HEDGIE'S SURPRISE

by Jan Brett ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Pity Henny! Every morning, the Tomten (inspired by the mischievous character from Danish folklore) steals one of her eggs for his breakfast simply because he's gotten tired of eating porridge. Henny doesn't like this one bit, of course, but merely puts up with it. One morning she notices Goosey-Goosey swimming along proud as can be with her brood of newly hatched goslings. From then on, longing for offspring of her own, Henny determines to put a stop to the Tomten's misbehavior. All her efforts prove ineffectual, though, until her loyal pal Hedgie the hedgehog comes to the rescue. He tricks the Tomten on several subsequent mornings by substituting other foods for the usual egg. Finding these foods delicious yet unfulfilling—and unfilling—the Tomten threatens to eat Henny herself the next morning unless there's an egg for him. What's a poor hen to do? Not to worry—Hedgie has one more trick up his prickly, er, sleeve, and gives the Tomten the surprise of his life. Henny and readers will be in for a big surprise as well as the story draws to a satisfying close. Brett has created gorgeous, jewel-like, folklore-inspired art that is enhanced by her familiar border motifs, here lovely red-and-white needlepoint patterns that drive and embellish the story as creatively as the spreads do. Brett's (and Hedgie's) fans, young and old, will appreciate this tale of friendship and one-upmanship. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 0399234772

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2000

Categories: CHILDREN'S