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Hedgehug: A Sharp Lesson in Love

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Love is patient, and love is kind,
but for Hedgehug love is prickly, too.
Join this lonely hedgehog as he searches
for someone to accept his heart .

40 pages, Hardcover

First published November 22, 2011

1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Dan Pinto

10 books

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5 stars
33 (16%)
4 stars
58 (29%)
3 stars
75 (37%)
2 stars
28 (14%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Hilary "Fox".
2,154 reviews70 followers
February 16, 2020
Hedgehug the Hedgehog needs a hug.

Hedgehug has created a beautiful Valentine's Day Heart that he's just dying to give to someone. Who will accept it, though? Who will be the recipient of all of Hedgehug's love and affection? Who will be able to be hugged by the sweet little hedgehog without getting a face full of spines? I know you're on the edge of your seat just waiting to figure out.

This was a remarkably sweet little children's book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and looking at the illustrations. I was delighted to discover that this is just one out of many of Hedgehug's adventures and am curious if he and his beau make appearances in other of the Hedgehug books.

I read this book while waiting for our Hedgehog Love presentation to begin. I'm glad I took the opportunity to. It was a fun, quick read. I understand why the librarian loves it.
Profile Image for Keri Payton.
156 reviews57 followers
Read
November 29, 2013
All Hedgehug wants to do is give his heart to someone on Valentine's Day. Can he find a critter who is willing to see past his prickly exterior?

This wasn't the only ouchy hug book on the Valentine's display but I'm partial to hedgehogs over porcupines. It's written in prose rather than rhyme, which is better received by editors these days, who can find rhyming irritable. Even without the book before me now, it has made a definite impression.

Dan Pinto's imagery is warm and compelling, not too bright or stark. I have to mention that without the title or being shelved in the accompaniment of other spikey books, I would not have spotted Hedgehug for the animal he is. I believe that is because he is a European hedgehog, whereas Quillbert is an African hedgehog, which is where my mind is at when it comes to hedgepiggies. The colour of Hedgehug's belly isn't as distinct in comparison to the rest of his body.

Hedgehug is a book that makes an impression without being preachy. It highlights what many people feel on Valentine's Day: the need for love and the obsession of finding someone to fancy you on a superficial level. Hedgehug is so willing to give his heart away to animals he doesn't know anything about. They may judge him for his prickly exterior but his own desire for love isn't letting him see past the exteriors of others.

'Hedgehug: A Sharp Lesson in Love' is a book that shows the struggle for love can hurt. If you can find someone that compliments your personality and quirks, it is far more satisfying that dishing out your heart to anyone for the sake of Valentine's Day.

(From my blog: Quill Café)

In accordance with the FTC, I would like to disclose that I borrowed this book. The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was offered to me by the author or publisher.
Profile Image for Anthony.
7,400 reviews33 followers
February 13, 2018
Hedgehug goes looking for love and to give his heart away. However, he is rejected because of his spikes, but as the day of rejection comes to an end, all is not lost, he finds someone who likes him and his spikes.
252 reviews4 followers
Read
January 27, 2020
Hedgehug gives his heart away but it isn’t always respected, accepted or appreciated. But, he keeps trying until he finds the right animal to share it with. Be brave with your heart and not afraid of getting hurt.
Profile Image for Haaley.
994 reviews35 followers
February 6, 2019
This book was cute. The kids especially laughed at the part where Doris tells Hedgehug she doesn't want his stupid heart.
There are definitely underlying messages with everyone he encounters.
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,590 reviews46 followers
April 23, 2020
Hedgehug learns a lesson lots of us do. You can offer your heart to a lot of the wrong sorts, but the one for you will love you spikes and all.
Profile Image for Tale9Fin2Bryn.
20 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2022
This short little book had the kids engaged and asking questions - "what's an armadillo?" "is that Pumbaa?" - and an added lesson on love.
Profile Image for Lynn.
3,415 reviews69 followers
February 11, 2022
A lovely book I can’t wait to read to students on Monday. Kindergarten and 1st grade.
Profile Image for Racheal.
39 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2023
I loved the beginning of this book but either the book we had was missing pages or the story was just missing the ending I was hoping for
3 reviews
January 1, 2025
cute story and beautiful illustrations!
Profile Image for Bonnie.
159 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2012
It's a bit early for Valentine's Day, but I had to pick another book to read at storytime. I saw this on the shelf and it caught my eye (probably because it was pink).

This is an adorable and very sweet story which deals with Hedgehug the (you guessed it!) hedgehog. Poor Hedgehug just wants to give his heart and affection to those whom he meets, but is rejected time and again, until someone finally accepts him and loves him for who he is. It's a simple and cute story, but contains within a good lesson for kids. If I had young children, I would add this to their library
Profile Image for Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids.
1,957 reviews207 followers
February 10, 2012
All little Hedgehug wants to do is find someone who he can give his Valentine card to as well as his little heart. Try as hard as he might, no one finds his spikes lovable, cuddly or even huggable. By the end of the day Hedgehug gets his hopes up and heads home to deal with his broken heart, that is until someone surprises him with a Valentine's of his own. I love that Hedgehug gets his happy ending from someone who "likes his spikes." This is a cute Valentine's day read that's the just the perfect length to read at home or in preschool / kindergarten settings.
Profile Image for Sonja Isaacson.
435 reviews20 followers
February 24, 2012
Maybe because it's about a hedgehug. They really are super cute. Maybe because it's about a broken heart. And also that there is a match for everyone. It was cute. My boss liked it too. I did have to talk with the girls and make sure they understood why the hedgehog had some problems and why the final character was indeed a good match. And yes, the 5yo did understand.
Profile Image for Shelli.
5,186 reviews56 followers
August 12, 2016
Hedgehug is looking for a special friend to share his heart and a hug with on Valentines Day. However, being a spiky guy can have its disadvantages. Hedgehug keeps looking for love in all the wrong places. There is a mate for every shoe so keep looking Hedgehug!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,441 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2013
All the cute but prickly hedgehog wants to do is give someone his heart and fall in love on Valentines’ Day. He goes about it in a cute, but socially clumsy way, and is rejected. But love does finally find it’s way to Hedgehug.
Profile Image for Ashley.
621 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2014
All Hedgehug wanted for Valentine's Day was to give someone his heart. Unfortunately he's rather prickly and that has a tendency to get in the way of things.

A cute story and a fun addition to any Valentine's display.
Profile Image for jacky.
3,494 reviews93 followers
January 20, 2016
Cute name and sweet ending. But Hedgehug hurts complete strangers and the story is designed for us to feel bad for him not getting his love at first sight. Did not like that my 6 year olds reaction was that the female animals were mean.
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
2,073 reviews25 followers
January 4, 2012
I liked this little guy. Not great size for storytime - but still might make a good read aloud. Will try it.
Profile Image for Tam.
909 reviews18 followers
July 22, 2014
This book was okay. It has a happy ending but I'm not sure young children (which is what this book is aimed at) need to know about such heartbreak first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews