THE HEDGEHOG WHO SAID, WHO CARES?

While digging a burrow, Mr. Hedgehog flings dirt onto the path shared by other animals.

When Rabbit sees the dirt blocking the way, he and his friend Mouse confront Hedgehog. “Who cares?” Hedgehog retorts. “This path isn’t mine. / I only care about my burrow— / warm and snug and fine.” Hedgehog threatens to prick them with his quills. Nevertheless, Rabbit and Mouse come to Hedgehog’s rescue when he nearly drowns during a fierce thunderstorm. Ashamed of his bad behavior, Hedgehog has learned a valuable lesson: “This path is not just mine— / it’s all of ours to share.” Translated from Hebrew, quatrains with an ABCB rhyme scheme read aloud easily, almost like nursery rhymes, but it’s the flat, colorful, naïve illustrations that stand out. The three animal characters are outlined in black or red, with scratchlike markings depicting their quills or furry skin. Intense blue skies, richly hued flowers, and deep-green grass have the vitality of tempera paint. The animals’ homes are cozy; boxes are marked for moving-in in Hedgehog’s new abode, and at Rabbit’s home, Hedgehog is offered tea and tissues. In the backmatter, Aluma notes that she was inspired by a Talmudic story, but the message is a universal one that will especially resonate in a world crying out for friendship and caring.

A charming read-aloud and a much-needed reminder that we all share the same path.