Career Night for Little Hedgehog: A Story for Kids

Summary

Summary: "Career Night for Little Hedgehog: A Story for Kids"

Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and Bedtime Stories for Kids presents a heartwarming tale in the episode titled "Career Night for Little Hedgehog", hosted by Rhea Pechter. Released on May 24, 2025, this episode intertwines themes of ambition, community support, and the spirit of perseverance, making it an engaging listen for both children and their families.

---

Introduction: A Reflection on Careers and Possibilities

The episode opens with Rhea Pechter introducing herself and setting a reflective tone:

Rhea Pechter [00:09]: "When I was little, I had no idea that when I grew up I'd be doing this. Telling ridiculous stories in a tiny closet... But here we are."

She muses on the unpredictability of life's paths, humorously listing unconventional careers:

Rhea Pechter [00:40]: "You could end up as a horsefly trainer, a homesteader, a sock darner, a pin cushion tester, a typewriter refurbisher. The possibilities are endless."

This contemplation segues into the main story, "Career Night for Little Hedgehog," narrated by Rhea herself.

---

The Request: Little Hedgehog and Bebe Seek Inspiration

The narrative begins with Mr. Hedgehog enjoying a quiet morning in his underground burrow. His peaceful morning is interrupted by his daughter, Little Hedgehog, and her best friend, Bebe, who are eager and determined:

Little Hedgehog [02:01]: "Hello, dad."

Little Hedgehog [03:23]: "Career Night. Show your stuff on Career Night... Inspire the youth at Career Night. Will you be at Career Night?"

Their enthusiastic plea is a call for their father to inspire their peers by sharing his experiences as a successful nonfiction book author. Mr. Hedgehog, initially hesitant, is unaware of the challenges that have led to this urgent request.

---

Backstory: The Challenges Leading to Career Night

To understand the urgency, Rhea Pechter narrates the events from the previous night at Forest Little School. During art class, the students are informed of a looming crisis:

Principal Petri Dish [05:07]: "We've had a number of ill-timed cancellations by some of our most sought-after presenters."

The list of cancellations includes a legendary opera singer, an alpaca dentist, a ladybug circus trainer, a pet rock store owner, and a world-famous goat wrangler. These unexpected withdrawals jeopardize the much-anticipated Career Night, a highlight of the school year designed to expose students to a variety of careers and hobbies.

Faced with these shortages, Principal Petri Dish turns to the students for help:

Principal Petri Dish [09:37]: "When you get home, seek help from your parents in finding the most fascinating and available professionals to inspire you and your classmates to dream big."

---

The Quest: Seeking Speakers for Career Night

Little Hedgehog and Bebe take on the mission to salvage Career Night. They brainstorm potential speakers and approach Mr. Hedgehog for assistance. Despite his initial refusal due to prior commitments, they persistently seek his help.

Their journey to enlist speakers involves reaching out to various community members:

1. Ms. Jams, the Architect:
   Despite their respectful approach, Ms. Jams declines due to her commitment to an important award ceremony.

   Ms. Jams [13:58]: "If you'll excuse me, I'm in the middle of a competitive game of Solitaire."

2. Ms. Estelle, the Spider Babysitter:
   Ms. Estelle is approached next, but she too is unavailable, tending to a turtle baby named Finnegan.

   Ms. Estelle [17:05]: "A turtle baby named Finnegan... I wish I could help you with your special evening."

3. The Final Attempt:
   With limited options, Little Hedgehog and Bebe decide to leave a heartfelt note for another potential speaker, hoping to finalize their list.

Little Hedgehog [20:30]: "There, she said, affixing it to the door."

Despite their efforts, the note doesn't elicit the desired response, adding to their mounting concerns.

---

Career Night Event: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Inspiration

On the day of Career Night, anticipation and anxiety fill the air. Students arrive in costumes representing their dream jobs, ranging from a frog in medical scrubs to a raccoon in steel-toed boots. Little Hedgehog is dressed as a dance choreographer, while Bebe sports a beekeeper suit.

As the event commences, Principal Petri Dish announces the lineup of speakers. Initially, only three presenters are available:

• Prescott Knightley Top, Chess Piece Whittler
• Melody Turnstile, Piano Tuner
• Darnington Argyll, Bespoke Sock Designer

The audience is captivated, but the absence of the final speaker leaves a palpable void. Just as hope seems lost, the doors burst open, and Cecil Hedgehog, a local personal kettlebell trainer, strides in accompanied by his cricket, Jemaine.

