ONE GRUMPY DAY

Sometimes the best cures for the blues are the unexpected ones.

In the latest story in the Little Hedgehog and Friends series, Fox is grumpy. He has a cold, a stubbed paw, and no hot chocolate. Trying to cheer him up, Hedgehog, who’s out looking for mistletoe, suggests going for a walk through the snowy woods and thinking about all the things Fox is thankful for. It doesn’t work, though. When Rabbit and the mice bring hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies, Fox begins to feel better until he sneezes and drops the refreshments, and snow from a nearby tree falls onto his back. Fox leaves in a huff, and his friends worry about him getting home safely in the snow and dark. Conveniently, Fox’s borrowed hat starts unraveling, and the yarn leaves a trail for Hedgehog to follow. After Hedgehog finds Fox and they start toward Fox’s home, Hedgehog trips and tumbles down a steep hill. When Fox rescues Hedgehog, he says, “My bad mood stopped me from seeing how lucky I am to have a friend like you!” Soon all the friends are together and enjoying a sleepover at Fox’s. Though some may find this one a little on the sweet side, it’s a cozy tale nevertheless. Illustrations in a soft palette enhance the story and create a delightful wintry woodland world for Fox and his friends. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A gentle tale of friendship and gratitude.