THE PRICKLY HEDGEHOG

A charming companion to The Sleepy Doormouse (1994), this sweet-natured has a cozy familiarity that will surely engage. One fine fall day, Little Hedgehog ventures out with his mother and ``four prickly brothers and sisters.'' His short little legs soon tire and he falls behind. A series of quietly suspenseful adventures follows as he searches for his family. After some interesting encounters and one close call, he finds them, and the reunited family makes a delicious meal of the ``feast of food''mushrooms and chestnutsthat are stuck to the prickly quills on his back. All's well that ends welleven the most antsy preschooler will be content with the satisfying conclusion. A handsome design, well-placed text, and carefully rendered, delicately detailed watercolor paintings star here. Come autumn, this reassuring, old-fashioned fare will be just right for sharing over cups of hot cider. (Picture book. 3-8)