Our Friend Hedgehog

March 15, 2020
Hedgehog embarks on an unexpected adventure to rescue her friend Mutty. Hedgehog and Mutty, two dear friends, "[spend] all their days together. Playing. Imagining. Dreaming." That is, until the Terrible Storm whisks Mutty (who appears to be a stuffed dog) away from the tiny, midriver island they both live on. Aware that crying won't solve anything, Hedgehog decides to set out on a rescue mission to bring her friend back. As Hedgehog searches for her lost friend, she encounters various characters such as Mole, who greets everyone she meets in a different language (French, German, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean), and Owl, who sprinkles lofty vocabulary (and definitions) into conversations. The remainder of the cast includes Hen and her Chicks, dapper Beaver, and a brown-skinned human girl named Annika Mae Flores. All together, they distinguish themselves by supporting Hedgehog in her friend's rescue. Each personality bursts forth in Annika's narration as the group assembles, acknowledges that their differences become their strengths, and forms a firm and committed community unit. Castillo's endearing illustrations remind readers that friendships can be found in the most unexpected of places while their full-color softness balances Hedgehog's action-packed adventures. Readers will appreciate the map shown in the beginning endpapers as they go back and trace Hedgehog's journey. Challenging readers without overwhelming them, picture-book creator Castillo has achieved a gentle and triumphant pivot into chapter books. An outstanding new chapter book with the cozy feel of a classic. (Fantasy. 5-9)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 23, 2020
An array of woodland characters pay kindness forward in this character-driven series opener from Castillo (Imagine). Hedgehog is largely content with her island life alongside best friend Mutty, a stuffed dog, but when a storm separates them, she gathers her courage and sets off to find him. Falling into an underground abode damaged by the recent storm, Hedgehog is befriended by empathic Mole, whose home she helps to repair. In turn, a thankful Mole assists Hedgehog with her search, and the two meet multiple friends along the way, Mole greeting each animal in a different language (“Guten Tag, Owl!”; “Salaam, Hen”). The characters recall those of Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood: Word-loving Owl lists definitions, headstrong Beaver is preoccupied with his home of sticks, adventurous Hen and her two playful chicks engage in familial bustle, and narrator Annika Mae Flores, a brown-skinned child who is new to the area, binds them all together following a waterlogged adventure. Inviting mixed-media illustrations evoke a timeless sensibility, rich with foliage and burgeoning friendship. And Castillo’s friendly message about community, courage, and new beginnings should be a hit among early readers. Ages 5–9. Agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary.

Starred review from March 1, 2020
Grades 1-4 *Starred Review* In this Winnie-the-Pooh-style adventure for young readers, Hedgehog lives with her best friend, Mutty, a white stuffed dog in a striped sweater, on a small river island. One day, a terrible storm carries Mutty away on its fierce winds, leaving Hedgehog devastated but determined to find her friend. Luckily, Hedgehog is a good swimmer, and she reaches the river's wooded bank without mishap. A serendipitous tumble drops her into the burrow of Mole, who good-naturedly joins the search for Mutty. Their journey takes them to the homes of Owl, Beaver, and Hen and Chicks, all of whom display unique personalities. Together, they follow clues that lead to Annika Mae, a girl with a Polaroid camera and knowledge of a certain sweater-wearing dog. Caldecott Honor Book creator Castillo lovingly offers up this story of friendship and bravery, which she liberally illustrates with sweet, sketchy artwork created in pen, pencil, and watercolor. Simple sentences and abundant white space support young readers making the transition into chapter books, and the gentle adventure within this series starter will easily capture their attention.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

May 1, 2020

K-Gr 3-Hedgehog and Mutty live on a river island and spend their days playing, imagining, and dreaming. One day, a storm carries Mutty away, and Hedgehog sets out to rescue her friend. Along the way, Hedgehog meets companions throughout the forest who help rescue Mutty and become a new group of friends. This gentle early chapter book is sure to delight young fans of animal friendship stories. Full-color illustrations make the title inviting to readers just breaking into the longer format, and plenty of white space and larger text is also welcoming. Some of the word choices may be difficult for striving readers. However, repetition and the use of definitions in context, especially by the owl, will help expand vocabularies. The bright, detailed illustrations work well to enhance the plot and bring the characters to life. The final chapter, "Us (the beginning)," promises more adventures from this spirited crew. VERDICT This sweet adventure and cast of new friends is reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh or a calmer Mercy Watson. A suggested purchase for all fiction collections that serve early chapter book readers.-Ellen Conlin, Naperville Public Library, IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.