Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2025: A Story for Kids

Summary

Little Stories for Tiny People: “Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2025: A Story for Kids” – Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and Bedtime Stories for Kids
Host/Author: Rhea Pechter
Episode Title: Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2025: A Story for Kids
Release Date: January 1, 2025

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Introduction

The episode begins with Rhea Pechter welcoming listeners to "Little Stories for Tiny People." Shortly after the introduction, an unexpected visitor—a zebra—arrives at Rhea’s studio seeking directions to the nearest watering hole. This whimsical interruption sets a playful tone for the story to follow.

Notable Quote:

[00:09] Rhea Pechter: Well, that's only the second zebra that's ever come to my studio.

The Staring Contest and the Polka Dot Eye

Rhea reminisces about last year's story, "Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon," before introducing today's tale titled "Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2025." The story centers around Little Hedgehog, her best friend Bebe, and a memorable staring contest that leads to an unexpected challenge.

Key Points:

• Characters Introduced: Little Hedgehog, Bebe, Little Guy (a pet chameleon), and Mr. Hedgehog (Little Hedgehog’s father).
• Event Trigger: During a knitting session for Little Guy, Bebe suggests a staring contest. Despite Little Hedgehog’s efforts, Bebe effortlessly wins after 11.3 seconds.
• Unexpected Revelation: Bebe remarks, “[03:35] Bebe: My eyes are like a desert. You win,” followed by concerns about Little Hedgehog’s eye condition called "polka dot eye."

Notable Quote:

[03:35] Bebe: My eyes are like a desert. You win.

Journey to Dr. Dan

After discovering Little Hedgehog has "polka dot eye," Mr. Hedgehog takes her to Dr. Dan for a diagnosis. The journey reveals the challenges they face with the local veterinary services, all of which are unavailable or out sick, leading them to Dr. Dan, who provides a straightforward yet serious diagnosis.

Key Points:

• Diagnosis: Dr. Dan prescribes eye drops and a fashionable lavender eye patch, emphasizing that the condition should clear up in five days.
• Impact on Bebe: Despite the diagnosis, Bebe reveals her excitement about New Year's Noon activities, particularly a "rolling strategy" she has been preparing for.

Notable Quote:

[07:21] Bebe: I love eye drops.

Preparation for New Year's Noon Celebration

As the day progresses, Little Hedgehog, Bebe, and Mr. Hedgehog prepare for the annual New Year's Noon celebration in the Great Clearing. Bebe's enthusiasm contrasts with Little Hedgehog's concerns about her depth perception due to the eye patch.

Key Points:

• Activities: Knitting outfits for Little Guy, creating posters with encouraging messages, and participating in various events like guessing games and auctions.
• Community Engagement: The clearing is bustling with hedgehogs dressed in vibrant outfits, participating in performances, and engaging in friendly competitions.

Notable Quote:

[11:03] Bebe: Bebe, I'm so glad we made these posters.

Events at the Great Clearing

The Great Clearing serves as the central hub for the New Year's Noon festivities, featuring performances by skunks, auctions for friends, and the highly anticipated Hedgehog Roll. Bebe's determination to participate despite her lack of depth perception becomes a central theme.

Key Points:

• Friend Auction: A unique event where hedgehogs auction off friendships for crickets, highlighting themes of community and cooperation.
• Hedgehog Roll Preparation: Mr. Hedgehog coaches his daughter on the rolling techniques, emphasizing gentle hops to avoid injuries.

Notable Quote:

[18:35] Mr. Hedgehog: Welcome, one and all, to our very first friend auction.

The Hedgehog Roll and Bebe's Ingenious Plan

As the main event unfolds, Bebe mysteriously disappears, akin to the earlier escaped scorpion, sparking concern among the group. The Hedgehog Roll commences with hedgehogs rolling down the hill in various styles. Bebe's absence heightens the tension until her unexpected participation captivates everyone.

Key Points:

• Bebe's Disappearance: Raises suspense and introduces a moment of worry, reflecting themes of friendship and bravery.
• Unexpected Roll: Bebe defies expectations by rolling down the hill sideways, a method she ingeniously developed despite lacking the natural rolling gene.
• Resolution: Bebe presents a certificate for completing an official rolling training course, symbolizing her resilience and the power of determination.

