Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Hedgehogs Don’t Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez which recently published on April 1, 2024. Special thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Carrying a briefcase labeled My Secret, a hedgehog named Jacques is ready to reveal what no one has seen…his undies!
So how did this happen-an underwearing hedgehog? Well, the universe sent him a pair via balloon down his burrow. And while Jacques loves his underwear, he is very concerned with how the other hedgehogs will react. Will they call him names, send him into exile, throw garbage or laugh at him? And while all those outcomes are awful, Jacques can no longer live a lie.
The truth is wearing his underwear makes Jacques feels on point, sharp, and spike-tacular. There is only one thing left to do-unveil his undies! At a party, Jacques confesses to his prickly peers explaining “Without them, I don’t feel like…moi.” His honesty spurs a chain reaction with fellow hedgehogs admitting love for their own favorite frocks-cowboy boots, feather boas, or bell bottom jeans. Jacques empowers all to embrace their true self.
I’m hedging my bets that kids will love Jacques adorably drawn with geometric shapes. I love how author/illustrator Valdez chose to have Jacques share his secret to readers first. His confession shows his struggle with being honest with not only his friends but also himself. Valdez’s sprinkling of French words playfully exposes to the language. Be sure to pay attention to the endpapers which reveal Jacques’ journey to self-acceptance and are just hilarious.
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