The Girl and the Hedgehog Garden

One dewy morning, Maya puts on her yellow rain boots and heads into her beloved garden. Near the fence, she spots a small hedgehog with a brown spiny coat and cream face, rooting through the leaves. Instead of just watching, Maya decides the hedgehog needs assistance and involves her parents in her plan.

With her mum, who researches hedgehogs and shares that they roam from garden to garden, and her dad, who brings gloves and a tool belt, Maya gets to work. The family plants native shrubs like hawthorn and hazel for berries, insects, and shelter, sets out a shallow water dish, stacks logs for a nest, and cuts small gaps in the fence for safe passage. As days pass, more hedgehogs use the new paths. Maya learns that small, thoughtful actions matter, and she makes picture signs and visits neighbors to encourage safe passages. This gentle tale by Aysel Banu YAVUZAL can be read on Masal İzle.