The Hodgeheg: 35th Anniversary Edition
not part of a series
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What’s inside...
The Hodgeheg: 35th Anniversary Edition is a special edition of the beloved children's book by Dick King-Smith, celebrating 35 years since its original publication. The story follows Max, a young hedgehog who is determined to find a safe way for his family to cross the road after witnessing the dangers they face from traffic. Max's adventures lead him to become disoriented, causing him to speak in a jumbled manner, but his determination never wavers. Throughout his journey, Max encounters various challenges and learns about the world around him. His cleverness and bravery ultimately lead him to discover a solution that not only helps his own family but also benefits the entire hedgehog community. This anniversary edition likely includes additional content such as a foreword, retrospective essays, or illustrations to celebrate the enduring legacy of the tale and its impact on children's literature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
92 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Max decided to help solve the problem of crossing the road safely?
What are some ways that Max shows he cares about his family and friends?
How do the other hedgehogs react to Max's ideas? What does this tell us about teamwork and listening to others?
What can we learn from Max’s persistence and creativity throughout the story?
If you were a character in the book, what ideas would you suggest to help the hedgehogs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about hedgehogs and what they think this story will be about. This sets the stage for active reading.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story and ask your child to predict what Max might do next. This encourages inference skills.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene. Discuss why they chose that particular moment.
Encourage your child to think about a problem they’ve faced and ask how they solved it, relating it back to how Max tackled challenges.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and brainstorm other situations where these lessons could apply, fostering deeper connections to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'The Hodgeheg', the protagonist Max demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills as he navigates through various obstacles to find a safe way for his hedgehog family to cross the road.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills by tackling everyday challenges at school and at home, learning to think critically and find solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Max encounters numerous setbacks on his quest, but his determination never wavers. His perseverance ultimately leads to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, encouraging them not to give up when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Safety awareness
Explanation: The story highlights the dangers that roads pose to small animals like hedgehogs, emphasizing the importance of being cautious and aware of one's surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more vigilant and practice safety in their daily activities, such as looking both ways before crossing the street.
Example Lesson: Family and community support
Explanation: Max's family supports his endeavors, showing concern for his safety and joy in his achievements. This support system is crucial in his journey.
Real-World Application: The story exemplifies how valuable support from family and community is, teaching children to appreciate and rely on the support system around them.
Example Lesson: Innovative thinking
Explanation: The clever solutions Max devises to help his family cross the road, like finding quieter crossing times and safer routes, demonstrate innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think outside the box and use their creativity to overcome obstacles and make daily life safer and easier.