Cute! Hedgehog helps rescue his friends on a rainy day. ( )

Summary:
This book is about a rainy day and a hedgehog. The hedgehog had a new raincoat, boots and hat that he couldn't wait to try out. As he ventured out into the rain, he discovered that his friends were in need of help due to the rain. He decided to help and as he did the rain become stronger and a gust of wind started an adventurous journey for him. He helped his friend mole who was all wet. He shared his umbrella with mole and as he did, a big gust of wind took mole and the hedgehog into a river where they discovered a family of mice that were in trouble due to the rain. They rescued them and eventually dried off. They went to Badger's place and had cocoa with him and told him all about their rainy day adventure.

Personal Reaction:
I liked this book. I like the rain, however I don't really care for the gusty winds. A rainy and windy day can be adventurous for anyone who tries to help someone in need. I have helped a friend who accidentally dropped all their stuff in the rain as they were carrying it inside a building. I like the way this book demonstrates the effects of rain and wind. I also like the way this book encourages people to help others in need despite the rainy and windy weather.

Extension Ideas:
1. Discuss as a class some experiences the students have had in the rain and windy weather
2. Have the class draw and color a picture of someone helping others in the rain and wind
3. Have the class write in a journal two things they really liked about the book and two things they did not like about the book and why

Little Hedgehog must contend with a rainy, blustery day in this third adorable picture-book devoted to his adventures, setting out into the wet outdoors in his bright yellow raincoat, boots and hat. Soon happening upon friends in need - Mole's house is flooded, and he is looking for a dry spot, while Mouse and her children must be rescued from the reeds, where they are holding on for dear life, lest the river bear them away - Hedgehog, aided by his polka-dot umbrella, lends a hand. Eventually all of the animal companions take shelter at Badger's snug home, where they reflect upon their exciting day...

Unlike its two predecessors, One Snowy Night and One Winter's Day, which both featured velvety touch-and-feel elements (hats, scarfs, mittens) in the artwork, One Rainy Day, described on the cover as "A Shimmery Shiny Book," boasts a sparkly umbrella, and shiny coat, boots and hat. Although this makes it a little less interactive than a touch-and-feel book, the result is still very appealing - apparently, in addition to my decided weakness for hedgehogs (and porcupines), I also have a thing for glitter... If I had to choose a single word to describe these books about Little Hedgehog, it would be "cozy." Recommended to little hedgehog lovers, and to children who enjoy glittery/sparkly books. ( )

Little Hedgehog can't wait to use his new umbrella and rain gear. While exploring in the rain, he is able to help his friends with the use of his umbrella. Preschool and up.

Genre: Fantasy

Review: This is a good example of fantasy because it's about a hedgehog that goes out on a rainy day to test out his new rain gear, then runs into Mole who needs help, then they run into some mice who need help, then the go over to Badger's house because he needs help with a leak. After everyone is taken care of, they all relax and watch TV and drink hot chocolate.

Media: Oil Pastels

Age Appropriateness: Primary

Plot: The beginning is that Hedgehog is excited to try out his new rain gear, the conflict is that several animals need help, the climax is when hedgehog is trying to help all of the animals, the resolution is that everyone gets helped, then the end is that they watch TV and drink hot chocolate.