Notable Quotes:

[24:22] Bebe: Bebe has absconded like the scorpion.
[30:11] Mr. Hedgehog: No.

Conclusion and Resolutions

The story concludes with Bebe's successful participation in the Hedgehog Roll, showcasing her ability to overcome physical limitations through creativity and perseverance. The group celebrates the new year with renewed spirits and strengthened friendships, underscoring the episode's central messages of community, resilience, and the joy of overcoming challenges together.

Key Points:

• Certificate Presentation: Validates Bebe's efforts and her innovative rolling technique.
• Emotional Closure: Little Hedgehog and Mr. Hedgehog express heartfelt gratitude towards Bebe, reinforcing the value of true friendship.
• Final Reflections: Despite ongoing concerns about Little Hedgehog's eye condition, the day ends on a high note, celebrating a perfect start to the new year.

Notable Quote:

[30:14] Bebe: I'm officially cheered up. Bebe, you are the best friend a hedgehog could ever have.

Themes and Insights

• Friendship and Support: The strong bond between Little Hedgehog and Bebe highlights the importance of having supportive friends during challenging times.
• Resilience and Innovation: Bebe’s inventive rolling technique exemplifies how creativity and determination can overcome physical limitations.
• Community and Cooperation: The bustling activities in the Great Clearing emphasize the strength found in community engagement and cooperative efforts.

Conclusion

“Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2025” is a heartwarming tale that blends whimsy with meaningful life lessons. Through engaging characters and imaginative storytelling, Rhea Pechter crafts a narrative that delights children and adults alike, fostering a sense of community, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship.

Notable Final Quote:

[30:26] Mr. Hedgehog: No matter. It was still a wonderful day and a perfect beginning to a new year.

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This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, capturing all key points, discussions, and the emotional journey of the characters. Whether you're familiar with the podcast or not, this overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the delightful story shared in "Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2025."

Transcript

[Rhea Pechter]

This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. Oh, it's so cold in here. Let me just strike up a fire in my fireplace there. Oh, someone's at the door. Hello? Oh, hi. Uh huh. Um, I could try. Hold on just one sec. Cause I'm kind of in the middle of something. No, it's okay. I'll be right back. So there's a zebra at my studio door and he wants directions to the closest watering hole. So this will just take a minute. Let me just. I'll be right back. Okay, so you're gonna go to the end of this hallway, hang a left. Uh huh. Then take a right out the front door. Then you'll head west for about 11.3 miles and you can't miss it. Yeah, sure thing. Bye. Well, that was odd. That's only the second zebra that's ever come to my studio. You know, that reminds me of my Little Hedgehogs New Year's noon story from last year. That was fun. Anywho, I can't remember what story I'm sharing today. Let me just flip through this enormous stack of papers. What? You're not going to believe this in an astonishing coincidence. The story I have for you today is about New Year's noon. There are no zebras this year. Let's get to it. It's called Little Hedgehog's New Year's noon 2025. Take it away, Riley.

[Riley]

Remember, there are no pictures. You have to imagine the pictures in your mind. You can imagine them however you want. Okay, here we go.

[Rhea Pechter]

It all started with a staring contest. Little Hedgehog and Bebe, her best friend of all time, were in Little Hedgehog's underground burrow knitting garments for Little Guy. Little Hedgehog's pet chameleon.

[Bebe]

Little Guy, you are going to look so cute at New Year's noon with your new sweater and.

[Rhea Pechter]

And your new booties.

[Bebe]

Yay.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Yay. When Little Hedgehog said Bebe.

[Bebe]

Now that little guy is dressed, I was thinking we should do a staring contest.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I have an unblemished winning record of staring contests. I never lose.

[Bebe]

I just wanna see how long I can hold on.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two best friends sat down on the floor and and faced each other.

[Bebe]

3, 2, 1.

[Rhea Pechter]

Stare. Little hedgehog and her best friend stared into one another's eyes, trying not to blink. Well, Little Hedgehog tried not to blink. Bebe didn't need to try. She could go hours without blinking if need be. After 11.3 seconds, little hedgehog exclaimed.

