Hedgehog & Friends

A hedgehog and a tortoise are both looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. 'Don't worry,' said Owl. 'There are lots of ways to show someone you love them.' So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved.

Hedgehog is waiting for his friend Tortoise to wake up. Hedgehog's friends are all very lovely, but they just aren't as much fun at the beach, or at hide-and-seek, or at holding hands, or at hugs. Tortoise has been dreaming of Hedgehog. And the hug that follows is their best yet!

Tortoise is not having a good day, and now he's stuck in a hole and is far too upset for hugs. Hedgehog sits and waits and then makes Tortoise laugh – taking the time to let the moment pass, and acknowledge how Tortoise feels.

Tiger and Crocodile are both looking for a goodnight kiss in this clever story. But the animals along the way don't seem very forthcoming! Perhaps it's those sharp little teeth that they can see when Tiger and Crocodile yawn. Then they see a sharp-toothed shadow … eek! But don't worry it's just Daddy Croc and Mummy Tiger, come to kiss their little ones goodnight.

Fox thinks Christmas is about presents, Badger thinks it's about pudding, Magpie thinks it's about singing... Tortoise and Hedgehog begin to feel rather overwhelmed with all the noise and fuss. But in a quiet moment of reflection they learn the most important lesson of all: Christmas is about being with the ones you love.