Hedgehog and the Log

by Pam Fong

Hedgehog loves his new home. But even before he can set foot inside, his house is destroyed. No matter how much he cries, yells, complains, worries, or even feels sorry for himself, Hedgehog is powerless to change the situation. It isn’t until he learns to see things differently that Hedgehog turns his obstacle into an opportunity.
 
With its tender, openhearted text and beautifully rendered illustrations,  Hedgehog and the Log  is about acceptance, perseverance, and, most of all, hope.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Emotion, Animals, Growth Mindset, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel you little hedgehog. But it's true, the tree doesn't care. This is beautifully illustrated, mostly black and white with a hint of colour on hedgehog themselves, but the flowers and the butterflies are all in brilliant colour.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hedgehog builds a new house, a tree falls on it, shattering it to bits! He was so mad at the tree. he shouted at it, he cried, and he felt sorry for himself, but nothing worked. The tree wouldn't move. Can Hedgehog move on and figure out a different solution to his housing problem?

First of all, the illustrations are one of the best parts of this story. I loved that Hedgehog outgrew his house and that it seemed to be mostly because of all of his books (lol, me too!) I loved the range emotions identified. Some mentioned by name, others implied. A great example of resiliency and how we react when bad things happen.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable way to learn very important lessons. I still have trouble, sometimes, finding the opportunity that can come from crisis. This despite being a fan of Pollyanna's "Glad Game" and of stories like Fortunately (Unfortunately). Give your child every opportunity to learn this sort of resilience & courage.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise, the illustrations were cute, and I could really relate to that hedgehog. More so than I would like to admit. Heh. There was a bit of confusion about what was going on at the end, but that's the only reason I docked a star.

[GS Dachslove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hedgehog builds a house and it gets ruined by a tree. Hedgehog goes through a range of emotions and ends up finding a different solution to his problems after a refreshing walk to clear his head.

Really cute pictures, simple text.

[Lori Tart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Hedgehog outgrows his original house and builds another that is soon destroyed. He rages and mourns, bargains, and cries, but the tree won't move. What is a hedgehog to do? His solution is wonderful.

[Sarah Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all really liked this one. Cute illustrations and so funny to see the one page where he wanders around, then see on another his path that just goes in a circle.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Various emotions, making a home

[Mari]

he was going to build a home, but a log fall over the place. its still there everytime he looks. in the end he decides to build a home in it.

[Kaitlyn Stanquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art and a lovely story teaching children how to reframe a problem.

[Y.Poston]

endearing illustrations and an exploration
of emotions & behavior in the context of devastation

[Jade Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the hedgehog felt all its feeling and after calming down was able to seeing the upside of things.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely ADORABLE!
The illustrations are simple but sweet.