[Bebe]

My eyes are like a desert. You win.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe they both giggled. Then Bebe said something completely unexpected. Little Hedgehog, I did not want to.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Tell you this 15.3 seconds ago because it might have ruined our contest, but.

[Rhea Pechter]

I believe you have polka dot eye. Little Hedgehog ran out of her bedroom with Bebe trailing behind her and went straight for the tea cat kettle. She leaned in and stared at her warped reflection.

[Bebe]

I look funny in this kettle, Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe leaned over. As do I.

[Bebe]

But also. You're right, Bebe. I have the dreaded polka dot eye.

[Rhea Pechter]

Polka dot eye was a notoriously contagious illness that caused itching, swelling and the appearance of small reddish purplish speckles to appear on the eyeball. It was a common ailment among young hedgehogs and elder elephant shrews. But I should really let a doctor.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Take it from here because as soon.

[Rhea Pechter]

As Mr. Hedgehog got a look at his tiny daughter's right eye, that's exactly where he took her. Bebe insisted on tagging along.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I did make the preliminary diagnosis, Mr. Hedgehog. All right, come on.

[Rhea Pechter]

When they reached Dr. Ratzburger's office, they learned that the good doctor was away at a conference. She's a highly sought after speaker, said the stylish ferret at the front desk, mostly on the topic of stinging nettles. Alright, Mr. Hedgehog said. Is Dr. Mousburger available? Unfortunately, Dr. Mousburger is out sick with Popsicle fever. Let's see, let's see. The ferret said, checking her notes. Give me one second. The ferret picked up the phone and pressed a button. Nancy, is Dr. Skunksberger in? Oh, I see. What about Dr. Cheeseburger? A pond cruise? Didn't he just take a vacation? How about Dr. Weaselberger? You're kidding. Okay, well, I have a darling little porcupine here with polka dot eye and. Oh yes, that's great. I'll send them up in a minute. So, unfortunately, Dr. Rat's Burger, Dr. Mouse Burger, Dr. Skunksburger, Dr. Cheeseburger and Dr. Weaselberger are all out today, if you can believe it. Is there a doctor we can see? Mr. Hedgehog said, Absolutely. Head on up to the second floor. You're meeting with Dr. Dan. Dr. Dan was surprisingly straightforward.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yep, that's polka dot IO, right. Oh, okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog said he was caught off guard by how simple a diagnosis this was, given his other experiences at this office.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Give her these eye drops every four hours. The polka dots may get worse for a few days and there could be some, you know, gunk in There. That's a technical term.

[Rhea Pechter]

Dr. Dan did not smile when he said this, so it was difficult to tell whether it was a joke.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

But they should clear up within five.

[Rhea Pechter]

Days, Dr. Dan said, handing Mr. Hedgehog a tiny bottle.

[Bebe]

I love eye drops.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog exclaimed. I enjoy the challenge.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Eyedrops present. And you'll need to wear this eye patch.

[Rhea Pechter]

Swiftly, Dr. Dan fastened a little eye patch round Little Hedgehog's head. It was lavender and looked quite fashionable.

[Bebe]

Wow. I love my eye patch.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog chuckled. Bebe grinned.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Just keep that on for the next five days. Also, do some eye stretches like this.

[Rhea Pechter]

Dr. Dan squinted, then opened his eyes widely, then repeated this several times.

[Bebe]

I love stretches. Yay.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yay. Okay, thank you, Doctor. Sure thing. Y'all have any plans coming up?

[Bebe]

We've been knitting outfits for my pet chameleon little guy. I want to make him a scarf that he can toss casually over his shoulder.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I would like to make him a briefcase. Sounds exciting, kids.

[Rhea Pechter]

The three hedgehogs moved towards the door. Then Little Hedgehog remembered something very thrilling.

[Bebe]

Oh, and we're going to New Year's noon in two days, and I can't wait to implement my new rolling strategy.

[Rhea Pechter]

Dr. Dan had been scribbling notes on a clipboard. He glanced up at his small patient.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

New rolling strategy?

