I Hate Love - by Francesca Pirrone (Hardcover)

About the Book

Henry the Hedgehog always goes with his friend Randy to look for worms. But today, Randy has plans with Becky. They're going to watch the sunset together. Pff, how boring, Henry thinks angrily. Because he hates love. But you can't stop the butterflies in your stomach...

Book Synopsis

"A quirky tale of romance, hedgehog-style." --Kirkus Reviews

Henry the Hedgehog always goes with his friend Randy to look for worms. But today, Randy has plans with Becky. They're going to watch the sunset together. Pff, how boring, Henry thinks angrily. Because he hates love. But you can't stop the butterflies in your stomach . . .

A picture book about love, for children with and without quills ages 5 years and up.

Review Quotes

Hedgehogs deal with the highs and lows of romance. Harry the Hedgehog is frustrated to hear that his friend Randy can't help him search for worms in the long grass. Instead, Randy's going off to watch the sunset with his newfound paramour, Becky. "Ever since Randy met Becky, he's been as dull as a donkey," says Harry. "I hate love! I'll go worm hunting by myself." As Harry dramatically marches away, a sweet female hedgehog named Annie greets him, but he snarls and stomps off, breaking his glasses in the process. Detailed and energetic pictures capture curmudgeonly Harry as he goes off on his own to find worms and is suddenly entranced by what appears to be a beautiful floating hedgehog hiding in the grass. Could this be love? Why won't the mysterious hedgehog speak? Why doesn't she respond to the worms, acorns, cherries, and flowers he's offering? And what about the lovestruck Annie, who is waiting in the wings? Though somewhat meandering, this story, originally published in Dutch, has charm and is sprinkled with warmth and gentle humor; it will elicit oohs and aahs (and perhaps a few age-appropriate groans) from its young audience, and future romantics will find satisfaction in the happy if rather predictable ending. It should also make a pleasing choice for Valentine's Day. A quirky tale of romance, hedgehog-style.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Francesca Pirrone is a freelance illustrator from Italy. As a child, she used to draw for hours. Her mother got so angry that she confiscated the eraser . . . but it was all for nothing. Francesca went to the Art Institute in Florence and studied engraving, decorating, sculpture, and mosaic. Her passion is to illustrate children's books. She loves to create characters and invent stories for them. Of the tactile books she has made for blind children, two received awards from the Italian Federation of the Blind. In 2016 she was honored with the International Key Colours Award for her book Bruno Has One Hundred Friends.