School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Mikko loves to observe the world around him, and prides himself on his knowledge of plants, animals, insects, and herbal remedies. However, his crabby grandfather thinks he is a lazy dreamer and sends the young hedgehog off to observe other animals that spend their time trying to be the smartest, fastest, or strongest of their species. Mikko learns that they are not happy in their pursuits, decides he doesn't want to live that way, and, upon returning home, uses his herbal knowledge to aid his ailing grandfather's cough, winning the old coot's approval. The didactic text is accompanied by Pfister's signature illustrations, which are humorous and appealing, but cannot help this formulaic, preachy story. For a better example of the value of dreamers in society, choose Leo Lionni's Frederick (Knopf, 1967).-Holly Belli, Bergen County Cooperative Library System, West Caldwell, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Mikko, a content young hedgehog, confirms his convictions and teaches his grumbling grandpa a lesson in Pfister's long-winded story. When Grandfather Tarek finds his grandson laying in the little fellow's beloved garden, he declares, "The youth of today are simply useless," and urges Mikko to "take advantage of your youth to accomplish something important so you will be happy!" So Mikko ventures out into the world and comes upon some single-minded, determined animals, including a tortoise training to be fastest in the world and a hare memorizing everything his teacher says, even though he doesn't understand a word of it. Predictably, Mikko observes that while these other creatures "were striving, they weren't enjoying life at all." Mikko returns home pleased with his life just as it is. When his grandfather comes to visit with a cough, Mikko cures it with tea made from the healing herbs in his garden, and Tarek suddenly appreciates his grandson. Pfister's artwork lacks the pizzazz of his Rainbow Fish books, though the spare, genial paintings of creatures on the run offer some comic relief. Unfortunately, the rather heavy-handed message here overpowers the story. Ages 5-8. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Mikko the hedgehog is satisfied with his quiet existence as a gardener, but his grandfather sends him out to learn about ambition and accomplishment. After meeting several animals who are unhappily striving for success, Mikko convinces his grandfather that he is a content and talented gardener. The humorous watercolors have more appeal than the gentle but moralizing story. From HORN BOOK Fall 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
