The Secret Staircase
Jill Barklem
Paperback
(Collins, Aug. 16, 1996)
It's Midwinter Eve and everyone in Brambly Hedge is busily preparing for the traditional midwinter celebrations. Primrose Woodmouse and Wilfred Toadflax are to recite a poem, so they go up to the attics to rehearse in peace and quiet. But when Primrose finds a small key in an old wooden dresser, all thoughts of rehearsing are put aside! The mice of Brambly Hedge have many adventures but they always have time for fun too. All through the year, they mark the seasons with feasts and festivities and, whether it be a little mouse's birthday, an eagerly awaited wedding or the first day of spring, the mice never miss and opportunity to meet and celebrate.