Harry the Hedgehog and the Missing Pumpkin, by Rayner Tapia, is a charming little tale that follows Harry the Hedgehog on a Halloween morning as he wakes up, ready to enjoy his treasured pumpkin, only to find it is missing. Determined to solve the mystery of the vanished pumpkin, Harry dons his detective “hat” and ventures out, meeting various woodland friends who help him along the way. Eventually, he discovers a family of mice who have found the pumpkin and offers to share it with them, learning a valuable lesson about the joy of sharing.

I found this children’s book utterly delightful. The writing is simple and engaging, perfect for its young audience and beginning readers. The scene where Harry interacts with Donna the Duck, who suggests the pumpkin might have been carried away by the wind, made me chuckle. The dialogue felt warm and playful, and I appreciated each animal’s unique personality, like Ollie the Owl’s wise demeanor and Sally the Squirrel’s cheeky energy.

Harry’s decision to share his pumpkin with the mice showed incredible kindness and generosity, which is a wonderful message for young readers. The idea of sharing as a source of happiness was woven beautifully into the narrative without feeling preachy. The feast scene, with pumpkin stew, pie, and roasted seeds, left me craving something pumpkin-flavored myself.

The vibrant watercolor illustrations bring the pages to life and are the perfect complement to Tapia’s lively tale. From Harry’s bright yellow pumpkin to the cozy cave of the mice, each illustration added charm and excitement. The scene I loved most was when Harry put on his detective hat, which was just a leaf–an adorable scene that is sure to delight young readers.

I wholeheartedly recommend Harry the Hedgehog and the Missing Pumpkin, by Rayner Tapia, to parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a heartwarming story to share with young children. It’s perfect for bedtime or a classroom read-aloud. The themes of kindness and community are timeless, and Harry the Hedgehog is sure to be a beloved character for many.

Pages: 28 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DN1C1GTL