Cecil Hedgehog [24:55]: "Never you mind."

With Cecil's timely arrival, Career Night resumes with renewed vigor. His performance, alongside the other speakers, enchants the audience:

Melody Turnstile [25:20]: "And I am here to tune your passions as I tune this piano."

Darnington Argyll [25:40]: "Ill-fitting socks cause immeasurable troubles. The world needs more sock designers so that there may be more properly fitted socks."

Among the presentations, two stand out for their uniqueness and engagement:

1. Excella Skunk, Document Wrangler:
   Excella discusses the beauty of spreadsheets, providing a calming and unexpected perspective that resonates with the students.

2. Cecil Hedgehog, Personal Kettlebell Trainer:
   Cecil's dynamic kettlebell routine energizes the crowd, showcasing the importance of physical fitness and perseverance.

The event concludes with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration, highlighting the importance of community support and the diverse possibilities available to the youth.

---

Conclusion: Success and Inspiration

As Career Night wraps up, Little Hedgehog and Bebe reflect on their successful endeavor:

Little Hedgehog [28:18]: "A small little hedgehog and Bebe watched their neighbor and his tiny cricket friend and had their hearts warmed by the fact that they'd helped make Career Night a success."

Rhea Pechter concludes the episode with a heartfelt message:

Rhea Pechter [28:46]: "I hope you have fun dreaming up what might be in your own future."

This story emphasizes the importance of resilience, community involvement, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for young minds.

---

Notable Quotes

• Rhea Pechter [00:40]: "The possibilities are endless."

• Little Hedgehog [03:23]: "Career Night. Show your stuff on Career Night... Will you be at Career Night?"

• Principal Petri Dish [09:37]: "Seek help from your parents in finding the most fascinating and available professionals."

• Ms. Jams [13:58]: "If you'll excuse me, I'm in the middle of a competitive game of Solitaire."

• Darnington Argyll [25:40]: "Ill-fitting socks cause immeasurable troubles."

• Rhea Pechter [28:46]: "I hope you have fun dreaming up what might be in your own future."

---

Final Thoughts

"Career Night for Little Hedgehog" serves as an inspiring narrative that encourages children to explore various careers and the importance of community support. Through the determined efforts of Little Hedgehog and Bebe, listeners learn that with creativity and persistence, obstacles can be overcome, and aspirations can be realized. This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons, making it a cherished addition to the Little Stories for Tiny People collection.

Transcript

[Rhea Pechter]

This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. When I was little, I had no idea that when I grew up I'd be doing this. Telling ridiculous stories in a tiny closet. I mean, storage studio, complete with a fireplace, a stack of breakable plates, and opinionated spiders loitering in the uppermost corners. But here we are. It's been a long, meandering journey. It's impossible to know for sure what you'll end up doing in life. But it's fun, isn't it? To daydream of what might be. You could end up as a horsefly trainer, a homesteader, a sock darner, a pin cushion tester, a typewriter refurbisher. The possibilities are endless. That's what this story is about. Let's hear it. It's called Career Night for Little Hedgehog. Take it away, Grayson.

[Grayson]

Remember, there are no pictures. You'll have to imagine the pictures in your mind.

[Rhea Pechter]

You.

[Grayson]

You can imagine them however you want. Okay, Here we go.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog topped off his steaming mug of tea and took a seat at the table in his underground burrow. It was beautifully quiet. He enjoyed waking early at dusk and watching the last of the sun slip behind the hill through the small kitchen window. Oh, how he savored these silent, blissful minutes before night truly fell. He closed his eyes and took a sip of his tea.

[Little Hedgehog]

Hello, dad.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog sighed. Good morning, honey. His daughter, Little Hedgehog, stood very close to him with a triumphant and eager expression on her face. Much too triumphant and much too eager for this hour, Mr. Hedgehog thought to him. Up early, I see.

[Little Hedgehog]

I couldn't sleep. In fact, I don't think I slept at all.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog was skeptical this was true, but simply nodded. Nor did I, Mr. Hedgehog. I did not experience a single REM cycle the entire day. At the sound of his daughter's best friend's voice, Mr. Hedgehog raised a brow.

