Hedgie's Surprise

This charming picture book follows a persistent Tomten who keeps stealing Henny the hen's eggs for breakfast, disrupting her plans to raise a brood of chicks. With clever hedgehog Hedgie's help, Henny begins substituting various objects in her nest—an acorn, a strawberry, a mushroom, and finally a potato—but nothing deters the determined egg thief from his morning raids. The story builds anticipation as each substitution fails, creating a delightful pattern that young readers will eagerly follow.

Jan Brett's signature illustration style shines with intricate borders and rich Scandinavian details that tell additional visual stories alongside the main narrative. The clever problem-solving and ultimate surprise—when Hedgie hides in the nest himself—delivers a satisfying conclusion that will have children laughing at the Tomten's prickly discovery. This engaging tale of teamwork and creative solutions makes for a wonderful read-aloud that celebrates perseverance and friendship in the face of repeated challenges.