The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo fits the bill for me. I am on the lookout for books to recommend to homeschoolers.
This book tells the tale of Marcel, a lost pet hedgehog. Marcel scrounges for candy and hides out in the ancient balcony of an old movie theater. With him are two lost hens he has befriended. What he really wants is to find his way home to his owner, but instead he’s caught, thrown in a truck, and driven far out into the country.
As he walks back toward the city, he gathers some companions. There’s a young mouse, an elderly squirrel, and a baby racoon. They learn to care for and risk everything for each other as they face deadly perils. He sees echoes of his favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz, in the characters of his companions, a yellow paint trail, the witchy owl, and more.
Of course what he wants is home, sweet home, same as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
It’s a winsome tale, full of caring and sharing and risking so much for another. This is a book that is sure to appeal to homeschoolers, with endearing characters and emphasis on values.
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy
Sounds like a sweet book. I have a niece that is going to be home schooled, I’ll have to tell her about this one. Thanks for reviewing!
It sounds like a fun book! I loved animal characters as a young child.
Sounds like a book I would have liked to read to my class as well as home-schoolers. – Margy
Sounds like a fun book for the 8-12-ish years crowd. There’s something about hedgehogs…so cute! Thanks for reviewing!
Sounds like a darling book. Love the cover. Tweeted.
This is adorable!