ron van maurik

A touching story about friendship and the importance of being yourself. For little critters ages 4 years and up.

Hedgehog and Mouse are friends. Best friends. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing, as long as they’re doing it together. One day, Hedgehog wants to thank Mouse for being his friend. But . . . Oh no . . . He falls and accidentally pricks Mouse. Wouldn’t Mouse be happier with a softer friend instead of one with quills?

While Hedgehog gets ready to hibernate, Mouse dreads a lonely Christmas. Just before Hedgehog dozes off, he whispers, “I’ll be there, Mouse. I promise.” But later when Mouse finds Hedgehog’s nest empty, he’s overcome with fear. To help Hedgehog find his way home, Mouse decides to decorate the largest tree in the forest with beautiful lights. 

The third installment in the Hedgehog and Mouse series, this heartfelt story explores themes of love, friendship, and the magic of being together. Set against a cozy Christmas backdrop, I'll Always Be There for You is filled with warm, festive illustrations by Ron van Maurik that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.   

Hedgehog and Mouse are great friends. They love to play together all day long. But there’s one thing that makes Mouse feel a bit sad: when he’s with Hedgehog, he’s reminded that he’s actually quite small. Luckily, thanks to a series of unexpected adventures, Mouse discovers that little mice can also be very big, in their hearts and in their deeds.

This delightful book is not only great for discussing the importance of playing together and being kind to one another but also serves as a wonderful conversation starter about self-esteem and self-confidence. The colorful illustrations and lively conversations between the characters make it perfect for engaging read-aloud sessions. It’s perfect for teachers, librarians and family who want to teach little ones more about kindness and self-esteem.

A wonderful conversation starter about self-esteem, confidence, and friendship.