Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us

Written and Illustrated by: Lauren Castillo

Alfred A. Knopf, 2020. Fiction.

Hedgehog was living on a small island with his best friend Mutty when a huge storm came and blew Mutty away. After the storm has passed Hedgehog gathers up his courage and begins a journey to find his best friend. While looking for Mutty, Hedgehog meets some new friends. Beaver, who is kind of cranky, Owl, who is wise and a good leader and Annika, the young girl who just moved into the neighborhood and who needs some friends too. Together they search for Mutty and along the way they learn to be kind and brave as they comfort and support each other.

I loved this sweet story! It's a classic story of friendship, finding new friends, and sticking together through the hard times and being there for those we care about. This delightful story has a fresh but familiar feel to it. It reminded me of similar stories like Winnie the Pooh or The Wind in the Willows. Along with the warm cozy feeling of the text are illustrations with lots of details and fun images you can linger over. Caldecott winner Lauren Castillo has done a superb job of creating new characters who are empathetic, kind and brave. This story is the perfect book to read out loud with your family or hand to readers who are just starting chapter books.

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