Hedgehog and the log

Hedgehog is having a day. After deciding it's time for a bigger house, he takes a walk through the forest and spots a clearing perfect for his new home. And so he gets to work sawing, hammering, and lugging wood until a log cabin takes shape. Hedgehog only has a brief chance to admire his work before a loud CRACK! is followed by a large tree falling directly onto the house, smashing it to smithereens. This unfortunate event unleashes a torrent of big feelings in the little hedgehog: sadness, self-pity, fear, anger--none of which alters what has happened even a smidge. Eventually, though, Hedgehog adopts a different perspective and comes to see the fallen tree as a new housing opportunity. Fong is a dab hand at creating charming tales with strong SEL underpinnings, and this is no exception. Kids will identify with many of Hedgehog's emotions and appreciate his tenacity--not to mention his incredible cuteness. Hedgehog resembles a brownish pom-pom wearing a tool belt, and his forest home is softly rendered and welcoming.

A house-hunting hedgehog learns a valuable lesson. "One morning, Hedgehog realized he had outgrown his house." So Hedgehog, a cartoonish creature with purplish spikes, sticklike limbs, and a sweet face with big eyes, a long snout, and expressive eyebrows, seeks a new home. He finds the perfect spot and works hard to build a beautiful house. Unfortunately, soon after, it's destroyed by a falling branch that comes down with a loud "CRACK!" Hedgehog undergoes a succession of reactions somewhat resembling the Kübler-Ross stages of grief--despairing histrionics, self-pity, superiority, fear, anger, and exhaustion--all accompanied by comedic illustrations that will elicit giggles of recognition; who hasn't reacted to life's setbacks with self-defeating behavior? Concluding that "It's not fair," Hedgehog goes for a stroll. The pages depicting the walk show Hedgehog at various points along a winding path, his mood obviously a bit improved in each image--an effective visual depiction of how physical activity can recenter a temporarily defeated spirit. Hedgehog finds a place to rebuild in a familiar bed of lavender. His attitude improved, he gets to work, despite a funny surprise. Told in accessible language, this simple tale offers a sound lesson in resilience while never verging on the didactic. Predominantly grayscale illustrations, with pops of color for Hedgehog and the flowers and plants around him, are appealing. An endearing package of encouragement and affirmation. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.