[Little Hedgehog]

Dad, there is another reason we are up early.

[Rhea Pechter]

Okay?

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe and I have prepared a performance.

[Rhea Pechter]

Okay? We prepared a compelling performance to coerce. I mean persuade you of something, Mr. Hedgehog. Okay. Mr. Hedgehog set down his mug of tea and crossed his paws over his chest. His tiny daughter and her best friend of all time crouched on the floor and nodded to one another. On three, they leapt into the air.

[Little Hedgehog]

Career Night.

[Rhea Pechter]

Career Night. Show your stuff on Career Night. Bring your typewriter to Career Night. Display your books at Career Night. As the two tiny hedgehogs did something close to singing, Little Hedgehog twirled and did some high kicks while Bebe stood in place and swayed light back and forth. Inspire the youth at Career Night. Will you be at Career Night? At this, the two friends spun in circles and ended with their paws thrown upwards. They held their positions for a beat, smiling. Mr. Hedgehog stifled a laugh. Finally, Little Hedgehog said, dad, will you.

[Little Hedgehog]

Please come to Career Night? Please? Please, will you? Dad? Please, will you?

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe followed up with Mr. Hedgehog. The next generation would benefit from your wisdom and guidance. Mr. Hedgehog took a sip of his tea. To understand how we got here to where Little Hedgehog and Bebe were pleading with Mr. Hedgehog to inspire the youths with his expertise as a successful nonfiction book author, we must go back in time to their previous night at school. Little Hedgehog and Bebe were paw painting in art class when the intercom crackled to life.

[Principal Petri Dish]

Attention, students. This is Principal Petri Dish.

[Rhea Pechter]

Immediately, the children's heads upturned to listen. Startled, several students made unfortunate swipes in their papers.

[Bebe]

Aw, man, I gave my prairie dog a mustache.

[Principal Petri Dish]

I have somewhat of a jarring announcement to make regarding our upcoming Career Night, which, as you know, is just two nights away.

[Rhea Pechter]

The students did know this, as they had been reminded of it theatrically several times by Ms. Swindletooth, the school activities director.

[Little Hedgehog]

Career Night.

[Principal Petri Dish]

The night when you dream of your path in life. It's almost here.

[Little Hedgehog]

Don't worry, friend.

[Rhea Pechter]

It's coming up around the beach. Anyway, everyone knew Career Night was approaching. It was one of the most anticipated nights of the school year as it introduced the children to a great variety of interesting occupations, livelihoods, and a number of worthwhile hobbies. In years past, Career Night had featured presentations by local grown ups with titles like the Life and Dreams of a Hydroponic Worm Farmer. How to make it as a Beekeeper, Homesteading Is it your Destiny? And a student favorite, How I Became a Professional Snail Taster. The lineup was always varied and fascinating, and the night usually went off without a hitch. So Principal Petridish's warning of a jarring announcement sent a ripple of disbelief through art class. Ms. Jazzy, the art teacher, put down her own paws, which were by then covered in green acrylic paint, and appeared up at the speaker in the corner of the room.

[Principal Petri Dish]

Unfortunately, we've had a number of ill timed cancellations by some of our most sought after presenters.

[Rhea Pechter]

It amounts to a sort of calamity.

[Principal Petri Dish]

Of coincidence, you might say. We were thrilled to schedule legendary opera singer Madame Turtledove.

[Bebe]

Oh, wow, what is opera?

[Principal Petri Dish]

But she reports having lost her voice due to the bite of A whisper bug. Her doctor expects her to make a full recovery, but she will be unable to sing or speak for several weeks. Another incredible professional we booked for Career Night was an alpaca dentist named Dr. Bilson Donnelly. Unfortunately, he was called away to do an emergency root canal on an alpaca named Smee o' Toole.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged an amused look.

[Principal Petri Dish]

Next, we received word from a ladybug circus trainer that her ladybugs had quit en masse due to what they described as unsafe conditions involving a spider. She reports being too distraught to encourage others to follow her career path. Incredibly, within the same hour, we received a call from the owner of a pet rock store saying he had filed for bankruptcy.

[Rhea Pechter]

The students giggled.

[Principal Petri Dish]

And finally, our most anticipated presenter, a world famous goat wrangler named Garson Whiplash, was offered a last minute coveted spot in a goat wrangling competition in Brazil after the original contestant came down with a case of food poisoning after eating tainted canned crickets.

