K-Gr 3—A delightful chapter book, strongly reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh, invites readers into a forest filled with
anthropomorphized critters as they share friendship stories. While enjoyable as an independent read, this lovely
volume can be shared with adults, as they are likely to pick up on more subtle themes and can guide discussion.
Sweet but on the safe side of saccharine, Hedgehog charms.

A gentle one with Winnie the Pooh vibes. Not action-packed, but sweet.

It was very cute. How all the animals worked together to help one another was heartwarming. It reminds me a lot of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. ( )

Cute! ( )

A table of contents shows that readers will be introduced to a new character in nearly every chapter: Mole, Owl, Beaver, Hen and Chicks, and Annika Mae Flores. The journey to meet them all begins with "two dear friends," Hedgehog and Mutty, who lived on a "teeny-tiny island" in the center of the river. Illustrations show that Mutty is a stuffed dog in a sweater, whereas Hedgehog is a real hedgehog. When Mutty blows away in a storm, Hedgehog bravely goes in search of her friend, meeting others along the way. Each new friend helps the mission along, until at last, the whole group of friends feels as though they have known each other forever. In a clever artistic tie-in to the second-to-last chapter, The Notebook, each chapter is introduced with an illustration of a polaroid picture with the chapter title written below.

All the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, but with easier language for growing readers. See also: Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen; Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel. ( )