About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a change in their routine or feeling overwhelmed by a high-energy peer who does not respect personal space. C. R. Mudgeon is a hedgehog who finds comfort in the predictable: he eats the same breakfast, walks the same path, and enjoys his quiet life exactly as it is. When a boisterous squirrel named Paprika moves in next door, his carefully ordered world is turned upside down. This charming story explores the friction between personality types and the beauty of stepping outside one's comfort zone. It is a perfect choice for children ages 4 to 8 who value order and may need a gentle nudge toward flexibility and the unexpected rewards of new friendships. Parents will appreciate the clever wordplay and the nuanced portrayal of social anxiety and sensory overwhelm.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It deals with social friction and the internal distress caused by broken routines. There are no heavy topics like death or divorce, making it a safe, low-stakes exploration of personality differences. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, as Mudgeon doesn't change his entire personality but learns to integrate new experiences.