[Bebe]

That's just like my uncle. Your uncle ate bad canned crickets? No, he's a goat wrangler.

[Rhea Pechter]

A great sense of unease fell over art class as the students contemplated what all these separate but temporally related cancellations would mean for Career Night. They wouldn't have to wonder for long because Principal Petri Dish went ahead and told them.

[Principal Petri Dish]

Students, we are now short a number of presenters. And while we're all very excited about our three remaining speakers, which include a chess piece whittler, a piano tuner, and a designer of bespoke socks, we'd prefer to have more variety. So with just one night to go, we are calling upon you, the youths, to help enlist speakers to join in on the Career Night fun.

[Rhea Pechter]

At this Little Hedgehog and Bebe clasped their teensy paws together.

[Principal Petri Dish]

When you get home, seek help from your parents in finding the most fascinating and available professionals to inspire you and your classmates to dream big.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, who should we coerce into? I mean, persuade to present?

[Rhea Pechter]

Let us make a list. Much to Ms. Jazzy's chagrin.

[Bebe]

Students, we're still in art class. I expect to see some cheerful little trees.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog, Bebe and a number of other students abandoned their paw paintings in favor of brainstorming speakers who could help save Career Night. Which brings us back to the moment when Little Hedgehog and Bebe approached Mr. Hedgehog.

[Little Hedgehog]

Please, dad, will you please come to Career Night? Please, please, please, Will you be our Career Night hero? Please, Dad?

[Rhea Pechter]

I would be happy to.

[Little Hedgehog]

Yay.

[Rhea Pechter]

But I have an important meeting with my Editor to discuss my latest book on the history of burrow construction. Oh, understood, Mr. Hedgehog. Bebe, what about your mom? I'm sure she could put together a compelling presentation about wilderness survival, Mr. Hedgehog said, sipping his tea. Indubitably, Mr. Hedgehog. However, tomorrow night my mother is already scheduled to lead a long awaited workshop entitled the Art of the Snare Cricket Capture for the masses.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ah, but we have lots of other speakers in mind, dad.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog nodded to her best friend and Bebe swiftly withdrew a paper scroll from behind her prickles. Little Hedgehog unfurled it and it went rolling across the floor several feet. Mr. Hedgehog peered at his tiny daughter and her best friend. He opened his mouth to ask a question, then closed it.

[Little Hedgehog]

The hedgehog who runs the snail pasta stand at the Forest Market.

[Rhea Pechter]

We believe his name is Eddie, but it might be Teddy. Uh, no. You cannot invite him to Career Night.

[Little Hedgehog]

Why not, dad?

[Rhea Pechter]

He could share his snail pasta. Nuggets of wisdom, Mr. Hedgehog. I don't even know him. Next.

[Little Hedgehog]

The rat who sweeps the steps of the museum.

[Rhea Pechter]

He has a great interest in hydroponic farming.

[Little Hedgehog]

I think his name is probably Clive.

[Rhea Pechter]

He did seem like a Clive. Next. Little Hedgehog and Bebe's scroll was long and they had scrawled many names and or descriptions of area animals in bright blue acrylic paint.

[Little Hedgehog]

The mail delivery rabbit.

[Rhea Pechter]

She is dutiful, Mr. Hedgehog. She dutifully delivers us the wrong mail on a weekly basis. Oh.

[Little Hedgehog]

One of the owls who provides security at the annual Hedgehog Roll.

[Rhea Pechter]

They sign no eat agreements, Mr. Hedgehog. Next. Hmm. Little Hedgehog and Bebe peered at the scroll, searching for the name of an animal that might be approved. How about someone we actually know?

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, great idea, dad.

[Rhea Pechter]

How does he do it? After some brainstorming, Mr. Hedgehog approved a list of three area grown ups that his tiny daughter and her best friend could invite to Career Night. The two small hedgehogs immediately went to find them.

[Little Hedgehog]

Hello.

[Rhea Pechter]

Greetings. Who is it? Came a muffled voice from the other side of the wooden treehouse door. Are you here with a crossword puzzle?

[Little Hedgehog]

It's Little Hedgehog, your neighbor from down the trail.

[Rhea Pechter]

And Bebe, your neighbor from round the bend.

[Little Hedgehog]

We once came to you for help.

