This cute picture book tells the story of Arugula, a perfectionist hedgehog, who seems like an unlikely heroine for a children’s book until you see her depicted with her hedgehog quills combed just so, a pearl necklace, and a pink-and-white polka dot apron! When she plans a tea party for her frie... more

This cute picture book tells the story of Arugula, a perfectionist hedgehog, who seems like an unlikely heroine for a children’s book until you see her depicted with her hedgehog quills combed just so, a pearl necklace, and a pink-and-white polka dot apron! When she plans a tea party for her friends, she imagines everything will be just perfect, even if that means her guests won’t have any fun because they’re too scared to touch or eat anything. But when the annoying Fidget the squirrel shows up uninvited, everyone starts juggling tea cups, throwing cream puffs, and having a perfectly wonderful time—everyone except Arugula. She goes outside to pout, but discovers that she too can have fun when all her guests invite her back in for dancing. Done in comic book style, with panels and voice balloons, this book will appeal to little girls who like things to be “just so.” The watercolor and colored pencil artwork is very feminine, with lots of pink and funny details that will appeal to little girls such as Arugula’s pink boa, pink bow for her quills, and pink slippers. This is a good read-aloud for girls who love tea parties and all things “girlie.”