Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1

By L M Wilkinson
Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Here is an enjoyable fast paced adventure with an appealing central character created by L M Wilkinson who has written many other titles as Lili Wilkinson, including Deep is the Fen, also reviewed in StoryLinks. It is profusely and expressively illustrated in black and white line by Lavanya Naidu who can create character and mood in a few lines.

Tithonia Proudleaf, Titch to her friends, is a young mouse who loves all the old stories about Bravepaw the hero who saved Alluria from monsters all those years ago. She and her best friend Huckleberry live with their families on the Plateau, the safest place in Alluria. Titch longs for adventure but when adventure suddenly flies into her path she is not so sure of herself. ‘There are lots of ways to be brave, Tithonia …it’s not all about swords and battles‘ says her mother but when Titch and Huckleberry find themselves captured by Grabbers, threatened by curseworms and a huge injured eaglebear will she find the courage to hold onto the staff that contains the heartstone, and save Alluria?

The print is large with lots of room on the page enlivened by many illustrations and the occasional word/s in large font. This latter works really well here. I was immediately hooked by the opening lines ‘Surrender, you VILE fiend! Wilkinson writes with obvious enjoyment setting the non stop action in a lovingly created world replete with magic crystals, pufflings, a Prince and don’t forget the eaglebear.

This, the first in a projected series aimed at young readers just starting to get comfortable with chapter books, is a great start in getting adventure loving children, aged 6 – 8,  hooked on reading.

Albert Street Books 2024

I am a judge for the 2024 Aurealis Awards. This review is my personal opinion and does not reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinators, or the Aurealis Awards management team.