Boar and Hedgehog
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Boar is grumpy. Hedgehog is a know-it-all. Could they EVER be friends? From an outstanding team comes a classic story of unexpected camaraderie, told with wit and disarming sweetness. All the animals say Boar is cranky. And he does live in a dark cave—that matches his mood just fine. But annoying Hedgehog keeps offering suggestions for nicer spots, near the riverbank, for example. Hedgehog probably wants to be helpful, but he comes across as a busybody. When Hedgehog gets stuck in a hole and calls for help, who might come assist him? Well, Boar might. If they were friends. But are they? This captivating and funny story of two characters who find unlikely companionship together is brought to vibrant life by Eugene Yelchin’s superb illustrations.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Elliott (In the Desert) kicks off this engaging picture book by explaining how Boar's neighbors think he became so crabby: "Some said it was because hooligans had been unkind to him when he was a piglet. Some said it was because he wore his trousers too tight." Despite the animal's constitutional crankiness, though, the other creatures look out for him—"He was, after all, a neighbor." It doesn't go well when Hedgehog proposes that Boar's cold, dark cave might be contributing to his mood: "What about minding your own beeswax?" Boar snaps. Yet after a chilly night, Boar admits that Hedgehog might have a point. Hedgehog, now Boar's neighbor, continues to make kindly suggestions, responding to Boar's grumpy replies with composure. ("Whatevs," comes one reply. "It's a lovely day.") And when Hedgehog has an accident and asks for help, Boar finds himself thinking about community in a new way—far from putting others off, mutuality might draw individuals closer. Working in digitally finished multimedia spreads that combine varying textures, Yelchin (The Genius Under the Table) gives Boar glistening brown eyes that peer out at viewers as he moves, like the Grinch before him, toward leaving grumpiness behind. Ages 4–8. Author's agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steve Malk, Writers House.
