Hedgehog wakes up feeling down in the snout and droopy in the prickles – maybe a hug will cheer him up! But none of his friends are eager to wrap their arms around Hedgehog's prickles. Rabbit is sniffly and Raccoon has garbage breath... will no one give him a hug? A sweet story of empathy.

 

My debut book as an author-illustrator! Published by Putnam Books.

 

Winner of Pennsylvania's 2020 Keystone to Reading Book Award!

 

Shortlisted for Mississippi's Magnolia Book Award!

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"Wordplay and engaging images are joined expertly to

a theme of love and compassion" 

– Kirkus 

 

"In her debut solo picture book, Betton (illustrator of Twilight Chant) gives

the long-lamented lot of the lonely, risky-to-embrace hedgehog a gentle and winsome recast. Featuring expressive animal images that pop from white backdrops and are at once softly focused and realistic... in a sweet conclusion

that amplifies the story’s directive to look beyond appearances

and eschew stereotypes, Hedgehog finds his hug,"

– Publisher's Weekly

 

"Betton’s easy-to-read text works well with her realistic watercolor illustrations. She uses plenty of white space and varying perspectives to flesh out each scene. In addition, she cleverly manages to depict the animals realistically while they are talking and sporting perfect facial expressions... This sweet tale of finding comfort in unexpected places can also be a conversation starter for discussions on fear, expectations, or sadness. Good for storytime or individual sharing."

– School Library Journal