One Christmas Mystery

Little Hedgehog is preparing a Christmas party for his friends, but he needs them to contribute decorations. Rabbit is distraught; he can’t find holly berries anywhere. Badger, Fox, Little Hedgehog, and Rabbit set out in search of the fruit and some pine cones. While Little Hedgehog is reaching way up high, he sees Mole in the distance looking terribly sad. He’s missing his favorite scarf, the one Grandpa Mole made for him. Thoughtfully, Little Hedgehog gives Mole his hat to shield him from the cold. The five carry onward and stumble upon an ominous cave where they recover a lost treasure and spark some unlikely friendships.

This is a precious holiday story that children ages four to nine will love. It centers on friendship, community, and compassion, all relatable topics for young children. Those who have read One Christmas Wish and One Christmas Adventure by M. Christina Butler will recognize the same sweet characters and her soft, playful, and rich style. They, along with those new to her work, will embrace the classic touch-and-feel illustrations by Tina Macnaughton, which add great quality and depth to the tale. Youngsters will plead to revisit this endearing picture book time and again.