Hedgehugs: Autumn Hide-and-Squeak

In this companion to Hedgehugs and Hedgehugs and the Hattiepillar, hedgehog friends Horace and Hattie are a bit despondent as fall gets underway: the falling leaves are “pretty, but Hattie felt sad that the branches would soon be empty.” Sad thoughts are banished when the two run into a “squeaky thing” hanging from a tree; it’s a purple bat, and the three dive into a game of hide-and-seek that lasts for several pages (and is just challenging enough for younger readers to take part in). Collaged bits of photographic images add warmth to the autumn setting—fabrics with plaid, herringbone, and other patterns bring a cozy texture to leaves, pumpkins, and mushroom caps. It’s a straightforward story but also a helpful reminder that friends new and old can help make unwanted changes easier to bear. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)