One Christmas Wish

Little Hedgehog and his red woolen hat, featured in Butler’s and Macnaughton’s tales One Winter’s Day and One Snowy Night, return in this holiday-flavored friendship tale. During a tree-trimming party at his house, Little Hedgehog and his pals witness “a flurry of snow [flutter] past the window” and excitedly make plans to gather the next day—Christmas Eve—to help the baby mice build snow mice. Hopes are dashed when most of the white stuff has melted, but the pals embark on a snow hunt: “If we collect it in my hat, we’ll have enough in no time!” Little Hedgehog and the other animals help others celebrate while discovering their own wintry fun along the way. The pairing of the text’s warm notes and the familiar menagerie of sweet-faced critters in their woodland idyll showcase the cozy, giving feel of Christmas season. Ages 3–7. [em](Sept.) [/em]