Brambly Hedge books, written and illustrated by Jill Barklem, feature the intricate world of the Brambly Hedge mice. Rooms are carved out of tree trunks and river beds and are lined with shelves of platters and stores and preserves for Brambly hedge picnics, parties, and every day meals.

The Brambly hedge illustrations are fascinating to study because they contain so many details and a whole imaginary world in miniature that recall the mystery and wonder of childhood.

Crabapple cottage

The Store Stump

“In the middle of the Stump was an enormous hall, and leading off from it many passages and staircases. These led in turn to dozens of storerooms full of nuts and honey and jams and pickles. Each one had to be inspected.”

Mrs. Apple’s kitchen

The flour mill

Preparing for Poppy’s wedding

The Palace kitchen storage

The Store Stump hall

Old Oak Palace storeroom

For more Brambly Hedge see the books written and illustrated by Jill Barklem. These include Spring Story, Summer Story, Autumn Story, Winter Story, The Secret Staircase, The High Hills, Sea Story, and Poppy’s Babies. The pictures in this post are of the 1999 edition collecting all the stories into one volume.