[Rhea Pechter]

With our treehouse design, but our ideas were complicated and the door swung open to reveal a frazzled Ms. Jams, the award winning architect who Little Hedgehog and Bebe could not afford to hire to help with their treehouse construction, but who they still greatly admired. She eyed them warily. Oh, Yes, I remember you. The small beaked echidnas.

[Little Hedgehog]

Actually, we're Hedge.

[Rhea Pechter]

If you'll excuse me, I'm in the middle of a competitive game of Solitaire. So. Ms. Jams began to close the door, but Bebe stuck her foot in it.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ugh.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Jams, we just need a single minute of your time.

[Little Hedgehog]

Less than a minute. 20 seconds.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Jams crossed her paws over her chest.

[Little Hedgehog]

Our career night at school is in jeopardy.

[Rhea Pechter]

The only speakers we have are a chess piece whittler, a piano tuner, and a designer of bespoke socks. Ms. Jams raised her brow.

[Little Hedgehog]

It's tomorrow night, and please will you present. Please, please, will you?

[Rhea Pechter]

The students will be greatly inspired by your award winning architectural endeavors.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ms.

[Rhea Pechter]

Jams nearly cracked a smile. But only nearly. Children, I do appreciate the invitation.

[Little Hedgehog]

Yay.

[Rhea Pechter]

I also agree that I would inspire your classmates. However, tomorrow evening, I am to be presented with the distinguished Spiral Tree Staircase Award. It was not until that very moment that Little Hedgehog and Bebe noticed Ms. Jams many awards glittering in a case behind her. But they only got a quick look because Ms. Jams shut the door. Goodbye, children. Next, the two friends climbed a tree. It was the only way to reach their next target. I mean, the next esteemed professional. Approved for invitation by Mr. Hedgehog. Greetings. Bebe questioned, climbing onto a branch midway up the pine. Hello, Little Hedgehog called, struggling for a foothold on the branch below. All they heard was the whistle of the wind through the night forest.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, are you sure this is the right.

[Grayson]

Prickly children?

[Rhea Pechter]

Came a small voice. Is that you, little hedgehog? And Bebe smiled, prickle to prickle. Bebe helped Little Hedgehog scramble up to the next branch. And together they crept along it until a magnificent spiderweb came into view. It was tethered between two branches, and it glistened in the moonlight. In the very center, looking completely at ease, was Little Hedgehog and Bebe's babysitter, Ms. Estelle.

[Little Hedgehog]

Wow. Ms. Estelle, your web is beautiful this evening.

[Rhea Pechter]

It is truly a work of art.

[Grayson]

Thank you. I suppose it is pleasing to the eye. Of course. I always aim for function over form, children.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Indubitably, Ms. Estelle skittered across the web and onto the branch where her enormous hedgehog charges stood, clasping their paws together.

[Grayson]

Tell me succinctly, prickly Children, what brings you here at the midnight hour?

[Little Hedgehog]

Well, it's a funny story that begins.

[Rhea Pechter]

With a legendary opera singer and continues with a ladybug, circus trainer.

[Grayson]

And succinctly Children it is crucial to learn how to reach one's point.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Understood.

[Little Hedgehog]

In that case, we'd love for you to speak at our school's Career Night tomorrow evening.

[Rhea Pechter]

You would surely inspire the youths with your thoroughly researched, empirically sound method of caring for young creatures. It was very dark, given that it was in the middle of the night. Ms. Estelle was very small, given that she was a spider. But Little Hedgehog and Bebe each separately believed they could just barely make out the smile that crossed her face.

[Grayson]

Prickly children.

[Rhea Pechter]

Yes, that is us.

[Grayson]

Tomorrow evening.

[Rhea Pechter]

Yes, that is the date.

[Grayson]

I am babysitting a turtle baby named Finnegan. Oh, excuse me for one moment. That's my telephone.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Fascinating. Ms. Estelle skittered along the branch and plucked up the receiver.

[Grayson]

Hello? Yes, this is she.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe, Little Hedgehog whispered. Yes?

[Little Hedgehog]

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

[Rhea Pechter]

That while it is extremely disappointing that Ms. Estelle cannot present at Career Night.

[Little Hedgehog]

Right. Right.

[Rhea Pechter]

The mental image of a turtle baby named Finnegan is so overwhelmingly adorable that.

[Little Hedgehog]

We cannot possibly be upset.

