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Without further preamble, the two spiky critters meet, head-to-head in the first spread of this curious clash of comparisons.
One is surrounded by flowering gums and kookaburras. Clearly an Aussie original. The other is nestled in a forest of fungi and European song birds.
They look alarmingly
similar yet obviously different. Does this stand in their way of friendship?
Most definitely not!
As they share their differences, Hedgehog and Echidna wonder if there are others like them who might get muddle up, confused at first sight when visual comparisons form first impressions.
And
so, we begin an unexpectedly exciting expedition across the globe exploring the
sameness of animals by highlighting their differences. Some are glaringly
obvious. I mean we all know the differences between the flightless ostrich and emu and rhea, right? But can you describe what makes an alpaca unique from a llama?
Or how hares are definitively different from bunny rabbits? Woe is me if you muddle
up a sea lion with a seal! (Yes, they are distinctly different. Who knew!).
We
soon learn no matter what guise some animals come in be it fur, feather or
fins, looks can be misleading. Lilting verse and bold spirited illustrations
spill merrily across each page that features its own comparative pair (or
group) of like-looking animals. Amandine Thomas’ watercolour illustrations are cheerful
and colourful, supplying just enough accuracy of detail to confirm each
difference without diminishing the ‘funness’ vibe.
And
in case you’re wondering if all things spectacularly spiky are fairly featured
– well, just read on …
Fun,
informative and very very moreish, Hedgehog or Echidna? is a unique take
on ‘same same but not’ comparisons perfectly pitched to audiences 3 – 7 years
of age. And some, like me, a little older. Older readers might even muse over
our own species’ similarities, drawing parallels between the appearances, behaviours
and identities that make us individuals, thus making this a gem of book to
include in younger primary classrooms.
Title: Hedgehog Or Echidna?
Animals Who Are The Same … But Different!
Author: Ashleigh Barton
Illustrator: Amandine Thomas
Publisher: Hachette (Lothian Imprint), $24.99
Publication Date: 30 July 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780764422682
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
