(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Who is disrupting Little Hedgehog's Christmas get-together with his animal friends? The cookie ornaments keep disappearing, someone is snoring loudly, and Little Hedgehog's hat vanishes. Finally the group discovers they brought a squirrel in with the Christmas tree. The novelty of Little Hedgehog's "touch-and-feel" fuzzy hat will wear off, but bright illustrations add a convivial atmosphere to the otherwise pedestrian tale.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Some woodland animals try to track down a mysterious red-hatted creature who's making noises by the river at night. When the water rises dangerously, two beavers in red hats reveal themselves and save the day. (They've been building a dam nearby.) The writing is rather awkward, but the mystery and the appealing illustrations (featuring fuzzy touch-and-feel hats) are engaging.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) PS Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. When his only friend, the moon, disappears in an approaching storm, Mouse goes looking for her and encounters Duck, Squirrel, and Rabbit, each of whom has different ideas about where the moon lives. Together the animals survive the storm, rediscover the moon, and become friends. Large, close-up illustrations with dark blue skies lend atmosphere to the entertaining story.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) PS Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Little Hedgehog worries that his home isn't "Christmas-y" enough. He receives help from his animal friends and gets into a holiday mood while learning that the true gift of Christmas is in giving and sharing with friends. Though the familiar lesson isn't new, the friendly text and glitter-enhanced illustrations speak directly to the target audience.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Little Bear, Small Fox, and Fluff Bunny build a snowman. As its smile begins to fade, the friends figure out ways to please their snowy pal, conveying the message that friendship can be found in the most unexpected of places and amongst the most unlikely of characters. Cheerful illustrations outlined with glitter add to the story's cutesiness.

Reviewer: Ashleigh Finn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. Old gray Hare spends his time daydreaming and visiting with the forest birds. As the temperature drops and leaves fall from the trees, the birds fly away--except for berry-breasted Robin. Hare devises a plan to help her survive the harsh winter. Expansive double-page spreads in colors that change with the seasons showcase this gentle but unremarkable tale of friendship.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) PS Illustrated by Tina Macnaughton. After stretching out the red woolly hat he receives from Father Christmas, Little Hedgehog regifts it to Rabbit, who gives it to Badger, etc., until it is given back to Little Hedgehog. The novelty of the "touch-and-feel" flocked hat will wear off, but the illustrations of the cuddly looking woodland creatures and simple story should sustain young listeners.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey