Hedgehogs usually sleep through the long winter months but this year one sleepy Hedgehog woke up unexpectedly. It was cold and strange snow stuff everywhere but more importantly there was something special in the air, something he had never seen before - Christmas. Join the Hedgehog as he travels through the woods meeting friends and discovering more about this wonderful season. Reviews Reviewed by Paul Zietsman for Readers’ Favorite 5 stars The Christmas Hedgehog: Tales from the Bluebell Woods by Ian Humpheryes is a story for young children that is both well-written and expertly illustrated. Hedgehog wakes up in winter, and whilst he should actually still be in hibernation, it feels warmer than usual, and something feels peculiar about this specific time. Hedgehog decides to ask his other animal friends if they are experiencing the same thing. On his walk through the woodland, he stops by his friends, which include Wood Mouse, Mole, Rabbit, Badger, and others, to find out what is going on. Hedgehog learns from them that this particular time of year is called Christmas and that it is a time for sharing, giving, kindness, and coming together. Hedgehog experiences his first Christmas ever, and when Christmas is finished, he goes back to his winter sleep and has pleasant dreams about Christmas and his good friends in the woodland. At first glance, I thought that the writing would have to be really good to keep up with the bright, vivid, and exquisite illustrations, and I was not disappointed. The Christmas Hedgehog piqued my imagination with a plot that is fun, adventurous, magical, and meaningful. It teaches children kindness and generosity, and, at the same time, more about hedgehogs, including their diet, how they are nocturnal, and how they hibernate in winter, among other interesting facts. Ian Humpheryes has put together a cast of colorful characters, an adventurous story, and beautiful illustrations that should be enjoyable for both children and parents—a winner in all departments and a wholesome choice for discerning parents. Lynne on Goodreads wrote January 25, 2024 Hedgehogs usually go to sleep in the autumn and don't wake up until spring. They have to eat plenty of food while they are awake to be able to sleep that long. The weather was warmer than usual white flakes were falling from the sky. Hedgehog has never seen snow before. Hedgehog was never awake Christmas time so he wanted to find out more about it. So he went about to go see his friends. I don't want to spoil it but you will find out soon why he is called the Christmas Hedgehog. What a great story very creative. I would give this book easily 10 stars I enjoyed reading it. It is the perfect bedtime story for your little ones. I will buy several copies to give out.