Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria
by L.M. Wilkinson
Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division
originally published 2024
192 pages
ISBN: 9781665986588
Titch Proudleaf is a young mouse who dreams of being brave like her storied hero Bravepaw who is said to have saved the world from all its monsters. Titch believes the old legends and pretends she is as brave and stalwart as Bravepaw. Her best friend Huckleberry offers the perfect sounding board and buddy throughout the story.
Titch and Huckleberry are on an errand when they happen upon an injured warrior who needs their help. Titch is no Bravepaw, but she does what she can. She grabs the warrior's stick and yells, "Be gone" at the menacing wormlike monsters as curseworms trying to kill the warrior. Magic happens. The staff in Titch's hand comes to life and kills the monsters. The warrior is amazed and thankful. Could Titch be the answer the world has been waiting for?
Once he is being cared for on the Plateau, the warrior thanks Titch and tells her that she has the magic. There is not one Bravepaw; there have been many over the years. Clearly Titch yields the magic, so she is the next Bravepaw. The warrior turns out to be a prince who wants her to accompany him on his quest to return the heartstone to Alluria and mend the crack that is unleashing monsters and curseworms into the world.
Bravepaw is the perfect series for younger middle grade. If readers love Titch, a savvy librarisn will lead them to Brian Jacques' Redwall books.
Recommended grades 3 and up.
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