Kindness, bravery and friendship are the overarching themes in this easy to read story about a likeable little mouse and her gallant friends.
Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin
L.M. Wilkinson is an Australian author of over 20 books for young adults (writing under the name Lili Wilkinson) and children. She also has a PhD in Creative writing from the University of Melbourne.
Illustrator Lavanya Naidu grew up in Kolkata, India, but now lives in Melbourne. She has illustrated several children’s books and also worked on games and animation production.
Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is the second book in the Bravepaw series, the first being Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria. It is the story of a young mouse called Titch who wants to be a great warrior. She carries with her a staff holding the Heartstone. But are there more gemstones to be found? Travelling with her is friend Huckleberry and Dollop, a little fluffball who lives in Titch’s pocket.
Bravepaw was a warrior of olden times and everyone believes Titch is the new Bravepaw who needs to follow her destiny. In the previous story, Titch and Huckleberry have saved their village from the Curseworms. They are now travelling to the Heart of Alluria to mend the crack in the world, but on the way, they need to help a village of squirrels. They have been taken over by Lord Muskeg, a turtle from the lake. He has the squirrels under some sort of spell where they have no thoughts of their own and obey his every command. But how can Titch save them when she is always afraid?
Titch is a likeable little mouse who struggles with bravery. She knows what needs to be done and with the help of friends she is able to dig deep and stand up to evil.
Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is a fast-paced chapter book, with lovely black-and-white illustrations by Naidu. The reader is immediately drawn in by the beautiful cover illustration depicting Titch, with Dollop in her pocket, holding a green gem and looking like they are running for their lives. The eerie swamp in the background perfectly sets up the story to follow. The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, especially the facial expressions on all the characters. Even when there are no main illustrations on the page, there is often a small row of tiny pictures at the bottom of the text like mushrooms, leaves, and pinecones. The occasional bold text emphasises important words.
There are 10 chapters in all, and each is a good length for a 7+ year old to read in one sitting. At the end of the story there is an ‘Unfinished Guide to Alluria’ which includes places with safety ratings, where to stay and things to avoid, plus ‘A Guide to Useful Plants’ with descriptions and what they can be used for.
Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire could be read as a standalone story, but it would be easier to understand what was going on if Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria was read first. I also think, maybe having a new antagonist, instead of repeating the Curseworms would have made the story a bit more exciting and less predictable. But others may disagree.
But with warriors, mystery, evil turtles, magic gems, and trying to save the world, this is a story many will want to continue. And of course, a story about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself, and working together is always one we want our children to read.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: February 2025
RRP: $16.99
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