The Dragon and the Hedgehog

In a forest filled with bushes and flowers, a very large dragon with moss-colored scales and a pale yellow belly lives quietly. He means no harm, yet he never watches where he puts his feet, so his heavy steps crush plants without him even noticing. One bright morning near a berry patch, he almost treads on a tiny hedgehog standing in his path, and the small creature bravely speaks up instead of fleeing.

A friendship begins, and the hedgehog shows the dragon a slower, more careful way to walk: lifting each foot, looking first, and checking the ground for small animals. As he practices, the dragon starts to see ants, beetles and a mouse for the first time, and other forest animals come out to meet him. This gentle tale by Jane MEADOW can be read on Kids Tale Book.