[Bebe]

I've been practicing nightly for 23 days. I mean, weeks.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Dr. Dan frowned. Oh, you're not going to be able to do any rolling. Oh, Mr. Hedgehog said, with the eyepatch, your daughter won't have the necessary depth perception for that type of thing. Depth perception?

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a significant astonished look.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yeah, depth perception. You don't have it, kid. No rolling for you.

[Rhea Pechter]

The entire way home, Little Hedgehog tried to reason her way out of this shocking situation.

[Bebe]

But, dad, isn't my eye looking better?

[Rhea Pechter]

She said, lifting her eyepatch.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

It looks worse than 20 minutes ago.

[Bebe]

Maybe I can take off my eyepatch.

[Rhea Pechter]

Just for the animal Hedgehog roll. It's just this one time you have to miss. She kept trying.

[Bebe]

Please, dad. What if I envelop myself in bubble wrap?

[Rhea Pechter]

But Mr. Hedgehog never budged. Meanwhile, Bebe scampered along beside them, listening with half an ear, developing a plan of her own. It was truly a marvelous plan. A surprising plan. A plan sure to cheer up her disappointed best friend. Her plan was this. She was going to. I'm just kidding. I can't tell you that. It would ruin the surprise. Two days later, just after dawn, little hedgehog, Bebe, and Mr. Hedgehog scampered through the forest to the Great Clearing, the site of the annual New Year's noon celebrations. The two friends carried large posters that read, keep going, you're on a roll and Keep calm and roll on. Mr. Hedgehog carried a little guy who was dressed warmly in his custom made knitted hat, booties, and scarf carry casually tossed over one shoulder.

[Bebe]

Bebe, I'm so glad we made these posters. I'll at least feel like I'm being a good cheerleader to all the hedgehogs.

[Rhea Pechter]

Who have depth perception, little Hedgehog said, straightening her eye patch with a free paw. Indeed. I'm sure they will appreciate the number.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Of stickers we included.

[Rhea Pechter]

As the hedgehogs made their way closer to their destination, the trail filled up with more and more hedgehogs, all heading the same way. Some were dressed in tracksuits, some were bundled in coats. A few carried pets such as crickets they did not intend to eat on their shoulders. Dozens and dozens of hedgehogs spilled onto the trail, filling the early morning forest air with the sound of leaves rustling beneath tiny feet. After all, it was the biggest event of the year. Mr. Hedgehog noticed Bebe was speeding up, and he worried he might lose sight of her in the crowd.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Hey, Bebe, why are you scampering so fast? What's the rush?

[Rhea Pechter]

B.B. slowed her pace.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

My apologies, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Rhea Pechter]

I have been donning ankle weights and wearing them to school for the past.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Three weeks to approximate the experience of being beset with exhaustion. In preparation for the upcoming trip my mother and I are taking.

[Rhea Pechter]

In five weeks time, we will be.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Traversing a temperate rainforest.

[Rhea Pechter]

Okay.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Without my ankle weights, my scamper speed has increased by at least 37%.

[Bebe]

Wow, Bebe, that's impressive.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Thank you, though it is entirely reproducible.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog, you are welcome to borrow.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

My ankle weights when I am done with the program.

[Rhea Pechter]

Thanks, Bebe. I'll consider that all of that about the training with the ankle weights was absolutely true, of course. But also, Bebe simply could not wait to enact her marvelous plan. It is difficult to fully capture the sense of excitement and electric energy buzzing around the big clearing where hundreds and hundreds of hedgehogs milled about in the first hours of the morning. Owls, who had signed no eat agreements perched as sentries in the surrounding trees, watching for possible danger. There were stages set up at different spots in the large clearing, hosting various performances. Magicians, singers, dance troupes. Every so often, an announcement filtered down from speakers placed in trees.

[Riley]

Will the owner of a box turtle named Fred, please move your turtle. He has fallen asleep and is currently blocking our medical car.

[Rhea Pechter]

There is a sense of possibility in the air, as if anything could happen. Little Hedgehog, I am noticing that the sky is currently the exact color of your eye patch.

