Amusing, brightly colored animals and people with friendly faces inhabit this retelling of Noah’s Ark. The hedgehogs want to help Noah prepare for the trip and assist him during his journey, but Noah doesn’t see the value of these small, unassuming animals. Noah refuses their help, preferring to ask larger, flashier animals for assistance — assistance they are often unable to provide. All along, unbeknownst to Noah, the hedgehogs are preparing the other animals for the long journey in a number of helpful ways. When they are aboard the ship, the winds begin to howl, the rain pours, and the ocean swells, but the hedgehogs keep the other animals calm and productive. They even figure out a way for the animals to return to their original habitats after the water recedes and dry land appears. Noah finally realizes the value of the small hedgehogs. Because of their important work, all living creatures are now free to roam the new world.
These heroic hedgehogs demonstrate to young readers that even though they may be small in size, their contributions can be large and important. This new take on the biblical story is both original and charming. Parents and teachers can use it to illustrate important educational concepts and instill in children a sense of competence and self-esteem.
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.