Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by Wilkinson, L. M.

A humble mouse learns she has the same magical abilities as her favorite fabled hero and must save the world from grave danger in this first book in the cozy illustrated middle grade fantasy series Bravepaw that's perfect for fans of The Tale of Despereaux and Kelly Barnhill.

Titch Proudleaf has always dreamed of adventure, just like in the legends of gallant mouse hero Bravepaw. But nothing ever happens to small mice living in quiet villages...until a lost prince and dark magic find their way into the Plateau. When Titch saves the prince from the brink of death, she finds out that the world of Alluria is in grave danger, and by a twist of fate, it's up to her to make things right.

And so, equipped with a magical staff that sometimes works and accompanied by her best friend Huckleberry, Titch sets out on a quest that will change her life and the world of Alluria forever.

But Titch knows she's no Bravepaw--how can she ever hope to live up to the legend?

Author: L. M. Wilkinson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: 03/17/2026
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781665986588
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001
School Library Journal 11/21/2025 pg. 1

About the Author
L.M. (Lili) Wilkinson is the award-winning author of twenty books for children and teenagers, including A Hunger of Thorns, Deep Is the Fen, How to Make a Pet Monster, and the Bravepaw series. Lili established the Inky Awards at the Centre for Youth Literature at the State Library of Victoria. She has a PhD in creative writing, and lives in Melbourne with her husband, son, dog, and three chickens.

Lavanya Naidu is an animator, designer, and award-winning children's book illustrator, born and raised in Kolkata, India. Her work has most recently been featured at the Asian Festival of Children's Content as a selection for their Digital Gallery 2020. Lavanya now lives in Melbourne, Australia.