The Winter Hedgehog

One of a series of small-format paperback editions of popular picture books, this is the story of a hedgehog that decides not to hibernate for the winter.

PreSchool-- Stylized acrylic paintings with a definite European look illustrate this tale of a little hedgehog who leaves his nest as the others hibernate. Chased by a hungry fox, warmed in a rabbit's burrow, and rolled into a snowman's head by some children, the animal journeys through the season, returning home with the knowledge that winter is "wonderful and beautiful," but also "dangerous, cruel, and very, very cold." The eye-pleasing format has the print on a white page, always decorated with a small detail or two from the text that blends with the full-page illustration opposite. The palette is appealing and makes effective use of contrast, giving depth to many of the paintings. The story itself is slight, but satisfying. --Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.