• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2

Hedgehog is hogging the hedge and won't let the other animals live there. In this humorous political allegory, he learns that it's not a winning strategy.

Winter is coming, and the animals need homes. The worms move in with the groundhogs. The possums share a burrow with the foxes. The birds and the squirrels stay in the oak tree together. The hedgehog lives in the hedge . . . all by himself. When other animals come looking for a place to stay, he's NOT interested; it's HIS hedge and everyone else can STAY OUT. He gets busy making signs, putting locks on his door and even building a fence. All he cares about is keeping the other animals out . . . but he's making a huge mistake.

Will the other animals find a home in time? Will Hedgehog learn his lesson? Is this a terrific story? Read on to find out.

Ashlyn Anstee grew up in Vancouver, studied in Toronto, and then settled in Los Angeles. A graduate of Sheridan College, she works as a story artist and animator in the animation industry. In her spare time, she makes short films and pats cats. She is the author/illustrator of Are We There, Yeti? and No, No, Gnome! To see more of her work, visit AshlynA.com.

Ashlyn Anstee's profile page

• Nominated, Show Me Reader Award Selector List of 30--Missouri Association of School Librarians

"This entertaining tale will easily open doors to dialogue about generosity, forgiveness, and the importance of recognizing that 'there’s always room for one more'." --Publishers Weekly
"An easily applicable allegory full of dreamy bigheartedness." --Kirkus Reviews

"While the balanced text is brief and accessible to new readers, it packs drama in just the right places. Hedgehog, Grasshopper, and company do a wonderful job of demonstrating how sharing and compassion can work." --Booklist

"This humourous story is sure to be loved by young children and is guaranteed to make readers of all ages smile. . . . Highly recommended." --CM Magazine