'A pot of snow' is the first encounter with this world; occasionally, the book simply speaks to readers by asking them about their own experiences and feelings. Hedgehog shows the children how he learned to soften his quills after a scare, an experience to relate to; inside the den the warmth welcomesemotionsof wonder, curiosity, affection, peace, joy and even a shred of excitement, up to the final surprise.
There is an encounter with the great silence ofwinterwhich begins. There is the joy offriendship. There are thesensationsto explore.