Whoosh! Plop!
Onomonopoeias begin this early reading chapter book with action for a classroom of first or second grade children, ages 7-9. Suspense builds between Darling Hedgehog and Miss Fox as they circle each other seeking each their own aims.
Children learn about similes and opposites while experiencing the bravery of a hedgehog who is herself kept in the balance until the end.
Whoosh! Plop!
Onomonopoeias begin this early reading chapter book with action for a classroom of first or second grade children, ages 7-9. Suspense builds between Darling Hedgehog and Miss Fox as they circle each other seeking each their own aims.
Children learn about similes and opposites while experiencing the bravery of a hedgehog who is herself kept in the balance until the end.
Auralee Arkinsly writes about serious subjects with doses of humor because she believes that children of all ages can learn from laughing. Arkinsly has written several children’s books and Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole is her newest one.
Darling stumbles down a foxhole as she is out searching for her parents. The attention of Miss Fox makes Darling feel cared for, and for a little while she forgets that she had been searching for her parents. Miss Fox gives Darling a gift and darling immediately sets out to do something along the way to try and repay Miss Fox for the gift.
This is a cute story with lovely illustrations. In her search to find common ground with Miss Fox, Darling realizes that not everyone can be friends, and more importantly that she was made for something useful. That lesson is my favorite part of the story. It was also good that Darling realized the true nature of Miss Fox before something bad happened.
There were several typos in the story, but not enough to detract away from the message of the story. Many children will relate to Darling wanting to give someone who gave her a gift something in return, while other children may not relate at all. I think it would have added more to the story if Darling had realized she should have not been in a stranger’s house without her parents’ permission.
This book will delight preschoolers and children in early elementary. It would make a great addition to any library. Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole would be a great conversation starter for parents or teachers on the danger of talking to strangers or going into strangers’ homes.