[Grayson]

Thank you for your patience. That was the mother of a baby pig named Honey Bun I'll be meeting in three days time.

[Little Hedgehog]

Aw.

[Grayson]

I wish I could help you with your special evening. Perhaps next year.

[Rhea Pechter]

And so, with their hearts warmed, the two friends climbed down from the tree.

[Little Hedgehog]

Have a lovely evening, Miss Estelle.

[Rhea Pechter]

Be well. And scampered into the night forest. There was one more name on their list, but Little Hedgehog and Bebe were not entirely sure about it. They stood near his home, thinking it over.

[Little Hedgehog]

What exactly does he do, BB I.

[Rhea Pechter]

Am not certain he could speak about his hobby. He seems to have a lot to say on that topic.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, that's true.

[Rhea Pechter]

Let's go for it. They scampered up to the door and gave it a good knock. There was no answer. They tried several more times, to no avail. The two friends frowned slightly, feeling the possibility of contributing to the rescue of Career Night slipping through their tiny paws. Then Little Hedgehog said brightly, I know.

[Little Hedgehog]

Let's leave a note.

[Rhea Pechter]

I think you are a genius. Bebe helpfully provided a fountain pen, an index card, and a thumbtack from her satchel.

[Little Hedgehog]

You're always prepared, Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

I try. Together, they worked on a message.

[Little Hedgehog]

What do you think about the word galvanize?

[Rhea Pechter]

Use it, Bebe.

[Little Hedgehog]

Should this be number 13 or number 14?

[Rhea Pechter]

Probably number 13, but I don't think the number is necessary.

[Little Hedgehog]

Okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog wrote the note in looping longhand. There, she said, affixing it to the door.

[Little Hedgehog]

What do you Think, Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

I think the 17 exclamation points are a nice touch.

[Little Hedgehog]

Do you think he'll come? Bebe, we don't have any more grown ups in our pre approved list.

[Rhea Pechter]

I do not know, but we've done all we can. Little Hedgehog and her best friend nodded solemnly, then scampered into the night. The following evening, Little Hedgehog woke up early to select the perfect outfit for Career Night. In one of Ms. Swindletooth's musical intercom announcements, she'd encouraged the children to dress for the jobs of their dreams.

[Principal Petri Dish]

Dress for the job you want or for the job you need.

[Rhea Pechter]

So Little Hedgehog went off to school wearing workout shorts, a tank top, a sweatband on her forehead, and leg warmers.

[Little Hedgehog]

I'm a dance choreographer, dad.

[Rhea Pechter]

Okay, have a good night, sweetie. On the way to school, she met up with Bebe, who wore a beekeeper suit and had a helmet tucked under an arm.

[Little Hedgehog]

Nice, Bebe. I was wondering which job outfit you would go with.

[Rhea Pechter]

I was torn for eight minutes because there are so many paths I could pursue in life, but many do not have specific outfits associated with them. For example, I could not figure out how to dress like an accountant.

[Little Hedgehog]

Makes total sense.

[Rhea Pechter]

And dollars.

[Little Hedgehog]

Good one, B.B. i wonder if her note worked.

[Rhea Pechter]

There is only one way to find out. The moment of truth fell upon them in the courtyard at school when the students and teachers assembled for Career Night. The students were dressed in a great variety of outfits. There was a frog wearing medical scrubs, a rabbit in a chef's hat, a raccoon wearing steel toed boots.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog whispered as they took their seats in the fourth row.

[Little Hedgehog]

What do you think of Melvin is dressed as?

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe studied the young badger for a beat. Judging by the tweed jacket with elbow patches and the miner's helmet.

[Little Hedgehog]

Yes.

[Rhea Pechter]

And the vial of soil he is holding.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, I didn't even see that.

[Rhea Pechter]

I would say a professor of tunnel archaeology.

[Little Hedgehog]

Wow.

[Rhea Pechter]

Attention students, said Principal Petri Dish at the microphone. Welcome to Forest Little School's annual Career Night. We're pleased to welcome tonight's speakers. Little Hedgehog and Bebe peered at the unfamiliar animals standing behind their principal.

[Little Hedgehog]

Do you see him, Bebe?

[Rhea Pechter]

I do not.

[Little Hedgehog]

What if our note was blown away.

