What could keep your child’s attention more than a book full of different animals discussing what they don’t like about themselves? Carole P. Roman wrote Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem to help children learn to accept themselves just as they are. Henrietta is a typical young hedgehog that feels out of place and disliked because of her sharp quills. This book shares Henrietta’s journey as she learns that other animals also struggle with their self-image. What we often perceive as being better in someone else, they may see quite differently. For instance, Henrietta thought Bella Beaver’s teeth were wonderful. She finds out that Bella struggles when other animals make fun of her teeth. All the animals gather around Henrietta and share what they don’t like about themselves. Henrietta learns it is best to be who you are. Remind your child that they are perfect just the way they are.

Often we look at others and wish we had their nose, eyes, hair, or body. Often we fail to understand that they look at us and others, wishing they had our characteristics. Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem is one of the most common issues in the world. Carole P. Roman expertly guides the reader into realizing that we are who we are and why we should not aspire to be someone else. She uses animals to demonstrate the need for self-acceptance and self-worth, pointing out that what we value in others may even be the cause of their distress. Carole stresses the importance of being ourselves. When children accept who they are, they are usually more readily accepted by others. Mateya Arkova is a master illustrator, and her work adds interest to this book.

Henrietta Hedgehog loved school but didn’t want to attend on this fateful day. She rolled onto her quilt and whined, even when her mom asked her to get ready. Henrietta faced bullying from other kids in school because of how she looked. People avoided her class because her quills were sharp and scary. She hated being a hedgehog, and her mom’s encouragement fell on deaf ears. Henrietta covered her face with a mask to look like the pretty Bella Beaver, her classmate. The mask stunt hurt Bella because she thought Henrietta was making fun of her. An act that becomes a pandora’s box of information and enlightenment, showing Henrietta that no one had it easy. Enjoy Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem by Carole P. Roman.

Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem by Carole P. Roman is a story with cute characters. It is illustrated by Mateya Arkova. Children up to ten years old will love this book because it discusses self-esteem, confidence, and individual uniqueness. Henrietta’s tale encourages children to be authentic and never try to be anyone else. Those whom we imitate may also have struggled because no one is perfect. And it will shock us to know that many people admire and want to be like us. Bullying people for their looks is a common problem in schools, so we must fortify our children’s self-esteem. They must understand that differences make us unique. This story deserves to be in school libraries. I loved the simple grammar, clear fonts, and colorful characters. Roman is a brilliant storyteller and Arkova is an exceptional illustrator who team up to positively impact children.

Henrietta Hedgehog's Prickly Problem by Carole P. Roman is an uplifting story about Henrietta the Hedgehog. One morning, she is snuggled up in bed, not wanting to go to school. When her mother asks her why, she explains she is being bullied by classmates for the way she looks. Her mother tries to reassure her, but Henrietta doesn't feel any better. She slips on a disguise she made, which makes her feel slightly better, and strolls into class. But Henrietta upsets a classmate by using the disguise, making things worse for herself. Later in the day, Henrietta is approached by other classmates that have experienced bullying. Will they be able to help Henrietta see that she is beautiful the way she is? Find out in this book.

Henrietta Hedgehog's Prickly Problem was a pleasure to read. I enjoy any book that focuses on self-acceptance and self-love as I find them highly important when educating children at a young age. This book is perfect for children going through many different experiences, whether they are bullied like Henrietta or even if they are simply comparing themselves to others in a negative way. I'm confident they will feel much better after reading Carole P. Roman's beautifully written story. The illustrations are professional and adorable; children will be attracted to them from the moment they see them. I hope to read more from Roman soon and wish her all the best moving forward.

Have you ever had a bad hair day? What about a bad spiny quill day? Henrietta Hedgehog's Prickly Problem by Carole P. Roman is about a hedgehog with long, prickly spines that protect her. She does not like them. Other kids at school make fun of her. They will not sit near her or play with her for fear of being pricked by her quills. That makes Henrietta sad. She makes a mask and tries to look like Bella Beaver, but that hurts Bella’s feelings. Ultimately, a group of young animals congregates around Henrietta to discuss their unique qualities and how the bullies make fun of them. Dylan Deer hates his freckles because the other kids call him Dotty. Studying the gathering of new friends, Henrietta learns that her quills are part of who she is, helping to protect her. No one has the right to make fun of another person just because they are different; we are all different. Bella speaks with great wisdom: “Just be yourself, Henrietta. You are perfect just the way you are.”

Carole P. Roman’s Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem is a sweet, endearing story about differences, equity, self-esteem, bullying, and learning to accept ourselves and others for our unique qualities. The story follows the little hedgehog, Henrietta, as she confronts the bullies at school, realizing she is not alone in her differences and being bullied or singled out for unique qualities. The story is simple so young readers can easily follow, with lots of engaging dialogue to move the plot forward, addressing some complex issues that young people face daily. The illustrations are superb and heartwarming and add a layer of compassion to the story. It is a beautifully told and illustrated tale.