Review by Booklist Review
Boar is a frowny, growly, grunty crank, content with a solitary existence in his cold, dark cave--until Hedgehog wanders by and wonders if Boar might be happier in a sunnier spot. Boar tells him off, but after another damp night, he shifts his lair to a new location near the strawberry patch, which happens to be near Hedgehog's home. Hedgehog continues to offer casual advice, herbal remedies, and gentle overtures of friendship, though Boar refuses to outwardly acknowledge the kindnesses even as he takes it all to heart. When it's Hedgehog who suddenly needs help, Boar finally steps up to do a good deed, and it's the first step toward him being a boorish boar no more. The sweet story has a cheeky sense of humor to keep it from getting too sentimental, and it's a hoot to watch Boar reevaluate his relationship with Hedgehog. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations feature wonderful texture and detail, and Boar's wide range of expressions are a particular pleasure. A funny and warm examination of what it takes to make a friend.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Elliott (In the Desert) kicks off this engaging picture book by explaining how Boar's neighbors think he became so crabby: "Some said it was because hooligans had been unkind to him when he was a piglet. Some said it was because he wore his trousers too tight." Despite the animal's constitutional crankiness, though, the other creatures look out for him--"He was, after all, a neighbor." It doesn't go well when Hedgehog proposes that Boar's cold, dark cave might be contributing to his mood: "What about minding your own beeswax?" Boar snaps. Yet after a chilly night, Boar admits that Hedgehog might have a point. Hedgehog, now Boar's neighbor, continues to make kindly suggestions, responding to Boar's grumpy replies with composure. ("Whatevs," comes one reply. "It's a lovely day.") And when Hedgehog has an accident and asks for help, Boar finds himself thinking about community in a new way--far from putting others off, mutuality might draw individuals closer. Working in digitally finished multimedia spreads that combine varying textures, Yelchin (The Genius Under the Table) gives Boar glistening brown eyes that peer out at viewers as he moves, like the Grinch before him, toward leaving grumpiness behind. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steve Malk, Writers House. (June)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Can a bilious beast adjust his attitude? Bulky, long-snouted, squinch-eyed Boar has always been a grump. Who knows why? His fellow woodland creatures look out for him (after all, he's "a neighbor and one of their own"), but only Hedgehog attempts to reach out to Boar. Hedgehog gently suggests that Boar leave his cold dark cave for somewhere sunnier. Boar retorts that Hedgehog should mind his own business, but Hedgehog's words linger. After a sleepless night in his leaky cave, Boar decides to set up his den right by the Great River--a spot that just so happens to be not too far from Hedgehog's home. Hedgehog warns Boar about the risk of flooding: "Maybe move your den back a bit." "Maybe stop giving me advice. We're not friends, you know," grumbles Boar, but he relocates once more. When Hedgehog is in trouble, it's Boar's turn to help--and he rises to the occasion. Boar enjoys being needed, and despite himself, he finds himself developing a true friendship with Hedgehog. Playful and witty art perfectly suits this marvelously understated story. Cleverly composed, firmly outlined, deeply colored illustrations convey both Boar's cranky intransigence and Hedgehog's politely expressed good sense. Hats, scarves, or trousers give the animals just a bit of a human touch. A delightfully droll exploration of friendship.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
