Herbie--a little hedgehog on his first foraging adventure--is blown into a snowy forest by the wind, exhibits courage when challenged, and eventually returns to his mother's waiting arms. While it's a sweet story of independence, illustrated in soft colors and swirls, Herbie never does find food and seems to travel in time as well, which may be confusing to younger readers.

PreS-Gr 1 Soft colors, rounded shapes, and stylized text add whimsy to this story of Herbie, a young hedgehog on his first foraging adventure. With his mother's encouragement, Herbie sets out, blown by the wind into a pile of leaves. Before long, the wind carries him to a snowy landscape where his foraging is curtailed by the cold. The title character falls asleep in the arms of a "snowbear"a drift of snowuntil the morning, when another gust of wind sends him all the way home and back into the arms of his mother, where it "feels just right." Although the depiction of the passage of time is confusing (Herbie's adventure appears to take only a day or two, but while he's gone, the seasons change from fall to winter to spring), the young hedgehog's exploits will engage children. VERDICT This enjoyable story of a lovable hedgehog exploring his world and learning some independence is perfect for storytime and small group sharing. Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX