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Reviewed by Paul Zietsman for Readers' Favorite
The Christmas Hedgehog: Tales from the Bluebell Woods by Ian Humpheryes is a story for young children that is both well-written and expertly illustrated. Hedgehog wakes up in winter, and whilst he should actually still be in hibernation, it feels warmer than usual, and something feels peculiar about this specific time. Hedgehog decides to ask his other animal friends if they are experiencing the same thing. On his walk through the woodland, he stops by his friends, which include Wood Mouse, Mole, Rabbit, Badger, and others, to find out what is going on. Hedgehog learns from them that this particular time of year is called Christmas and that it is a time for sharing, giving, kindness, and coming together. Hedgehog experiences his first Christmas ever, and when Christmas is finished, he goes back to his winter sleep and has pleasant dreams about Christmas and his good friends in the woodland.
At first glance, I thought that the writing would have to be really good to keep up with the bright, vivid, and exquisite illustrations, and I was not disappointed. The Christmas Hedgehog piqued my imagination with a plot that is fun, adventurous, magical, and meaningful. It teaches children kindness and generosity, and, at the same time, more about hedgehogs, including their diet, how they are nocturnal, and how they hibernate in winter, among other interesting facts. Ian Humpheryes has put together a cast of colorful characters, an adventurous story, and beautiful illustrations that should be enjoyable for both children and parents—a winner in all departments and a wholesome choice for discerning parents.
