Hogbert

by Briony May Smith

Uh-oh! When a tasty trail lures Hogbert away from his family, he ends up all alone in the forest. Can he find his way home? Lush artwork, subtle fairy-tale references, and the kindness of new friends keep readers smiling.

When Mommy Boar sends her little snufflebugs to explore the forest for the first time, she cautions them to stick together. After all, the Big Bad Wolf could be near! But Hogbert’s keen nose has other ideas, and after following a trail too far, he finds himself trembling alone in fear. What’s that rustling in the leaves? Just a little red squirrel on her way to visit her sick granny! What’s that growl coming through the trees? Just a snoring white doe who took a bite of an apple that made her sleepy! With each temporarily scary encounter, Hogbert finds that the world is a less frightening place, and that the same sense of smell that led him into trouble may just lead them all out of it again. Fans of Beatrix Potter and children taking their first steps toward independence will revel in the story’s gentle suspense and warm, welcoming illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Once upon a time in a faraway forest there lived a mother boar and her six piglets. The littlest of them all was Hogbert."

The mother boar decided that her piglets were old enough to explore the forest together and off they go!

While weaving through the vast trees, sniffing the interesting foods, and seeing all sorts of new sights, Hogbert quickly becomes separated from his family.

And he knows that there's a BIG. BAD. WOLF. in the forest - just ready to gobble up little lost piglets.

Luckily for Hogbert, the forest is home to other animals, like a red squirrel on her way to visit a sick grandmother or a white doe who fell asleep after eating a funny apple.

Together, these lost animals will do their best to navigate through the forest and reunite with their families!

Ohmygosh. This. Was. Freaking. Brilliant.

First off, the art was absolutely magical.

The attention to detail, the adorableness of all the animals and just the vibe - it was perfect.

And then there's the story! I love a good fairytale rewrite and this one was amazing. I had so much fun matching the various animals to their storybook characters.

The author did a good job of balancing the old with the new - funny and fresh and (above all) endearing.

This seriously is one of the best picture books I've read all year.

[Lize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een van de mooiste prentenboeken om voor te lezen! 🪵🌲🐖🍃

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hogbert lost his way in the forest and has to find his family all alone! Luckily, Hogbert runs into other young creatures who are also searching for someone. They come together in the cutest, ragtag team of critters braving their fears to find their families. The book is adorably cozy and rhymes, and the illustrations are just the best. Add this to your nighttime rotation stat!

Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!

Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[lea ❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briony May Smith truly is the greatest to ever do it

[Becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of other books by this author - I highly recommend Phillipa Pheasant - and I have been struck by the same feeling each time. The cover, the illustrations and the focus on animals are absolute perfection; what child doesn’t like any of those things? I also like all of those things as a person significantly past childhood.

I’m not sure of the audience for this book though in this case. The illustrations are so beautiful - a little lost piggy navigating back to his family, trying to avoid the creatures that bite in the night! I adored the pig so much, and I can see why he graces the cover so tremendously. But the story was slow, not particularly eventful and I’m not sure even the conclusion had much to it. It just seemed like a story most children would be bored or tired of incredibly fast, if they even finished it.

I love the aesthetics, but I can take or leave the book itself (and I’m particularly sad about that because pigs are a household favourite!).

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Ileana (The Tiniest Book Club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How could I possibly resist a book about a boar piglet named Hogbert!!!? Impossible!

The story is rather lame (five baby animals get lost in the woods, are scared of the big bad wolf (I really do not like this trope, even though the wolves in "Hogbert" are not scary, just cute) and find the way back to their parents because of Hogbert's sniffy snout), but many kids and parents might like the nostalgic storytelling.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grga is the sweetest little hog ever 🤭💖

[Gabe Mellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustration are 🤌🤌🤌

[Petra Dijkstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mooie illustraties, leuk taalgebruik met verwijzingen naar sprookjes. Een aanrader

[Annette Langedijk · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Er was eens in een bos hier ver vandaan, een mamazwijn. Ze had zes biggetjes. Het kleinste van allemaal was Evertje.”

Evertje is een lief klein everzwijntje die met zijn moeder en broertjes en zusjes het bos gaat verkennen.

“Maar denk eraan, snuffelkontjes van me,’ zei ze, ‘dat de Grote Boze Wolf misschien wel in de buurt is, dus in knorrensnaam, blijf bij elkaar!’

Je raadt het natuurlijk al; Evertje raakt gescheiden van de groep. Hij ontmoet gelukkig allerlei bosdieren die hem helpen om weg te blijven van de Grote Boze Wolf.

Een heel lief boek over vriendschap, samenwerken en helpen. Over kwijtraken en weer vinden. En ondertussen kom je allerlei verschillende bosdieren tegen. En hun families.

Prachtige illustraties ook, zo mooi van kleur. En die goudfolie op de cover… daar smelt je toch van?!

[Vincent Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this gentle adventure story, a young wild boar, while following a trail of treats, loses track of his family and becomes lost in the forest. Finding himself alone, he worries about the Big Bad Wolf his mother has warned him about but soon finds his bravery when he is joined by other lost animals - a young squirrel, a fawn and two baby bunnies. Briony May Smith's adorable animal characters and her beautiful renderings of the forest with its sun-dappled glens, wildflower-strewn paths, moss-covered trees and babbling brooks, elevate this sweet tale to something unforgettable. With just the right amount of suspense and mystery this lushly illustrated book is the perfect book to read to any child who enjoys nature and animal stories.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute picture book about young animals trying to find their families in the woods. Stunning illustrations!

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm all about the author's illustrations in this woodland 'retelling' of Little Red Riding Hood. How adorable Hogbert is!

[Liselotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edition read: Dutch

Oh my goodness, this is one of the most precious picturebooks I've ever read! What a treat!

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are wonderful but the story is just missing something. I felt there was no true lesson learned and the ending felt a little abrupt.

[Michael Kiripolsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute. No notes

[Lauren M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations and a fun adventure with new friends!

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hogbert is the littlest of six boar piglets who live in a faraway forest with their mother.  One day, while exploring the woods for the first time, Hogbert follows his snout down a “trail of treats” consisting of cherries, berries, and acorns, and gets separated from his family.  When he realizes he is lost, he recalls his mother’s warnings about the Big Bad Wolf and grows fearful.  He hears snorting and snuffling in the woods, but his fear is quickly allayed upon meeting Little Red, a squirrel on her way to visit her sick granny.  They set off together, following the same trail, and thinking that Granny’s home in a high treetop might offer a good vantage point for spotting Hogbert’s family.  When they hear a rumbling noise, they find snoring Doe, a ‘snow white fawn,’ who has dozed off while eating a strange apple.  The trio sets off, still following the trail, until a thunderstorm drives them into a cave where they meet Hopsel and Nettle, two bunny siblings who have left the trail.  A howl is heard - and the illustration reveals a lone wolf pup above the cave where our heroes huddle - but Hogbert’s snout leads them out through the back of the cave (as the pup and its mother reunite above ground) - to a clearing in which there are several happy family reunions!

Young readers who like cute animal adventures and fairy tales will absolutely adore this picture book.  They will especially love making connections between Hogbert’s new friends and stories they already know, the mild tension as the animals worry about the Big Bad Wolf, and the sweet bond between Hogbert and his mother.  The standard fairy tale reminder to “stick to the path” is well-used here, even as Hogbert learns the value of trusting his instinct (by following his snout), being brave, and working with his friends.  The lengthy, lyrical narrative has a classic feel with exclamations like “fiddlesticks” and “toodle-oo”, and the accompanying mixed media artwork is a perfect complement.  The shadowy forest scenery is dappled with sunlight, full of flora, and very detailed, but the real highlight of the illustrations is the over-the-top cuteness of the baby animals, especially the big-nosed, button-eyed Hogbert. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hogbert is a tender, beautifully illustrated picture book that captures the delicate balance between childhood curiosity and the comfort of home. With warmth, gentle suspense, and subtle fairy tale echoes, Briony May Smith crafts a story that reassures young readers while celebrating their first steps toward independence.

Hogbert is instantly lovable a snufflebug led astray not by mischief, but by wonder. His adventure unfolds with just the right amount of tension for small children: the forest feels vast, unfamiliar, and a little frightening, yet never overwhelming. Each encounter cleverly reimagines classic fairy-tale fears, transforming wolves, woods, and mysterious sounds into moments of kindness, humor, and unexpected friendship.

The illustrations are lush and expressive, inviting readers to linger on every page. The forest feels alive, rich with texture and detail, while Hogbert’s emotions fear, curiosity, relief, and joy are rendered with remarkable sensitivity. Parents and caregivers will especially appreciate how the story validates fear without amplifying it, gently showing children that unfamiliar experiences don’t always lead to danger.

At its heart, Hogbert is a story about trust trust in oneself, trust in others, and trust that the world can be kinder than it first appears. It’s an ideal read aloud for children navigating early independence, and a quiet delight for adults who cherish picture books with depth and heart.

A comforting, charming tale that will quickly become a bedtime favorite.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hogbert is a young boar living in the forest with his mother and siblings. One day, he becomes separated from them and must find his way home—but he doesn’t have to do it alone. Along the way, he meets a cast of kind animal friends who lend a helping hand.

I’m a big fan of Briony May Smith—her illustrations always have a gentle, graceful charm—and this book is no exception. A sweet story of adventure, friendship, and resilience, this tale will resonate with younger readers. The subtle nods to classic fairy tales (like Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood) are a nice touch for older children, too. A lovely picture book with stunning artwork that’s sure to delight.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows the smallest baby boar, Hogbert, as it gets lost exploring the forest with its family. Along his journey it finds other lost animals that are trying to find their families as well. The animals work together using their knowledge and senses to safely find their families. This beautifully illustrated title shares a soft story of perseverance and resilience as the animals find their way. The illustrations wonderfully utilize light and shadow to show the baby animals to safety. This would be a great addition to most picture book collections. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a small pig (smallest of his pack, actually) who follows a trail and gets lost. On his way to find his mother, he meets some friends who are also looking for family. Hogbert follows his nose to friends and sniffs out danger to hide and keeps his friends safe. He sniffs out his mom and finds her. All without being eaten by the Dundundun - The Big Bad Wolf! I loved the heart warming tale. It was so sweet. I WOULD read it again. There was nothing I didn't like. (review by Jaynee, 3rd grade)

[Charley Schnuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es ist soooo süß. Eigentlich waren wir auf der Suche nach einem Geschenk für einen zweijährigen Zwerg einer Freundin, aber irgendwie sind wir dann über "Hubert" (deutsche Version des Buches ist hier noch nicht gelistet) und da ich Schweine einfach eh schon so süß finde, durfte das Buch dann mitkommen.
Die Zeichnungen sind wirklich herzallerliebst, die Geschichte ist auch sehr süß und ich könnte mir vorstellen, dass sie zum Vorlesen auch sehr gut geeignet ist.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these illustrations so much and I think this could be a favorite for some kids. The story is sweet and I love all the little bits that kids can point out as they read (like the little wolf pup howling above them and all). Very cute!

[Farrells Bookshop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Briony and everything that she does. This is more of a long form picture story book about helping others and being brave.

Read by Indy

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are delightful, the story is sweet but too long for storytime.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful artwork.