Title: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1
Author and illustrator: L.M. Wilkinson and illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Publication date: 03 September 2024
Themes: Adventure quests, bravery, friendship, good versus evil, against the odds, gemstones and crystals
A comprehensive teaching resource and activity sheet are available on the Allen and Unwin website here
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1 by L.M. Wilkinson, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu and published by Allen and Unwin is a rollicking high fantasy adventure for younger readers, 7+.
Titch, the smallest mouse in her family, aspires to be a hero just like Bravepaw from her favourite stories. Titch spends her days on the peaceful Plateau practising being a warrior and she has the most adorable little friends, pufflings to include in her imaginative play.
The serenity, high up on the Plateau, abruptly and unexpectedly ceases when a hare, Prince Vetiver of the Gilded Vale, riding a glider lands on the plateau. He is carrying a long staff with a white crystal gem, the Heartstone, the gem from Bravepaw’s sword. He immediately announces to Titch and his best friend, Huckleberry, that danger is imminent and time is not on their side. Coming up over the cliffs the threat presents, the dreaded curseworms, “they feed on colour and life and leave grey desolation in their wake”.
The curseworms latch onto Prince Vetiver and he desperately needs help. In the commotion he ends up losing his staff and it falls within Titch’s grasp. She picks it up and as a last resort in such a dire situation, wields it and instructs the curseworms to “be gone”. The Heartstone shines brilliantly and lights up the area with a brilliant and dazzling array of colours. With this feat it is revealed that Titch has power over the Heartstone, making Titch a chosen Bravepaw.
While recovering from the curseworms, Prince Vetiver explains that the curseworms want the Heartstone. There is a crack in the heart of Alluria and it is from this crack that the curseworms and other fearsome creatures come from. This begins the quest for Titch to use the Heartstone to repair the heart of Alluria, a mission fraught with threats and danger. This requires immense courage, resilience and determination, often in the face of adversity.
The true friendship that Titch and Huckleberry share is heartwarming. Titch grapples with the idea of her being a Bravepaw, she is consumed by self-doubt and her ability to live up to the legend. Huckleberry believes in his best friend, cheers her on and is unwavering in his support. His loyalty knows no bounds.
The stunning illustrations peppered throughout the book bring the story to life and expressively capture the endearing characters as well as the villains in a sensitive way for young readers.
This is a highly engaging adventure that will no doubt capture the imagination of readers. This story explores true friendship, courage, good versus evil and the ways in which those near and dear can help us find the strength within to achieve what at first may seem impossible.