Strange men have come to Stuffy's beautiful valley with huge machines that devour the countryside and the ancient stone fence where his family lives. Taking only what they can carry on their backs, the hedgehogs flee for their lives into the dreaded black forest.

Guided only by old tales of travelers from long ago, and aided by a grizzled old porcupine, the clan makes its way, not knowing if their tale will have a happy ending or not. Through great peril they press onward in search of a new home, for they are a stouthearted people. New friends found along the way help to brighten their future.

The hedgehogs finally arrive at their destination only to face a black menace such as they have never known. Will they survive? Skunks live in the woods nearby; would they help? Can Stuffy find them in time? This is a book about adventure and danger, friendship and love, courage and fellowship between animals that are vastly different from one another, yet find that common bond that makes us all alike on the inside.

Lena was born January 6th 1955 in New Orleans La., to Vincent Garofalo and Bridgette Waguespack. She grew up enjoying Canal street, the French Quarter and of course, lots of visits to the Audubon Park Zoo. The Mississippi River being close by she often heard the riverboats make that wonderful sound! She loves animals of all kinds.

Calvin was born to Ernest Seymour and Agnes Copeland, on December 7th 1947 in Delhi La. He grew up on a bayou, and loved watching the wildlife. His favorite books were fantasy books, especially those about animals with human qualities, such as: Watership Down, Rabbit Hill and The Wind in the Willows.

This is such a book. I know you will enjoy it.

However, they finally arrived and set about making Porky well. They had all the right medicines and before nightfall the clan could see that Porky had fallen into a deep and restful sleep. They could all get some rest now and much-needed sleep.

The scream was a mind-numbing thing. Porky jumped to his feet and froze in his tracks. He couldn’t imagine what it could be. The sound seemed to fall upon him from every direction. He couldn’t tell. It was a warning. "These are my woods," it screamed. "None may pass through without my leave. I’m not in the mood for trespassers today," it growled. "Mmmmm, perhaps a taste of something different would put me in a better mood," it purred.

Porky could hear something moving in the treetop but couldn’t see a thing. Looking up with the bright sky hanging over the trees made them look nearly black from his position on the ground. He could hear a low soft rumbling sound coming from above his head but he couldn’t tell from which tree.

Oh, where were his friends? Now he was able to see it. One of the dark shadows was moving, creeping slowly toward him with each beat of his heart. Yes, now he could see it clearly! It had bright yellow eyes. It had wicked sharp teeth. It slithered and slid around the tree trunk, coming gradually closer. A bright red tongue licked those wicked white teeth and in anticipation of something tasty....., they drooled.

Porky tried to back up, but his feet were stuck fast in the mud. How did he get in the stream he wondered. Something was wrong with his voice. He wanted to call out to his friends but couldn’t. Surely the beast would not attack so many if they were here. The little one, especially the little one who feared nothing. He wouldn’t attack if he were here.