The Secret Staircase (Brambly Hedge) (udgave 1996)

As a child, I LOVED stories about secret attics and staircases and was disappointed never to have found any such treasures. So you can imagine the delight of reading about Primrose and Wilfred's great discovery. Jill Barklem's art is especially exquisite in this book. ( )

I assume that this is where my love for staircases came from. A mildly impressionable child would not hesitate to revel in the fact that, unlike almost all other books I've known, the secret staircase remains a secret with the children. ( )

In 1980, an English author and artist named Jill Barklem released four miniature picture-books about a close-knit community of hedgerow mice, all living, working and celebrating together. The four titles, one for each of the seasons - Spring Story, Summer Story, Autumn Story, and Winter Story - were an immediate hit, with their charmingly detailed illustrations and engaging characters and stories, and won a devoted coterie of fans. Three years later, in 1983, Barklem released this fifth title, in which Primrose Woodmouse and Wilfred Toadflax discover a secret and long forgotten "apartment" at the top of Old Oak Palace, while searching for a place to rehearse for the recital they are to give for the great Midwinter Ball.

How I wish I had discovered these books - and especially The Secret Staircase! - as a young girl! I would have adored them, and most likely would have read them over and over again. How thrilling, to find a hidden staircase! How delightful the hidden apartment, with all its promise of secret play, would have seemed! How I would have loved the costumes that Primrose and Wilfred discover, the settings for their adventures, and the entire cozy world being depicted! The great baronial hall would have been a particular treat, I think. Even encountering these Brambly Hedge books for the first time as an adult, I am still charmed. Highly recommended to younger readers with a taste for animal fantasy, as well as to anyone who enjoyed the earlier books about this adorable murine community! ( )

Primrose and Wilfred had decided to recite a poem for the Midwinter's celebration. The problem was that they needed someplace to practice. Primrose's mother, Lady Woodmouse, suggested they use the attic to practice. Exploring the attic turned out to be unexpected and just so much fun.

The book is rated for children ages 3-6, but should say ages 3-63. This is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s story, the Midwinter celebration has the atmosphere of a Christmas Yule log and decorations. This is easy to read as a bed time story and the rooms at the top of the staircase are wonderfully described. What a find, for the mice of the story and for the reader wanting a way to connect to their kids. I love the poem the mice kids recited, beautiful. ( )