Hedgehog Needs a Hug

Hedgehog Needs a Hug
by Jen Betton
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2018

Little Hedgehog wakes up one day feeling bad and needing a hug. Unfortunately, everyone he asks for a hug turns him down because they don't want to get prickled by his spines. Feeling alone, he wanders through the forest until he comes upon a sly fox, who is willing to "hug" him. But when Fox moves in for a bite, he only gets a mouthful of spines before taking off through the forest. Alone again, Hedgehog hears Skunk crying. No one will give Skunk a hug either. Hedgehog offers Skunk a hug, and opens his arms wide. Skunk embraces Hedgehog, being careful to avoid his spines, and the two begin to feel better.

Jen Betton's debut as an author-illustrator, this cute book is about finding friendship despite your differences. The watercolor illustrations are sweet and vibrant. The comforting ending of feeling better when with a friend is perfect for young and not-so-young readers alike.

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