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Nickle Prickle, Mike the Mouse, and Trevor the Seagull are among the characters starring in a new book set on 'Hedgehog island'.
Authored and illustrated by Alderney resident L.J. (Lynda) Adlington, the children's book aims to put Blonde Hedgehogs on the map.
It also covers themes around road safety and living together with each other in peace, while celebrating our differences.
Pictured: The 32-page book for young children is priced at £8 and is available from www.blueormer.gg and Channel Islands stockists.
The story begins with a young hedgehog, Nickle Prickle, and his friend Mike the Mouse who are alarmed at losing so many friends who have been squished at night because motorists can’t see them in the dark.
They seek advice from Grandpappy the Wise who tells them of a mysterious island where it’s said the hedgehogs are very different.
Guided by Trevor the Seagull they find the island with its unusual community of blonde hedgehogs who, led by President Quilliam, give them an enthusiastic welcome.
“Some parents might see a parallel with small boat refugees,” said the author, Lynda Adlington, “but the message for children is that we can all live together in peace and happiness no matter how different we may be.”
Pictured: Hedgehog Island is authored and illustrated by LJ (Lynda) Adlington.
The book has already received positive feedback in Alderney, including from the President of the States of Alderney, William Tate.
"(It) captures the magic of this island paradise, with a very familiar President," he said.
"A fantastic addition to any child’s library. Who wouldn’t love a blonde hedgehog? (It) could only have been written by somebody who truly loves our island home."
Most hedgehogs in Alderney are ‘blonde’ because they have developed a rare gene that gives them pink skin and very pale prickles. They have no predators there and are easy to spot, even at night when the few cars on Alderney can avoid them.
“We even have blonde hedgehogs visiting our garden from time to time,” explained Ms Adlington.
Roland Gauvain, CEO of the Alderney Wildlife Trust said this makes them a great subject for stories.
"Blonde hedgehogs are REAL, as is Hedgehog Island!" he wrote in his review.
"Join Nickle and Mike as they discover the Channel Island of Alderney with all its welcoming wildlife, which makes it so wonderful!"
Pictured: LJ (Lynda) Adlington.
Ms Adlington, 66, is a retired businesswoman who has lived in Alderney since 2019.
Before that, she lived in Shropshire and Spain where she developed a passion for photography and art, including the mediums of charcoal, water colour, oils and digital art.
She is married to journalist and historical fiction author Alistair Forrest. Between them, they have five children and five grandchildren.
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