Little Tales of Hedgehog and Goat

Little Tales of Hedgehog and Goat just begs to be read aloud. It has the feel of a classic, with a wholesome, timeless, opposites-attract animal friendship...evocatively and firmly set on a New Zealand farm. To top it all off, it’s full of sweet black-and-white illustrations by one of the top illustrators of local kids’ books, Kimberly Andrews. A perfect, delicious package.

Jane Arthur, Good Books, Dominion Post

Children will find this book magical and want to read it again and again.

Maria Gill, Kids Books NZ

It’s surprising just how much meaning can be packed into little tales, as this illustrated novel (ideal for readers aged six and up) reveals. When a hedgehog and a goat become the best of friends after meeting on a farm, the duo soon begins to relay stories of rural life with more than just a little child-friendly philosophy thrown in.

Rural Living

Making the most of what their paddock has to offer, three animals become close friends with the simplest things in life. They grumble and squabble, laugh and dance and talk about all and nothing as good friends do. When this friendship is tested, their bond holds true and a rescue made. Illustrations by Kimberly Andrews begin every tale and are peppered through the stories... I can imagine copies of Little Tales of Hedgehog and Goat staying on bookshelves for years to come as just like its gorgeous characters and setting on a NZ farm – it’s timeless.

What Book Next?

It’s a very rural, New Zealand setting including visits from kaka and pukeko, which kids will enjoy. Good for children learning to read bigger books, from 5 and up, with illustrations to break up the text. The last story is a triumph of friendship. A little treasure.

Ann Kilduff, Wairarapa Times-Age

Little Tales of Hedgehog and Goat is by Paula Green, illustrated by Kimberly Andrews (Puffin). * A chapter book of interlinked stories with the most charming characters. Reminiscent of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse but with a distinctively Aotearoa New Zealand setting and flavour. A lonely Goat discovers a sad Hedgehog and an unexpected friendship is born. They problem-solve, argue, make up, dream and dance. Along with a young girl, Aroha, and the other farm animals, they are captured in delightful drawings (see the dancing horse!) by Kimberly Andrews. The stories are full of poetry and imagination. Perfect to read aloud when you’ve got those in-between times or independent reading by those newly confident readers.

National Library: Our Best Children's and YA Books for 2022

It might be "the most boring place in the world" but it's home to Goat, Hedgehog and a girl called Aroha. Sweetly simple stories by poet Paula Green, whimsically realised by illustrator Kimberly Andrews. Perfect for what the late John McIntyre, of The Children's Bookshop in Wellington, called "L-plate readers".

Ann Packer, NZ Listener 50 Best Kids' Books

I love the soft gentle pace this book has. It is perfect for those readers who are looking for a story that is caring, quietly amusing and full of friendship and looking out for one another.

Louana McCormack, Read NZ - The School LIbrary

Renowned New Zealand poet Paula Green has created a delightful, charming chapter book for 5–8-year-olds. This unexpected friendship, full of adventures, kindness, and wisdom, will warm the hearts of kids and any adults who might be reading it to them.

Carole Beu, Ponsonby News

[A]n illustrated story brimming with adventure and wisdom. Whimsical illustrations by Kimberly Andrews add to the charm of this gentle novel.

NZ Booklovers