Book Review of Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem
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The Children’s Book Review
Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem
Written by Carole P. Roman
Illustrated by Mateya Arkova
Ages 3+ | 44 Pages
Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781950080083
What to Expect: Name-Calling, School life, Friendship, and Self-Acceptance
Carole P. Roman, the award-winning author of over fifty books for kids, has once again paired up with children’s book illustrator Mateya Arkova to deliver a thoughtful, caring story that all elementary children could benefit from reading. This quote by Judy Garland on the dedication page is a beautiful summary of what to expect from the theme of Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
Henrietta Hedgehog does not want to go to school, much to Mama’s dismay. When Mama does a little probing, Henrietta divulges that she does not like being a hedgehog as the other kids find her spines scary. Even though Mama reassures her that her spines are beautiful, Henrietta must discover this for herself.
Henrietta tries wearing a mask she has made so she can look as pretty as Bella Beaver, but Bella thinks Henrietta is making fun of her and Ryan Rabbit laughs at the “goofy teeth.” After talking it through with Bella and some furry friends, it turns out that so many have insecurities and hurt feelings by others’ name-calling. With their support, Henrietta may make it through the end of the school day with a new friend and a newfound sense of identity.
The text’s message is clear and concise while also entertaining, letting kids know that they are perfect just as they are, and that name-calling is never okay. From the first page turn of the sprightly lemon-yellow cover, readers will likely be swept up in this relatable tale and become enamored by the sweetly illustrated Henrietta—pink, rosy cheeks and all. Mama is caring and supportive, but the learning curve that Henrietta experiences comes through the connections she forges through conversations with friends, reinforcing to young readers that engaging with those with which we have positive interactions is the healthiest option for mindset and personal growth.
Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem is a delightful picture book with a social-emotional message that makes it a beneficial tool for elementary school classrooms. Read it!
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About the Author
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.
Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.
She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.
Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.
Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.
She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.
Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.
For more information, visit http://www.caroleproman.com/.
Read our exclusive interview: Carole P. Roman Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem
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