The Tale of Anabelle Hedgehog

Riverbank Stories #3

by Stephen R. Lawhead

At a meeting of the Riverbank animals, Anabelle Hedgehog volunteers to drive away an unwanted visitor--a large yellow dog.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.

Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...

Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.

After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.

He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.

Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.

also write under the name Steve Lawhead

Reviews

[Cedric · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of Annabelle Hedgehog is a fun, funny,
exciting-ish tale (not about tails). When a big, golden dog starts intruding on Riverbank, Annabelle, a small, young hedgehog, is picked out for the dog chaser. She’s not quite ready, as she realizes. But with some help from friends (except not all helpful), she does manage to chase away the dog and its habits… in a different way than you would expect…

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five year old and I loved this one as much as the first two Riverbank stories. The setting and characters continue to be delightful, and this one showcased wisdom and love. I like that it follows real life in that most of the animals choose comfort and self-protection over courage and caring for others. But there are some willing to serve, sacrifice, and love. Forgiveness and treating others as you would wish to be treated are beautifully showcased in the tale of Anabelle Hedgehog.

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute book and A quick read. The line drawings of the characters were also beautifully rendered. I would also say it is a good story to read as a family because it has a positive message.

[Karin K · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet tale!

This was a perfect story for my nine year old who also has trouble being a gentle playmate. I love how Stephen weaves a beautiful proverb into his Riverbank storied.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever thought to yourself "yes, i love cutesy british talking animal books, but i feel like they're really missing out by not including the full horror of a zoning meeting"?

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has done the impossible. He made me like a dog. 😂 That was very sneaky how he lured me in with one of my favorite animals (hedgehogs) and then tricked me into liking a dog.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating tale of a good-hearted hedgehog introduces children to many precious animals. When tiny Anabelle is nominated Official Dog Chaser of Riverbank, several citizens give her their harsh advice. Eventually, Anabelle realizes the best way to rid their homes of the menacing labrador is to make their enemy into their friend.

I am so impressed with this tale! It just was republished in March. The author skillfully increases your child's vocabulary by introducing challenging words and then providing the definition through the dialogue a clever animal.

Your child will learn a valuable lesson on how to deal with others of all personalities. It will encourage them to look beyond first impressions and get to know one another more thoughtfully.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about being True to one's Self and living in the light of Love. Adorable children's story.

[Beca Lufi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this as a kid! :)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite stories as a kid - a sweet, delightful and imaginative tale.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good lesson for the kids in making friends / being friendly. And a fun read. (And the least "scary" of the Riverbank series). Kids loved it.