Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Hedgie's Surprise


Hedgie's Surprise (c. 2000) remains my favorite of all of Jan Brett's elaborately illustrated tales.  I know, that's saying a lot!  I encourage you to put me to the test, especially if you've never read this title before.  Hedgie holds a unique charm of intricate needle-pointed boarders, framing Brett's trademark Scandinavian settings, detailed in watercolor illustrations.  And what's more, it's a perfect tale for spring.

Poor Henny hen quickly tires of Tomten elf stealing her eggs for his breakfast.  Insult adds to injury when she sees Goosey-Goosey out with her brood of goslings.  The kids and I just love the humorous and satisfactory ending of Henny's tale, thanks, of course, to Hedgie's clever strategy.  Read Jan Brett's notes outlining her inspirations for Hedgie's Surprise here: http://www.janbrett.com/newsnotes/hedgies_surprise_newsnotes.htm.


Oh, and be sure to enter the most recent give-away by Friday!  Just click here: http://readmeastorynow.blogspot.com/2011/04/give-away-4.html

1 comment:

  1. We just discovered Jan Brett - many of her books have a hedgehog on each page sometimes hidden? Masterful illustrations XOL

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