Inspired by her love of wildlife and the thoughtful imagination of childhood, Sarah Oliver’s latest book The Hedgehog Rescuers (illustrated by Juliet Prentice), is a picture book full of heart. This delightful story follows two brothers, Joe and Max, as they transform their garden into a sanctuary for prickly, precious hedgehogs. It’s a tale of compassion, creativity, and community that invites young readers to think about the world around them, and become everyday heroes in their own back gardens!
We chatted with Sarah to talk about the inspiration behind the book, her in-depth hedgehog research, and how stories like this one can spark a love for nature in the next generation.
The Hedgehog Rescuers is available now from all good bookshops, and online from Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org
Hi Sarah! First of all, can you tell us about the inspiration that drew you to write a story about rescuing hedgehogs?
I was planning on doing a totally different book with Juliet, but I saw a sketch she had done of two hedgehogs, and it was so fantastic that it made me think, “we need to do a story about hedgehogs”!
You’ve written extensively about real people. Is there any particular thing that sparks an idea, and how did that work with this book?
I love writing about real people and the ups and downs of their lives. I wanted this book to be inspired by a true story, so I did a lot of research and spoke to a lot of people who rescue hedgehogs. I found Gill, who set up Pricklington Palace with her sons Max and Joe, and heard all about Lady Scabbers, who was a very unusual-looking hedgehog that they rescued. This book is their story.
How did you research the care and protection of hedgehogs for The Hedgehog Rescuers?
I gained so much knowledge from speaking to Gill, who has devoted so much time to saving hedgehogs and educating others. Gill has recently retired, and I think this book is a great way of celebrating that and educating the next generation. It is a book that families can enjoy together and hopefully give them lots of tips so they can make their own gardens hedgehog-friendly.
The Hedgehog Rescuers highlights how small actions can lead to big change. How important was it to show that in this book?
It was very important to me that the book shows children that they can make a difference to wildlife in their neighbourhood. It’s not something that only adults can do!
There are some aspects of rescuing hedgehogs that need adults to help, but a lot of the work can be done by children, whether that’s making a bug hotel or putting up posters about what to do if you see a hedgehog in the daytime.
Do you have any suggestions for children and families wanting to emulate them?
I would say, read up as much as you can, speak to existing hedgehog sanctuaries – the hedgehog community is very warm and welcoming. Become a volunteer helper at an existing sanctuary and learn from the experts first before going it alone.
Is there a particular moment or line in the story that you’re especially proud of?
I love the pages that describe Lady Scabbers and how Juliet has captured her unusual looks. She is one of Gill’s favourite rescues, and she really did make a miraculous recovery thanks to Gill, Max and Joe.
You worked with illustrator Juliette Prentice on this book. How did you meet, and what was it like working together?
We both attended Falmouth University – I did a Master’s degree in Professional Writing there, and Juliet did an Illustration degree. I approached the university as I knew they would have some very talented illustration students, and I was thrilled when they put me in touch with Juliet. We have worked together for the last three years, and she’s so talented.
Are there any messages that you hope young readers take from the story about wildlife and the environment?
I would say the main messages I would like young readers to take away are: You can make a difference, whether that’s at home, in your garden, in your community or at school.
Not everyone has the luxury of having a big garden, but hopefully, some children will feel encouraged to ask their school to have a wildlife corner – just leaving a patch of the field unmowed can really make a difference.
You’ve written many books for children of all genres – what drew you to making this one a picture book?
I am very excited to tell this story in picture book form because it really brings the story to life, and it allows children to fully grasp what is involved in setting up their own hedgehog sanctuary.
Juliet is a fantastic illustrator and her images of the hedgehogs are so lifelike, they could be photographs. I think it made it extra special for Gill and the boys because Juliet drew their other animals too – their pony, goat, cat, etc. We wanted it to be a celebration of all their hard work over the many years they ran Pricklington Palace.
You signed a five-book deal with Tiny Tree in 2024 — can you drop a few hints about the other books you have coming?
Oooh, that’s a good question! Later this year, we’re releasing another amazing true animal story, which will be perfect for people who love donkeys!
Next year, I’m very excited that my first-ever chapter book is being released – I don’t know if I can say too much, but children who love to draw will enjoy reading that one. Then I’ve got one for cat lovers and one based on a Cornish myth.
It’s a dream come true to have five Tiny Tree Books coming out.
The Hedgehog Rescuers is available now from all good bookshops, and online from Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org
