second volume. The writing is very descriptive yet accessible to young independent readers. It introduces good vocabulary words for interested readers. The chapters are short and manageable. The illustrations, which run throughout the book offer a break in the reading. Not to mention, plenty of detail to further the understanding of the story. The illustrations themselves are beautiful. The detail of the emotions on the forest creatures faces, of the forest itself are wonderful. They are done in simple black and white pencil, but they tell so much of the story. This is a story about perseverance, creativity, imagination, friendship & love, and not letting people bully you into a life lesser than you think you deserve. Students who need encouragement and/or inspiration to continue working towards their dreams or to succeed in life in a way they can be proud of will benefit from reading this book. Teachers could use this to show their students how to think outside the box and to use their imaginations. This is best for children in grades 3-6. Or give to fans of the author's other book, "Nest for Celeste". As well as fans of Avi's "Poppy" series, "Wind in the Willows" or "Cricket in Times Square". The only weakness in this book is it's somewhat abrupt ending. It leaves the reader hanging on and waiting for the anticipated sequel.

Overall Book Score: very good