[Bebe]

I planned that, Bebe. You know how I love color coordination.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two friends giggled.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Huh, lots of new stuff this year.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog remarked. Little guy sat on his shoulder, prickles glancing around in wide eyed wonderment.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Step right up, kids, and guess how many scorpions are in this jar.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog, little hedgehog and Bebe turned to see a snappily dressed, smallish hedgehog inside a little booth. An enormous jar, apparently filled with scorpions, sat on the booth's counter.

[Bebe]

Dad, can we.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Can we get.

[Bebe]

So many scorpions are in that jar.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Mr. Hedgehog, I am extremely good at this type of challenge. Okay, I guess that's fine.

[Rhea Pechter]

Just keep your distance. The hedgehog behind the booth pressed a button as they approached. Guess how many.

[Announcer]

Guess.

[Riley]

Guess how many. How many scorpions are in the jar? How many scorpions are in the jar?

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Hey kids, ready to guess how many scorpions are in this jar?

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog, you go first.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I need several seconds to finish my calculations.

[Bebe]

Okay.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

The jar, that's secure, right?

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog said, peering at the scorpions, who were climbing over one another a bit energetically.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yeah, sure.

[Rhea Pechter]

The hedgehog said without any real confidence. I have my answer.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Go ahead, kid.

[Bebe]

29 scorpions.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Good guess.

[Announcer]

Yay.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

But no.

[Rhea Pechter]

Hmm.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Alright. What about you, kid?

[Rhea Pechter]

The hedgehog said, turning to Bebe. BB watched with mild alarm as a scorpion lifted the lid of the jar, scrambled down the side of it and skittered out of sight behind the booth.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

As of 60 seconds ago, there were.

[Rhea Pechter]

Precisely 34 scorpions inside the jar.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

However, recently, within the last 15 seconds, one scorpion escaped from the jar.

[Rhea Pechter]

There are now 33. The snappily dressed hedgehog's eyes went wide.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

What? That's impossible.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe, is that true? Mr. Hedgehog said, scowling as he searched the area.

[Bebe]

Dad, Bebe is never wrong about things like this.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog said solemnly. I believe that absconded scorpion could present.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

A significant risk to. Uh. Look, kid, you must be seeing things. I assure you, my eyes are just. Nah, kid, look. Game's over here. Take this prize and get lost. I mean, have a great time.

[Rhea Pechter]

The snappily dressed hedgehog hastily dug an allen wrench out of his pocket and handed it to Bebe, then pulled a roller curtain down, blocking the booth from view. After Mr. Hedgehog reported the missing Scorpion to an uninterested looking security toad.

[Riley]

You mean you want the scorpion return to you, sir?

[Rhea Pechter]

No, I would like it caught and dealt with.

[Riley]

Sure thing.

[Rhea Pechter]

No problem. They all headed to the main stage to see a performance by a group of skunks.

[Riley]

Give it up for the Stinky Sopranos. Seriously, you better clap or else.

[Rhea Pechter]

It was a strange, vaguely threatening performance. To spray or not to spray is the question, which everyone applauded thoroughly. Next, little Hedgehog tried to get permission to participate in the bullfrog race.

[Bebe]

Dad, I'll be riding on the back of a competent bullfrog.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

They seem Highly competent, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Bebe]

I won't even need depth perception.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

No.

[Rhea Pechter]

Then they moseyed over to the auction taking place on the secondary stage.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Welcome, one and all, to our very first friend auction. You heard that right. We are auctioning off the best friends money and crickets can buy. Up first is Billy P. Goat. Billy, tell the crowd a little about yourself.

[Riley]

Well, I'll eat anything, so if we go out to lunch, you can pick the restaurant.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

What a guy. You hear that? What a guy. Who wouldn't want to be friends with Billy P. Goat. Am I right? I'll pass.

[Rhea Pechter]

One hedgehog said loudly. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a look.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

We'll start the bidding at 5 crickets. For just 5 crickets, you can be friends with Billy P. Goat. Just five crickets. Do I hear five crickets?

[Riley]

Five crickets.

[Rhea Pechter]

Yelled a hedgehog wearing a green kerchief around his neck.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Billy P. Let's sweeten the deal. Tell the crowd what kinds of things you've done for friends in the past.

