Barnaby of Bramble Bay · Book 2 of 4
A funny, gentle read-aloud picture book for ages 4–8 about a grumpy cat, three soggy mice and a box that’s far too good to share.
Barnaby has found it: the coziest box in the world. Thick, dry, and lined with warm bubble wrap, it is perfect for one grumpy cat, and absolutely nobody else.
So when three soggy little mice ask to share, Barnaby’s temper gets the better of him… and costs him everything.
A funny, gentle story about kindness, second chances, and discovering that warmth is better when it’s shared.
In the second Barnaby of Bramble Bay book, it’s raining in the little seaside town and Barnaby has the one dry spot he needs. Then comes a TAP-TAP-TAP, and three tiny field mice appear on the rim of his box, soaked and shivering: Pipkin, the bravest; Penny, with her pink bow; and Peanut, the smallest of all.
It’s a story about sharing what you have, about the trouble a bad temper can cause, and about saying sorry and getting a second chance. The mice are polite, hardworking and brilliant at squeezing through gaps, which is very handy when you need to build a den. Barnaby ends up somewhere twice as warm as any box, and he isn’t on his own.
Try three small, polite voices for the mice (the tiniest of all for Peanut) against Barnaby’s grumpy growl. Make the most of TAP-TAP-TAP: knock on the book or the table, then let your listeners guess who’s outside before you turn the page. When Barnaby’s temper boils over, pause and ask how the mice might be feeling.
It’s a good one for talking about saying sorry. The read-aloud guide for parents and teachers has questions to get you started.
Who’s in it: Barnaby · Pipkin, Penny & Peanut
