  | Boar and Hedgehog Author: Elliott, David | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
All the animals say Boar is cranky. And he does live in a dark cave--that matches his mood just fine. But annoying Hedgehog keeps offering suggestions for nicer spots, near the riverbank. When Hedgehog gets stuck in a hole and calls for help, who might come assist him?
| Illustrator: | Yelchin, Eugene |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (04/15/25)
Booklist (06/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 03/17/2025 Elliott (In the Desert) kicks off this engaging picture book by explaining how Boar’s neighbors think he became so crabby: "Some said it was because hooligans had been unkind to him when he was a piglet. Some said it was because he wore his trousers too tight." Despite the animal’s constitutional crankiness, though, the other creatures look out for him-"He was, after all, a neighbor." It doesn’t go well when Hedgehog proposes that Boar’s cold, dark cave might be contributing to his mood: "What about minding your own beeswax?" Boar snaps. Yet after a chilly night, Boar admits that Hedgehog might have a point. Hedgehog, now Boar’s neighbor, continues to make kindly suggestions, responding to Boar’s grumpy replies with composure. ("Whatevs," comes one reply. "It’s a lovely day.") And when Hedgehog has an accident and asks for help, Boar finds himself thinking about community in a new way-far from putting others off, mutuality might draw individuals closer. Working in digitally finished multimedia spreads that combine varying textures, Yelchin (The Genius Under the Table) gives Boar glistening brown eyes that peer out at viewers as he moves, like the Grinch before him, toward leaving grumpiness behind. Ages 4-8. Author’s agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Steve Malk, Writers House. (June) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 06/01/2025 Boar is a frowny, growly, grunty crank, content with a solitary existence in his cold, dark cave—until Hedgehog wanders by and wonders if Boar might be happier in a sunnier spot. Boar tells him off, but after another damp night, he shifts his lair to a new location near the strawberry patch, which happens to be near Hedgehog’s home. Hedgehog continues to offer casual advice, herbal remedies, and gentle overtures of friendship, though Boar refuses to outwardly acknowledge the kindnesses even as he takes it all to heart. When it’s Hedgehog who suddenly needs help, Boar finally steps up to do a good deed, and it’s the first step toward him being a boorish boar no more. The sweet story has a cheeky sense of humor to keep it from getting too sentimental, and it’s a hoot to watch Boar reevaluate his relationship with Hedgehog. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations feature wonderful texture and detail, and Boar’s wide range of expressions are a particular pleasure. A funny and warm examination of what it takes to make a friend. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
