A beautifully illustrated children’s book, Hedgehog Island, is launched this week and is set to delight children everywhere with its tale of a community of rare yet familiar creatures.
The story, written and illustrated by new author L. J. Adlington, begins with a young hedgehog, Nickle Prickle, and his friend Mike the Mouse who are alarmed at losing so many friends who have been squished at night because motorists can’t see them in the dark.
They seek advice from Grandpappy the Wise who tells them of a mysterious island where it’s said the hedgehogs are very different.
Nickle and Mike set about stocking their boat with everything they might need for a journey to Hedgehog Island, including ice cream, peanut butter and a hive of bees, and set off on their adventure.
Guided by Trevor the Seagull they find the island with its unusual community of blonde hedgehogs who, led by President Quilliam, give them an enthusiastic welcome. But the adventure is just beginning as a crisis soon arises that will need the help of the mysterious Susan the Super-Shy Dragon.
“Some parents might see a parallel with small boat refugees,” said the author, Lynda Adlington, “but the message for children is that we can all live together in peace and happiness no matter how different we may be.”
Ms Adlington lives on the northernmost of the Channel Islands, Alderney, where most of the hedgehogs are ‘blonde’ because they have developed a rare gene that gives them pink skin and very pale prickles. They have no predators there and are easy to spot, even at night when the few cars on Alderney can avoid them.
“We even have blonde hedgehogs visiting our garden from time to time,” she added.
The book has already received positive feedback in Alderney. William Tate, President, States of Alderney said the book: “Captures the magic of this Island paradise, with a very familiar President. A fantastic addition to any child’s library. Who wouldn’t love a blonde hedgehog? Could only have been written by somebody who truly loves our Island home.”
Roland Gauvain, CEO, Alderney Wildlife Trust added: “Blonde hedgehogs are REAL, as is Hedgehog Island! Join Nickle and Mike as they discover the Channel Island of Alderney with all its welcoming wildlife, which makes it so wonderful!”
