Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire by L.M. Wilkinson

In the second Bravestone book, Titch, Huckleberry and Dollop are lost in a never-ending swamp.  It is wet, cold and miserable and that isn’t even the worst of it!  Faced with swamp monsters, a brave warrior squirrel who has been banished from her village by a group of brainwashed squirrels and a grumpy turtle, the trio must work together to survive, help the squirrels and continue on their journey to find out if Titch really is Bravestone or if it is all a huge mistake.  As they are faced with each new and unexpected challenge, Titch will learn that there is a more to the Bravestone prophecy than she had previously heard and they will meet Briar, a warrior squirrel who helps the trio continue on their quest to save Alluria.

The second book in the Bravestone series is just as wonderful as the first with the addition of a couple of new characters, some of who are good, some not so good and some who are downright mean! The characters are well written and ensure the reader knows who is good, bad or beguiled!! The illustrations help the story and are wonderful additions to the text, guiding the reader in their journey to Alluria, if the fearless trio can find their way out of the swamp.

Titch and her friends have just the right amount of bravado vs. caution and their adventures are bound to be favourites in the classroom or library. These books are written for emerging readers but will be loved by any young reader as they combine adventure, fantasy, good vs. evil and friendship.

The Bravestone series is definitely one that could be read aloud or independently.

Themes: Fantasy, Adventure, Good vs Evil, Friendship, Quests.

Mhairi Alcorn