[Rhea Pechter]

Or eaten by a silver fish? Or please give a warm greeting to Chess piece Whittler Prescott Knightly top piano tuner Melody Turnstile, Bespoke sock designer Darnington Argyll Legume Counter Philip Beansworth, document wrangler Excella Skunk, and Principal Petri Dish glanced at the line of speakers. It seems our final speaker has not yet. Just then, the doors to the courtyard burst open and a tallish hedgehog strode in wearing bright red knee socks and carrying a cricket on his shoulder. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged an extremely significant look, and Principal Petri Dish went on personal kettlebell trainer Cecil Hedgehog, accompanied by his cricket Jemaine. 13.

[Little Hedgehog]

You were right, Bebe. It was number 13.

[Rhea Pechter]

It was a lucky guess. Although I do wonder what happened to number 12. Hmm, what does she mean, number 13?

[Bebe]

Cecil?

[Principal Petri Dish]

Never you mind, Jermaine.

[Rhea Pechter]

Never you mind. The career night speeches were captivating. Melody turnstile gripped the audience of students by tuning the piano Ms. Swindletooth helped wheeled into the courtyard. Prescott Knightley Top gave the long and meandering story of how he became a premier chess piece whittler.

[Bebe]

It all began at the Junior Beavers chess tournament in Whimsilby Forest 27 years ago.

[Rhea Pechter]

Darnington Argyll, the bespoke sock designer, took the measurements of a young lizard and swiftly knitted him a pair of st socks as he inspired the youths.

[Bebe]

Ill fitting socks cause immeasurable troubles. The world needs more sock designers so that there may be more properly fitted socks. If I can inspire just one of you to follow in my footsteps, or should I say sock steps? Well, then, I've done my job.

[Rhea Pechter]

And excelis Skunk document wrangler relaxed everyone with a calming speech about the beauty of spreadsheets. That was Bebe's favorite presentation. But there were two standouts beloved by all. One was the professional legume counter, who gave a rousing presentation detailing which legumes he'd recently counted.

[Bebe]

Last week, I counted 437 lentils. Lentils of several varieties. Red lentils, yellow lentils, as well as a scattering of green lentils.

[Rhea Pechter]

Wow, that is so many lentils.

[Bebe]

I counted 783 fava beans, 35 navy beans, 1,003 garbanzo beans, also called chickpeas, in common parlance. Um, excuse me, Mr. Beansworth. Yes? Did you count any peanuts? What a delightful question. Indeed. I counted 237 peanuts. As this highly advanced young porcupine here implied just now. Peanuts are, in fact, legumes.

[Rhea Pechter]

The other standout was Cecil Hedgehog, who performed a kettlebell exercise routine. And 1 and 2 and lift and lift. And 1 and 2 and.

[Grayson]

Wow, that looks heavy.

[Bebe]

My aunt Jeanette is super into kettlebells.

[Rhea Pechter]

Meantime, his cricket GE13 perched on the microphone and spoke to the crowd.

[Bebe]

As you can see, Cecil is the ideal personal trainer for all your kettlebell needs. As for me. I run my own small business. I offer personalized book recommendations as I am interested in all genres of books and I have encyclopedic knowledge on them. For example, for example, if you're in the mood for a mystery novel for.

[Rhea Pechter]

A small little hedgehog and Bebe watched their neighbor and his tiny cricket friend and had their hearts warmed by the fact that they'd helped make Career Night a success. It was a truly wonderful and inspiring night.

[Little Hedgehog]

Foreign.

[Rhea Pechter]

I hope you loved the story and I hope you have fun dreaming up what might be in your own future. Little Stories for Tiny People is written, performed and produced by me. Rhea Pechter, my in house Tech Director. Peter K runs my website and puts my stories in the Internet for all of you to enjoy. Thank you to my Little Stories Premium subscribers for supporting my work. If you'd like to get more of the stories you love, access to Little Stories for Sleep, an exclusive bedtime podcast and ad free listening. Join or gift a subscription by visiting littlestoriespremium.com thank you to Grayson for the super important reminder message at the beginning and thank you to the many Premium subscribers who supplied sound effects used in this story. Thank you to Livia, Frieda, June, Ari, Eli Luna, Fiona Ivy, Ted Posey, Audrey Lennon, Stella, Wesley, Nova, Lawson and Yoav. And thank you as always for listening in.

[Little Hedgehog]

SA.