Herodotus the hedgehog

K-Gr 3-Young Herodotus learns about the "Great Spirits" (religion or beliefs) of many forest animals. The curious hedgehog wonders if there's a Great Hedgehog Spirit. He travels to visit the elderly and wise old hedgehog Venerable, who explains that hedgehogs are humble creatures with only one important certainty, "the sun rises, and then it sets." Herodotus scoffs at this scrap of philosophy, but after each forest animal disparages the others' beliefs starting a massive squabble, he begins to think that there's wisdom in such simple truths. Translated from French, this philosophical story uses a fablelike structure to explore the idea of listening to the truth inside oneself to determine what one believes. There are few children's books that show characters of different beliefs openly arguing, and even fewer that do not espouse a specific religious view, which makes this book distinctive. However, this uniqueness is held back by uninspired illustrations that remain flat regardless of the many textures employed. Characters with lifeless eyes are drawn either facing front or in profile in static compositions. It's unfortunate that the term "Great Spirit" was chosen for this translation, as it hits a little too close to the stereotypes often applied to Native Americans. VERDICT Well-funded libraries looking to expand their nonspecific religious books may find this title of interest.-Amy Seto Forrester, Denver Public Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A young hedgehog, curious about his world, asks other creatures about their beliefs.Author/illustrator Buquet's generously sized illustrations, executed with oil paints in a monotype printmaking technique, have a cultivated simplicity in their palette and design that mirrors the subtle message of the narrative. When Herodotus, a young hedgehog, overhears a bear making an offering of fruit and honey to the Mighty Bear Spirit, he is mystified. He tells Fox, who mentions that foxes, too, have a Great Fox Spirit. Herodotus then asks the wise hedgehog Venerable if hedgehogs have a Great Hedgehog Spirit. But Venerable tells him that humble hedgehogs know only one thing: "the sun rises, and then it sets." Herodotus thinks this is inadequate, and he determines to ask other creatures about their Great Spirits. He discovers that they all believe in them; additionally, all believe their Great Spirits are the bestalthough the Hoopoe says there is only one Great Spirit. Confused, Herodotus closes his eyes, first hearing silence, then "crying, singing and the flapping of wings." Herodotus suddenly realizes he is hungry and thirstyin the momentand, opening his eyes, sees Venerable. "I understand, I think," he tells the old hedgehog. "Let's go see the sunset."A Zen-infused tale about the importance of paying attention to now, delicately relayed without heavy baggage or lifting. (Picture book. 4-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.