Jill Barklem first published the Four Seasons of Brambly Hedge in 1980 when I was in prep and I fell in love with them. Published as gorgeous little hardcovers, these stories had – and still do have – so much charm. The stories are about the mice who live in the Brambly Hedge, their families, their traditions and their adventures. They are old-fashioned and sweet, but not twee; in fact these little books radiate with warmth and the comfort of home and family.

I think Autumn Story was the only one of the Four Seasons that I owned (and it’s still on my bookshelf today). I can remember pouring over the illustrations which contain so much detail; they are enchanting. Every time I read Autumn Story I found something new in Barklem’s art, the cross-sections of the cosy homes of the mice are like dolls’ houses, with the most amazing interiors. I think I also really liked the idea of grand balls and lavish picnics and weddings, all those lovely traditional and romantic ideals as well as all the gorgeous -ooking food the mice eat – pies and cakes and berries - yum.

In the 90s, Hit Entertainment – famous more recently for creating Bob the Builder – made an animated TV series based on Jill Barklem’s books. So cleverly done, it mirrored the books completely with all the detail and character that Barklem created on paper. The characters are voiced by some greats including Jim Broadbent and Neil Morrissey.