Herbie's Big Adventure

by Jennie Poh, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

Overview

Herbie is a little hedgehog who is perfectly happy at home with his mother. But one day Mommy tells Herbie that it's time to go exploring-all by himself! Herbie is not so sure, but ready or not, a westerly wind sweeps Herbie into the wide world ... and Herbie's Big Adventure begins! Little Herbie finds that he's braver than he thinks and even makes a friend before coming safely back home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684460922
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	07/01/2019
Pages:	30
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 7.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD580L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jennie was born in England and grew up in Malaysia, in the jungle. At the age of ten, she moved back to England and went on to study Fine Art at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, as well as Fashion Illustration at Central St Martins. Jennie loves the countryside, animals, tea and reading. She lives in Woking, England with her husband and two wonderful daughters.

Jennie was born in England and grew up in Malaysia, in the jungle. At the age of ten, she moved back to England and went on to study Fine Art at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, as well as Fashion Illustration at Central St Martins. Jennie loves the countryside, animals, tea and reading. She lives in Woking, England with her husband and two wonderful daughters.

Interviews

great for kids starting school or needing courage for a big change; celebrates independence and reaching milestones; gorgeous, charming illustrations (Superfairies illustrator); features positive mother/child relationship

Editorial Reviews

Jennie Poh’s new picture book Herbie’s Big Adventure is sure to resonate with a wide variety of young readers! Herbie is sweet and fun, and kids will love seeing how his imagination turns mundane things into all kinds of fun adventures. But little ones, perhaps especially those who are facing a first day of preschool or kindergarten, will really appreciate Herbie’s first big adventure, and they’ll take heart at how he takes everything new completely in stride. The story is adorable and uplifting, and Poh’s adorable illustrations really bring it to life. This is a sweet book that kids will want to read any time of day.

San Francisco Book Review

07/01/2016
PreS-Gr 1—Soft colors, rounded shapes, and stylized text add whimsy to this story of Herbie, a young hedgehog on his first foraging adventure. With his mother's encouragement, Herbie sets out, blown by the wind into a pile of leaves. Before long, the wind carries him to a snowy landscape where his foraging is curtailed by the cold. The title character falls asleep in the arms of a "snowbear"—a drift of snow—until the morning, when another gust of wind sends him all the way home and back into the arms of his mother, where it "feels just right." Although the depiction of the passage of time is confusing (Herbie's adventure appears to take only a day or two, but while he's gone, the seasons change from fall to winter to spring), the young hedgehog's exploits will engage children. VERDICT This enjoyable story of a lovable hedgehog exploring his world and learning some independence is perfect for storytime and small group sharing.—Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX

School Library Journal

2016-07-02
A young hedgehog leaves home for his first solo adventure.Herbie is a happy little hedgehog. Wrapped in his mother’s love, he is content to burrow in “secret caves” (flowerpots) and roll down “mountains” (gentle hillocks). He has never strayed far from home, but his mother announces that Herbie is ready for his first foraging adventure. Though he is nervous, he bravely sets out but is swept up and carried away by an autumn wind. He lands in a pile of leaves and forages his first meal. Just as he becomes comfortable, the wind sweeps him up again to a snow-covered place. Herbie eagerly continues his journey and meets a snow bear who offers him a place to sleep—until the wind blows him all the way home. Herbie learns he is daring and brave on his own. Though Herbie is unquestionably an adorable hedgehog, Poh deftly captures a child’s mixed feelings about separation and exploration. She reminds young readers that separation from loved ones does not mean being forsaken. The story’s autumn backdrop mirrors Herbie’s transition into independence as he enters the world with curiosity. Poh’s lively illustrations sweep readers into the young hedgehog’s exciting adventure, and though they reveal that Herbie’s imagination is a little grandiose, they also deeply respect his burgeoning autonomy. A charming story that explores a child’s newfound independence. (Picture book. 3-5)

Kirkus Reviews