It was Midwinter's Eve and the mice of Brambly Hedge were very busy. That evening, after dark, they would all be gathering round a blazing fire for the traditional midwinter celebrations. A grand entertainment was planned and Primrose and Wilfred had chosen to recite a poem.

They went up to the attics to rehearse in peace and quiet but there were so many things to look at and places to explore, it was hard to concentrate. And when they stumbled upon a dusty staircase, all thoughts of practicing were put aside . . . 

From the dust jacket of the 1996 HarperCollins Children's Books edition