Bayberry Island (Brambleheart #2) by Henry Cole

Twig, Lily, and Basil have set sail in search of Char’s family. Their voyage takes them out to sea where a terrible storm destroys their vessel. However, a friendly sea turtle transports the bedraggled group to a small island. Soon after their landing, the friends encounter several of Char’s siblings but still no mother dragon in sight. Before Twig and Lily can go search for her, Basil betrays his friends by leading his Uncle Burdock to the group.

This sequel to Cole’s Brambleheart is a light-hearted adventure great for young readers. Cole’s graphite illustrations continue to set a lively pace for Twig’s follies and successes. In this story, Twig gains some much needed confidence because his friends are looking to him for direction and leadership. However, when Burdock arrives, Twig retreats within himself, due to his hurtful history with Burdock. It is only when Char and his siblings are kidnapped and Lily is threatened that Twig rallies his confidence to face Burdock head on. Luckily, Twig gets a huge boost with a humongous mother dragon by his side. A sweet and satisfying end to Cole’s Brambleheart duology.