What do you do when your heart is full of hugs... but your quills are just too prickly?

Nettles is a gentle little porcupine with one big wish-to wrap his arms around his friends and squeeze tight, just like the rabbits in the meadow. But every time he tries, his sharp quills get in the way. Moss fails. Clay cracks. And when an accidental prick hurts his tiniest friend, Mibble, Nettles decides that hugs are for soft animals without quills... not for him.

Then, with a little wisdom from old Elder Bramble and a burst of moonlit creativity, Nettles invents something wonderful: a soft, padded Hug Harness that makes his prickles safe for everyone. One by one, his friends gather the courage to try a quill-safe squeeze-and Nettles learns that love finds a way when you don't give up on yourself.

A warm, lyrical read-aloud with a gentle emotional arc, The Odd Little Porcupine Who Wanted to Hug celebrates problem-solving, resilience, and the truth that we all deserve closeness-even when we're a little bit prickly.

Parents will love the read-aloud rhythm, the endearing cast of woodland characters, and the lesson told softly through story, not a sermon. Kids will fall in love with Nettles, cheer for his clever invention, and ask for one more hug at bedtime.

Perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened, The Invisible Boy, and Grumpy Monkey, this beautifully illustrated picture book is a must-have for any child learning to navigate big feelings, social challenges, and the courage to be themselves.

Grab your copy and discover the quill-safe hug the whole forest is talking about.