School for Woodland Creatures

by Lauren Castillo

It’s the first day of school for Hedgehog and her forest friends in this cozy classroom caper about overcoming doubts and letting your light shine, with full-color art on every page from a beloved Caldecott Honor winner.

We all have different strengths and weaknesses,
Our uniqueness is what makes us shine...

When the humans of Hedge Hollow head off to school, Hedgehog and her furry, feathery friends decide to start a school of their very own!

Owl will teach reading. Beaver will teach shop. Mole will teach geography. Hen will teach math. And Hedgehog . . . Hedgehog isn't so sure. After all, you have to be an expert to teach a class, don't you? Hedgehog doesn't feel like an expert in anything. Lucky for Hedgehog her friends are happy to lend a paw, sharing laughter and kind words as they figure out a solution.

From the award-winning author-illustrator of Our Friend The Story of Us comes a tale of overcoming doubts and taking pride in doing what you love.

Genres: Juvenile, Picture Books, Childrens, Chapter Books

128 pages, Library Binding

First published July 14, 2026

About the author

Lauren Castillo received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Honor winning book Nana in the City, and the new early chapter book series Our Friend Hedgehog. Lauren has also illustrated several critically acclaimed picture books, including Kirkus Prize finalist Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera, Twenty Yawns by Jane Smiley, and Yard Sale by Eve Bunting. She currently draws and dreams in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect follow up to the first two delightful books in this transitional novel series. I particularly loved the “smashy-hammer” and Owl’s “bird-splaining.” Such sweet friends. I know they’re real, Annika Mae. I hope there will be another book in this series!