Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

All illustrations on this page by Ross Morgan

Hedgehog the Wonder Dog is no ordinary dog…

This is a story about the healing powers of therapy dogs & super brave kids.

Key points:

  • Celebrates the connection between humans & animals, specifically the ‘wonder’ & healing powers of therapy dogs.

  • Explores the concept of childhood illness & treatment in a gentle, age-appropriate way by providing a window into the world of a children’s hospital.

  • Through perspective & symbolism, this book shows the contrasting inner & outer worlds of a child.

  • Ross Morgan’s deeply sensitive illustrations are richly layered combinations of hand-drawn sketches, paintings & some digital elements. The illustrations are multi-layered with hidden elements to explore.

  • Written in flowing prose, featuring literary devices including alliteration & assonance, as well as concepts including days of the week, routines, counting down.

  • A book to comfort children going through hospital treatment.

  • A valuable resource for parents, friends, carers, teachers, counsellors & medical staff.

  • Promotes the benefits of therapy animals.

  • A conversation starter around assumptions: contrasting the way Hedgehog is viewed by strangers in the outside world versus how she appears to Sam in the hospital environment.

  • Unique character connections encourage discussions about emotional support.

Reviews of Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

Shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award 2023

The power in this book is the hope & joy that shines through... something essential & illuminating.

‘‘

BARBRA BRAXTON – TEACHER LIBRARIAN
M.Ed.(TL), M.App.Sci.(TL), M.I.S. (Children's Services)
Dromkeen Librarian's Award 2003

”

Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

AN AUTHOR VISIT

Hope
Connection
Creative Writing

Therapy Dogs
Childhood Illness
Comfort

AGE GROUP Prep - Year 6
Can be adapted for adult learning & PD

Using Hedgehog the Wonder Dog by Dannika Patterson & Ross Morgan as a reference text, participants will learn about the making of a picture book while celebrating the wonder-filled power of therapy dogs.

  • IN THIS 1 HOUR SESSION…

    This highly-engaging author visit encourages children's creativity, love of story, writing & dogs!

    Using working examples from the making of the picture book Hedgehog the Wonder Dog, students will learn about this book's journey to publication, the inspiration and research behind the story, as well as other details of the story-writing & book-making process.

    Following a reading of Hedgehog the Wonder Dog, Author Dannika Patterson will lead a gentle discussion around the themes in this book as well as facilitating participant Q&As about...anything! Kids ask the BEST questions & Dannika is an open book about books!

    Curriculum links that can be woven into & around this author visit include: narrative writing, linguistic devices (alliteration, assonance), days of the week, counting.

    There is an optional book-themed art/craft component, depending on timeframes & group size/s.

This workshop is 100% waste-free, with all materials being either recycled, upcycled or compostable.

♻️

This is a picture book with a beautiful aura around it, both visually & figuratively, telling a tender & soul-soothing story of the power of connection – in this case, the healing power of dogs.

‘‘

”

ROMI SHARP – BOOKS+PUBLISHING

Ross Morgan

Illustrated by

Ross Morgan is a fine artist & illustrator from Adelaide, South Australia. From an early age growing up in the mid–north of South Australia, Ross enjoyed exploring the rural environment filled with creatures, abandoned structures, & objects of yesteryear.

Media & Press Clippings

Community Leader Magazine
Month 2023

Cover & Page 5

Hedgehog the Wonder Dog Article

“Hedgehog the Wonder Dog is a book full of heart, hope and furry, four-legged love, It’s sure to delight & inspire children & adults alike with its beautiful story & stunning illustrations.”

Beach Kindy

Heavy