Book Review: Millie and the Hedgehog by Bernadette Watts

 

⭐Netgalley Read ⭐

Rating: ★★★★★ 5 star read

Millie and the Hedgehog is a gentle, beautifully illustrated children’s book that blends fantasy, fairy tales, and environmental themes in a whimsical and meaningful story.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning—soft, soothing colours bring the pages to life and create a dreamy, fairytale-like atmosphere. Each spread feels like a piece of art, making the book a visual treat for children and adults alike.

The story is simple and easy to follow, making it a wonderful read-aloud. It introduces Millie, a young girl whose parents are deeply involved in environmental activism. While their work is important, it often leaves Millie feeling lonely. To fill her time, she escapes into fairy tales—some of which are subtly referenced throughout the book, creating a fun opportunity to connect this story to classic tales when reading with children.

Millie’s concern for the environment mirrors that of her parents, and the book thoughtfully portrays how even children can feel the weight of big global issues. But hope arrives in the form of Mrs. Periwinkle, a kind neighbor with a flourishing garden, who welcomes Millie and shares her love of nature. Their growing friendship is heartwarming—Mrs. Periwinkle not only shares fruit and flowers, but also sees and affirms Millie, gently easing her loneliness.

The turning point comes when Millie meets a hedgehog—an unexpected visitor with wisdom to share. Their brief but meaningful conversation highlights a powerful truth: while we can’t fix everything, we can all do our part. For Millie, that means planting a few pots and caring for them, a small yet hopeful act of stewardship.

Ultimately, Millie and the Hedgehog delivers a quiet but impactful message: even children can contribute to making the world a better place. Through a lovely blend of storytelling, art, and emotional depth, Bernadette Watts has created a tender story about loneliness, connection, and the simple power of doing your bit.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.