I'm so sorry but...what? This book started off OK, but then it appeared to have fallen off of the tracks by the end. For one thing, it took way too long for the hedgehog to be introduced. It's in the dang title! I would have liked to see it be a bigger component of the overall story. Secondly, there was way too much writing. There was so much writing that it detracted from the illustrations, which were pretty good. Additionally, the abundance of writing and "fluff" made the story very lengthy and I found myself becoming increasingly bored as I read. If that's true for me, I can make an educated guess that many little kids will be bored as well. Another thing is it seemed like there were so many little ideas combined into one story, and it got quite overwhelming. Fairy tales, climate change, fears, and talking animals all in one short kids' book is just too much, and all of these ideas seemed half-baked and thrown together in a rush. The focus definitely could be narrowed quite a bit. My second-to-last critique is the ending. Abrupt much? 'Nuff said. Lastly, this is one of those climate change books that is depressing. It's a kids' book! If you want to make it about climate change don't make it such a downer - it's nice to have some hope in there...or a lot of hope.

Millie and the Midnight Hedgehog is a truly delightful children's picture book about a young girl named Millie and her search to make meaning of the world around her. Young Millie loves her children's books. She is captivated by the heroics of knights and princes. She loves the values taught by the most noble characters in her fairy tales. When her father takes her to the park, she loves basking in the radiance and wonder of the natural world. However, she comes to fear the messages she comes upon on the news and the headlines of her father's newspapers. Her mother is on a mission to save the planet, except the constant worry and contention of the matter leaves her with headaches.

Eventually, Millie befriends a neighbor named Mrs. Periwinkle. Mrs. Periwinkle is kind and doting and provides words of encouragement. Mrs. Periwinkle first gives Millie a handful of red raspberries on a rhubarb leaf. Then, she gives Millie three small pots-- filled with beans, tomatoes, and a sunflower. Millie loves her new plants and steps into the role as their caretaker with great joy. Except, Millie begins to dwell upon the villains inside of her fairy tale books. Even when Millie wakes up in the middle of the night during a storm, Millie worries about going outside alone in the dark for fear there might be a danger lurking outside waiting for her. Millie is surprised when she finds a small hedgehog outside and quickly befriends the little hedgehog. together, Millie and the hedgehog explore Millie's deepest concerns and fears.

The greatest lesson explored within this book-- friendship is the best ingredient one can truly find.

This was such a good read! Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

NetGalley ARC Review: I love the concept and the art style was very fairytale-esq. I think where it falls flat to me is the relationship building between the characters. I was not left feeling happy or that my small impact matters - I was actually left a bit confused. I really wish there were more interaction between the little girl and the other characters. Also, do mom and dad ever grow to appreciate the impact their little girl is having on the environment? Overall, great concept and artwork - I just wish the narrative was a little more flushed out.

Netgalley ARC - I think I get what this was trying to do, but it didn't work for me. I can't imagine the writing style engaging children. The neighbor gardener could've been a much more fleshed out character to emphasize building relationships with members of our community, and the parents vague job titles and concerns just rub me the wrong way. I think kids are capable of understanding details, and Vague Concepts in Capital Letters is not a replacement for a description.

This is a very cute picture book, the illustrations are adorable as is the story. I would have liked the hedgehog to appear a bit earlier but I can’t really complain!
It is a lovely gentle story perfect for children to be read to, I think Mrs Periwinkle is my favourite character apart from the hedgehog of course.

Even as an adult, I can become anxious about what is happening to the world. Millie has a loving family that is also concerned about global weather changes, and she is aware of how those changes are affecting her environment.
This book offers some needed hope and a sense of togetherness. The illustrations aren't just beautiful, they're also calming because of the use of color.

Millie and the Midnight Hedgehog has an unassuming cover, but the story packs a punch. Appropriate for 1st-3rd graders, the book explores themes such as global warming, growing food and gardening, and adult vs. child struggles. Little Millie sees her busy and distracted parents worrying about work, climate change, and difficult things in the news. As she reads fairy tales, she hopes for a happy ending in her own world. She meets a hedgehog friend, who reminds her that she has her own special place in the world, and he quells some of her fears. This book is heavy, but also hopeful. It could be useful to generate some abstract conversations in early elementary classrooms.

Thank you to NorthSouth books and NetGalley for a complimentary advance reader's copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Millie and the Hedgehog by Bernadette Watts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Millie and the Hedgehog is a beautifully gentle and thoughtful picture book that touches the heart in quiet ways. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous—soft, whimsical, and soothing to the eyes. Every page feels like stepping into a dreamy fairytale world.

The story follows Millie, a young girl whose parents are environmental activists. While their work is important, it leaves Millie feeling quite lonely during the summer. She turns to fairy tales for comfort—some well-known stories are subtly referenced, which makes this book a nice segue into those classics if you’re reading with kids.

What I really appreciated was how the book handles big themes like environmentalism, friendship, loneliness, and the idea of "doing your part" in the world. Millie's growing bond with her kind neighbor, Mrs. Periwinkle, is especially touching. Mrs. Periwinkle always sees and affirms Millie, gifting her not just garden fruits but the feeling of being noticed.

The magical moment comes when Millie meets a hedgehog who gently reminds her (and us!) that while we can’t fix everything, even small acts—like planting a few pots—matter. It’s such a lovely message for little readers: even children can make a difference.

Highly recommend for families looking for a quiet, meaningful story with dreamy art and a hopeful message.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Millie’s parents are deeply concerned about the environment. Sometimes, their busy schedules leave Millie feeling lonely, and she finds solace in admiring Mrs. Periwinkle’s beautiful garden. One day, Mrs. Periwinkle gives Millie three potted plants: a sunflower, a tomato, and a climbing bean. As these plants grow, Millie’s joy grows with them. However, one night, a severe storm threatens to overturn the pots, causing Millie to fear thunderstorms. This heartwarming tale explores how Mother Nature can unite us all.

Bernadette Watts’ illustrations for her picture book prove so breathtaking and old-timey that it’s easy to miss the up-to-the-minute words that warn that the effects of climate change are here right now and how we, no matter how little, can help the planet. Adored this book!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review.