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HEDGIE BLASTS OFF! by Jan Brett

HEDGIE BLASTS OFF!

by Jan Brett & illustrated by Jan Brett

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2006
ISBN: 0-399-24621-5
Publisher: Putnam

Fans of Brett’s Hedgie will enjoy his predictable triumph in this lighthearted space adventure. Despite Brett’s artistic ability, those unfamiliar with the small, spiky hero are likely to be less enthralled. This time around, Hedgie works as a janitor at a space lab populated by anthropomorphized dogs. When a volcano on a small planet named Mikkop ceases to function properly, the canine scientists create a “Rescue Robot,” coincidentally shaped just like Hedgie. The robot’s malfunction clears the way for Hedgie to achieve his heart’s desire: a flight into space. He solves the problem of the volcano (visitors had been tossing coins into it for luck, plugging up the hole from which the magical flower-feeding “sparkles” erupted) and returns to earth. Although Brett includes a wealth of visual detail, much of it humorous, the slight story is unlikely to hold up to repeated readings. The use of a foldout page depicting a glittery eruption gives the book a gimmicky feel. Despite his obvious enthusiasm for space travel, this is not one of Hedgie’s most successful outings. (Picture book. 6-8)