Bayberry Island

March 15, 2017
Three woodland animals take a journey to bring a baby dragon back to his home.When Twig, a chipmunk, left home with his adopted baby dragon and found a ship-in-a-bottle that could be reassembled outside the bottle (Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship, 2016), he set off bravely for parts unknown. Now Twig, his best friend, Lily (a rabbit), and their enemy-inexplicably-turned-friend, Basil (a weasel), are sailing down a river, trying to bring baby dragon Char back to his home--with no hint where that may be. Fragile Char's susceptible to hunger and cold; he understands when the animals talk to him, but he doesn't reply, not even when he revives after eating fish that Lily catches by weaving a net. The adventure goes from river to open ocean to island. They find Char's family and an old enemy finds them, clarifying (grimly) an emotionally confusing event from Brambleheart. Dangers are all overcome, either with ingenuity and teamwork or with help in the form of a beaver, a sea turtle, or an adult dragon appearing exactly when needed. Cole's pencil drawings appear on almost every spread, earnest, immediate, and expressive. They help with storytelling, as when readers can discern that a mysterious, ship-blocking wall is a beaver dam several pages before the text says so. Animal fantasy adventure with a gentle feel. (Fantasy. 6-10)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 3-6-In this slim sequel to Brambleheart, Cole picks up the adventures of young chipmunk Twig, his rabbit friend Lily, and their nemesis-turned-accomplice Basil the weasel right where they left off, sailing out to sea in a found boat. On a mission to return lost baby dragon Char to his family, the young animals cheerfully leave everything they know behind, braving unknown creatures, high seas, and, finally, shipwreck with resourceful optimism. Exposition and character development are almost nonexistent, and readers who skipped Brambleheart may find themselves a little out of sorts. However, Cole's writing is actually more suited to straightforward adventure, and this sequel is a fun and fast-moving, if not deep, read. Detailed pencil drawings enhance and enrich the simple text. VERDICT An enjoyable read-aloud or easy middle grade selection for readers of gentle nature fantasy.-Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2017
Grades 2-4 The adventures begun in Brambleheart (2016) continue as chipmunk Twig endeavors to return the baby dragon, Char, to his home with the help of Lily, a rabbit, and Basil, a weasel. As the four friends set sail on the Spirit, they grow concerned for the well-being of Char, who is listless and not eating. A sense of urgency descends on the group, which pulls together as a team to navigate their tiny ship and get Char home. Obstaclessome minor, some dramaticimpede their progress, but kindly creatures met along the way always lend a hand. Cole has an excellent sense of how to write a compelling adventure for young or sensitive readers. Gentle suspense is woven into scenes to keep the plot moving forward, but the story is firmly anchored in its warm portrayal of friendship. Storms, shipwreck, betrayalall are surmountable with friends by your side. Adding to the story's charm are Cole's pencil illustrations, softly depicting the small animals' bravery in a huge, unpredictable world. A sweet, satisfying adventure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)