The Happy Hedgehog

there'd been a story like this around when I was a child. It might have saved me a lot of anguish as an adult. I believe this book has an important message - that being the best at something is not the only way to happiness. There aren't enough bests in the world for each of us to be one of them and I think that contentment on the journey (as Pfister points out in the aphorism from Buddha which he uses in his dedication) is such an important concept. Unlike the reviewer who pans Pfister's treatment of school which he illustrates with the bunny who doesn't understand but learns by rote, I believe an adult reader should take the time to discuss what Pfister really means, and it isn't that school is a waste of time. Highly recommended with a message no one can hear too often.

a story about zen-like approach to life that shows that kids know what's best better than adults often

After reading earlier reviews, it struck me that I found "The Happy Hedgehog" to be a very positive story of one happy hedgehog who respectfully sets out to please his grandfather. Despite Mikko's intial insistence that he is actually quite content with life in his garden, he listens to his grandfather's complaints about the useless "youth of today." His grandfather tells him, "You should take advantage of your youth to accomplish something important so you will be happy." It is after Mikko's many adventures in which he sees other individuals trying to become faster, smarter, stronger, and busier in order to attain happiness that he truly understands that his grandfather's premise is not true. In fact, the talents of herb and flower recognition that Mikko possesses in his garden are indeed a source for authentic happiness and serenity: "Grandfather Tarek saw how much his grandson really did know, and how much there was to learn in Mikko's garden." Although it is a bit philosophical, it is a story worthy of reading.

My 3 year-old son likes this even better than "Rainbow Fish", and I didn't think that was possible. Charming illustrations and a practical message make this one a keeper.

I think it is terrific to have a book that tells kids to do what makes them happiest and what they enjoy, not to make themselves miserable just make someone else happy. The pictures are great and the message even better. I've given this one as a gift often, to many rave reviews.