Porcupette finds a family by Vanita Oelschlager

Title: Porcupette finds a family 

Author: Vanita Oelschlager

Illustrator: Mike Blanc

Publisher: Vanita Books

Published: December 2nd, 2014

Rating: 5/5

A superb story that touches the heart of anyone reading it, be they young or old. It relates the story of Porcupette, a baby porcupine who finds refuge with a bear family after her mother mysteriously disappears. Porcupette initially is happy to be there but keeps looking for her mother. Eventually she worries that her bear Mum will reject her and when she worries or panics her quills stand up. It is something of a vicious circle, the more she worries or panics, the more her quills stand up, the more she hurts the bear family, the more she worries . . .  You’ll have to read the story to find out what happens in the end to reassure Porcupette and means she can love and be loved.

For anyone who has met children who have recently been fostered or adopted, this story will really be something they can relate to. I think it would really help some of the children – and foster parents – in such situations, a great story beautifully told and delightfully illustrated that could really help them come to terms with their situations. I can certainly think of children with whom I have come into contact that reading, sharing and discussing this story would have been brilliant for their self confidence and self esteem as well as helping them settle into their new situation. It would also help other children to understand their feelings and anxieties.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too,

for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk    amazon.com     barnes and noble