Herbie's big adventure

by Jennie Poh

age range: up to 5 years old

Herbie is a lovely hedgehog who was born in the last days of summer. His mom loves him, and to Herbie there's no better place than his mom's arms. 

When fall comes mom tells him it's time for an adventure by himself. Herbie is not sure about this exploration thing. What's wrong about staying at home with his mom?

He fearfully takes the first steps towards the big world, but it happens that the big world has many beautiful things in it. Herbie misses his mom, but he feels good about this foraging adventure. As the seasons go on, he learns how to solve the challenges they bring. 

When summer comes again, the warm wind blows him back home, where mom is waiting to give him a huge hug and listen all about his experience. 

This book is SO cute. The story is cute. The illustrations are cute. Herbie is a sweet character you would feel like hugging, if he weren't covered by needles, of course. 

The plot follows the well known but always successful pattern: perfect world-> move out of comfort zone-> fear-> take the plunge-> feel good about have done it-> come back home wiser. It is a great story to share in moments like before starting school or moving out. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.