Looking for animal books that teach phonics? You’ll want to check out “H is for Hedgehog” from the ABC Learning Series. This hidden gem does more than just teach letter sounds – it introduces kids to nature through spiky little explorers. Teachers and homeschooling parents might recognize techniques similar to those in Jim Trelease’s The Read-Aloud Handbook, but with a modern twist.

The story shows hedgehogs doing everyday things – sniffing flowers, rolling into balls, hunting for bugs. Bright watercolor illustrations fill each page, the kind that make kids want to touch the paper. You’ll find simple explanations about hedgehog habits mixed with letter practice. On page 12, there’s a fun match game where spikes form the letter H shape (though careful readers might notice one extra spike in the drawing).

What makes this book stand out? It balances learning with play. Children practice making the “huh” sound while pretending to be hedgehogs. There’s counting practice with apple slices in a nighttime snack scene. Some pages even have textured spots for tracing letters – though the glitter coating might rub off after heavy use.

Perfect for family reading time or classroom shelves, this 24-page book works best for kids getting their first taste of wildlife facts. Pair it with a nature walk to look for hedgehog tracks, or try the simple apple slice recipe shown in the picnic scene. Just be ready – your little reader might start asking for a pet hedgehog after this!