Autumn Story
By Jill Barklem
The Story
With autumn stores still ungathered and a storm coming, a little mouse meant to help the harvest but wanders daydreaming into the Chestnut Woods and gets lost as night and rain close in.
Why It's Special
For the child who wanders off mid-errand chasing a stray thought, Primrose's daydream into the woods will feel instantly familiar.
- Big idea: Getting lost is scary, but home and the people who love you are always waiting to welcome you back.
- Vibes: Cosy, seasonal, and gently suspenseful, with the busy warmth of a hedgerow community preparing for winter.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy cosy woodland and mouse stories
- are working on staying focused on a task
- love detailed, miniature-world illustrations
- respond well to stories with a touch of peril and a safe ending
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What was Primrose supposed to be doing before she wandered into the Chestnut Woods?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Primrose felt when it got dark and started to rain?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever gotten distracted and wandered away from what you were supposed to be doing?
- Imagination: What do you think the Chestnut Woods looked like once the sun went down?
- Predicting: What do you think the other mice of Brambly Hedge did when they noticed Primrose was missing?
