THE ROAR

Will anything get Tortoise unstuck?

In a quest to climb a rock, Tortoise has gotten stuck upside down. Now Tortoise is quite upset. Rabbit suggests digging a hole (“That’s what I do when I’m upset”). Tortoise is too unhappy to dig. Fox brings a smelly boot, but Tortoise is too sad and angry for stinky footwear. Even Hedgehog’s offer of a hug won’t help…in fact, it makes Tortoise roar! Owl suggests Hedgehog try to understand how Tortoise feels. After replicating Tortoise’s fall and flip, Hedgehog does. Then, Hedgehog listens while Tortoise talks, and after that, they are quiet together, both on their backs watching clouds until…Hedgehog honks, and that makes Tortoise laugh. Hedgehog helps Tortoise up, and Tortoise says, “If I ever get stuck again… // …then I hope I get stuck with you!” In their fourth outing, Hedgehog and friends show that even the hugs they are famous for can’t solve every problem. McLaughlin and Dunbar have, once again, with simple text and soft watercolors depicting pudgy woodland creatures, effectively explained a complex topic. Useful, instructive, not the least bit didactic, this is a strong conversation starter but also a sweet picture book about two good friends. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A tender reminder that when even a hug won’t help, friends are always there.