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Warm Friendly Book
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks follows a little hedgehog who realizes he has anxiety about the upcoming fireworks, and he seeks help from his friends to find a way to enjoy them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a warm friendly book, still wanting to inform of the danger of fireworks. I chose animals as the fear of fireworks is sometimes not realised.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I feel kindness, sharing, and caring should always be a natural human trait. I believe everything starts when we are young.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoy the sounds of words and describing in making them come alive. I really had fun with writing:
“Bright lights flashed and sparkled into the air with crazy loud sounds.”
“Whoosh! Whoosh! Wee! Wee! Whizz!” The feeling and atmosphere are so prevalent in these few words.”
“Another cartwheel thundered through the sky.”
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have two books on the way at the moment. A middle-grade book, The Unearthing. It is a historical Juvenile fiction book, involving three siblings travelling to discover and meet Prince George II. I have prepared and written another Harry the Hedgehog book. Harry the Hedgehog’s Helpful Harvest. This book, too, will be available soon too.
The historical juvenile fiction book, The Unearthing will out very soon and is published with Olympia Publishing.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Tom McGuire Books | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Harry and his friends gather to watch the fireworks show. But the noise and bright lights scare them.
Will they overcome their fear?
Find out in the fifth book in the Harry the Hedgehog series.
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks
Rayner Tapia’s Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks is a charming children’s book about bravery, friendship, and the joys of facing fears together. Set in a peaceful woodland, Harry and his animal friends learn about an upcoming fireworks display in a nearby town. While most of the woodland creatures are excited, Harry feels apprehensive about the loud noises and bright lights. The story follows Harry as he navigates his anxiety, ultimately finding courage and solidarity with his friends as they enjoy the dazzling display from a safe distance.
I loved the simplicity of the writing and how relatable Harry’s experience is for children. Tapia captures the mix of excitement and fear that big, unknown experiences bring. A standout moment is when Harry notices his friends are just as scared as he is, prompting him to offer comfort rather than hiding. This shift in Harry’s perspective feels genuine and heartfelt. It’s a subtle but important message for kids: when we support each other, challenges feel less daunting.
The illustrations, which complement the story beautifully, deserve special mention. The scenes of fireworks bursting across the sky are vivid and dynamic, making the reader feel the energy and wonder of the moment. These visuals bring the story to life and add a layer of excitement that balances Harry’s initial nervousness.
The characters also stand out. Danny the Dog, with his comical tail-chasing and barking, provides light-hearted humor that kids will adore. Meanwhile, the gathering under the oak tree, where all the animals find comfort in each other’s company, is a tender and memorable scene. It’s a reminder of how connection and understanding can transform fear into joy.
Harry the Hedgehog and the Fireworks is a delightful picture book for children, particularly those who might be anxious about new or noisy experiences. The book would be a great fit for families, teachers, or caregivers looking to gently encourage children to face their fears. Rayner Tapia delivers a meaningful story wrapped in warmth, humor, and a splash of dazzling colors.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DR1PNW5F
LITERARY TITAN 