The High Hills
By Jill Barklem
The Story
A mouse named Wilfred Toadflax joins a blanket delivery to the High Hills, hoping to find gold — but when he gets stuck on a rock face, thick fog rolls in and traps him and Mr Apple far from home.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves imagining tiny, cozy worlds tucked inside hedgerows, this brings the mice of Brambly Hedge into a chillier, foggier adventure than usual.
- Big idea: Even careful plans can go sideways once curiosity — and a little bit of wishful thinking about gold — leads you off the path.
- Vibes: Autumnal, misty, and quietly tense, with the warmth of Brambly Hedge's world still glowing underneath.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy cozy animal communities with rich detail
- like to spot tiny objects hidden in illustrations
- are working on understanding cause and consequence
- respond well to stories with a hint of real suspense
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Wilfred wanted to go along on the blanket delivery?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Mr Apple felt when the fog rolled in and they couldn't find their way?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever wandered off to explore and gotten a little lost?
- Imagination: What do you think it would feel like to be stuck on a rock face in the mist?
- Predicting: What do you think Wilfred and Mr Apple will do to find their way home?
