"Our Friend Hedgehog" by Lauren Castillo Inspired Reading list

Our third book for our young Budding readers this month was Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo. This is the first book of this series, filled with beautiful, full-colour illustrations and written in a chapter format. The story is about a Hedgehog who has lost his lovie Mutty and enlists the help of some forest friends to find him. This endearing and sweet story is one that any child could easily relate to.

For this book inspired reading list we looked at themes of friendship and helping others. The characters, which include forest animals such as hedgehogs, moles, owls, and beavers. We also considered the setting of our story which was a woodland setting. We looked for books that tied in a female lead or human character interacting with animals. Finally, we considered other books written and illustrated by the same author. Based on this criteria we have put together a short list of suggestions on what to read next:

Our Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home

by Lauren Castillo (Alfred A. Knopf)

In this sweet chapter book sequel Hedgehog encounters another hedgehog who just might be family. Hedgehog is happy to meet one of her own kind but misses her old friends - her forest family.

How it relates: Book 2 in Our Friend Hedgehog series

Bunny's Book Club

by Annie Silvestro, illustrations by Tatjana Mai-Wyss (Doubleday)

Bunny loves books and reading, and ever since listening to an outdoor story time she decides to sneak into the library to read some books herself. Soon, the librarian helps her and her woodland friends start their very own book club.

How it relates: Forest animals, animal friendships, human/animal interaction

The Home Builders

by Varsha Bajaj, illustrations by Simona Mulazzani (Nancy Paulsen Books)

A beautifully illustrated picture book that, through simple text, shares some various forest animal homes and how they build them. From morning to night, spend the day with these woodland creatures.

How it relates: Forest animals, various forest animal homes

The Troublemaker

by Lauren Castillo (HMH)

A story about a mischievous, bored little boy who steals his sister's special bunny. When it goes missing again along with his own special belongings, they start to wonder who the real troublemaker might be.

How it relates: Author, losing a special lovey, humans interacting with animals

Poppy & Sam and the Mole Mystery

by Cathon (Owlkids Publishing)

In this adorable picture book/graphic novel series, Poppy and Sam are friends who solve mysteries together. In this mole mystery, they are working together to help their friend Snuggles Molesly backtrack to find the missing pink glasses.

How it relates: Human interacting with animals, teamwork, friendship

Becoming a Good Creature

by Sy Montgomery, illustrations by Rebecca Green (HMH)

A brilliant memoir picture book about a young girl and the many "teachers" from including her furry friends in the animal kingdom. A lovely introduction to various animals and our connection to the animal world.

How it relates: Female lead, animals

Woodland Dreams

by Karen Jameson, illustrations by Marc Boutavant (Chronicle Books)

A lovely picture book with playful, rhyming text about a young girl who encounters various woodland animals before they hurry off to sleep.

How it relates: Female lead, woodland animals

A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends

by Philip Waechter (Gecko Press)

Raccoon is bored at home so he is on his way to visit Fox, and so begins the journey of friends gathering together, helping each other, and spending the most wonderful day together.

How it relates: Female lead, problem solving, chapter book series