THE HEDGEHOG TRAIL

In Roshni’s debut children’s novel, a risk-averse young hedgehog finds herself in the notorious Furrow, a highly organized small animal community filled with deceit and danger.

Heed, a hedgehog, is content to spend her days in the peaceful, predictable meadow. On her way home one evening, she passes a baby squirrel and hears an ominous swish from above; quickly, Heed wraps her body around the infant, protecting them both from a hungry owl with her sharp quills. After a feast with the squirrels in her honor, Heed accidentally slips down the tree and into the flooding river below. A trio of young hamsters secretly spirits her back to their home in the Furrow, an intricate maze of tunnels and caves that houses a collection of colonies, filled with hedgehog predators and prey. When the head Furrer, a fierce badger, discovers that Heed, a stranger, is in the Furrow, he makes sure that all involved face severe consequences. The hedgehog encounters jackals, owls, and a history of deception as she battles to return to her family and beloved meadow. Roshni uses anthropomorphism, a compelling plot, and strong character development to lure tween readers into this animal saga. The story moves quickly at a consistent pace, and readers will cheer Heed on as the young hedgehog takes risks, finds her voice, and decides whom to trust; many will also relate to how she discovers her untapped courage. A strong balance of description and dialogue effectively details the various environments and characters. However, although the Furrow makes for an intriguing, layered setting, the specific mix of animals there feels unnatural, due to their real-life habitat needs. Still, the novel’s deep storytelling features elements that call to mind classic animal-centered series, such as Brian Jacques’ Redwall books, and sets up questions for future series installments.

A pointed fantasy tale with an original plot and a headstrong hedgehog.