[Riley]

Last year, I helped my friend replace a light bulb. Plus, I ate the old one so he did not have to dispose of it.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Now that's a good friend. Do I hear six crickets? Just six crickets. To be friends with Billy P. Six crickets.

[Rhea Pechter]

It went on like this for quite some time, until finally, after it was revealed that Billy P. Once tuned a friend's piano, the bidding rocketed upwards.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Going once, going twice. Sold the very low price of 37 crickets.

[Rhea Pechter]

Phoebe, I'd give all my crickets to.

[Bebe]

Have a friend like you.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Thankfully, we can save simply share our crickets. No payment necessary.

[Rhea Pechter]

By the time the friend auction ended and five new pairs of friends headed off to have lunch and help each other with things like getting rides to the airport, it was nearly midday.

[Bebe]

Phoebe. I can't believe the morning passed so quickly. Can you believe it?

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I cannot.

[Riley]

All rollers should make their way to the big Hill to prepare for the annual Hedgehog Roll. Also, all medical personnel, please report to Booth 932 to address an alleged incident involving a scorpion. Everyone else can disregard that particular message, aside from medical personnel who should pay close attention and immediately make your way to booth 932.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little hedgehog, Mr. Hedgehog, Bebe and even Little Guy exchanged significant looks. But it was time for the main event. They all scampered towards the big hill. On the way, they passed a tough hedgehog trainer giving his protege some last minute advice.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Remember, I want to see head hopping, okay? That's our strategy.

[Rhea Pechter]

Remind me what that means, Coach.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

You hop from hedgehog head to hedgehog head. I want to see gentle hops, no injuries. I could get in trouble if.

[Rhea Pechter]

Nevermind.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Look, you hop, land on somebody's head for barely a second. Hop again all the way down the hill.

[Rhea Pechter]

What about rolling?

[Riley]

I thought we were supposed to.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

You want to get down there first, don't you? Uh, I guess so.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog turned to her best friend.

[Bebe]

Bebe.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yes, Little Hedgehog?

[Bebe]

Hearing that tough trainer, it did make me feel a bit disappointed that I can't roll this year.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog touched a paw to her lavender eyepatch.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Well, maybe something will happen that will cheer you up.

[Bebe]

Maybe.

[Rhea Pechter]

Alright, girls.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

This spot looks as good as any.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog said, stopping midway down the big hill.

[Bebe]

Perfect, dad.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

This is an Excellent choice, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Rhea Pechter]

You will both have a good view of.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Never mind.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog did not notice Bebe trailing off mid sentence. He also did not notice her silently sneaking away. He was focused on his daughter who had lifted her eyepatch. She was staring into the middle distance, squinting repeatedly.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Whatcha doing there, honey?

[Bebe]

Just doing my eye stretches, dad.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog said with a giggle. Mr. Hedgehog chuckled. Many other hedgehogs were also doing their stretches, leg stretches, to prepare for the annual Hedgehog Roll. There was a large throng of such hedgehogs at the peak of the hill, readying themselves for the big event.

[Riley]

Rollers, take your positions. It's time for the annual Hedgehog Roll to commence. Also, if there are any additional medical personnel available, please proceed to Booth 37 to deal with an additional alleged incident involving a scorpion.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog turned to her best friend with sparkling eyes in order to share an enthusiastic, significant look. But Bebe was nowhere in sight.

[Bebe]

Dad, where is bebe?

[Rhea Pechter]

Huh? Mr. Hedgehog said, looking around from his shoulder wrapped in his cozy scarf. Little Guy, who I had definitely not forgotten was there until this very moment, also glanced around, blinking his big eyes.

[Bebe]

Bebe has absconded like the scorpion.

[Rhea Pechter]

It was true. Bebe had absconded in similar fashion to the scorpion, although she was far less dangerous. Except two crickets, which were no match for her expertly crafted snares. But that's not really relevant to this story. The countdown began.

[Announcer]

10. 9.

[Bebe]

Dad. Where could she be?

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog exclaimed as hundreds of hedgehogs curled themselves into prickly balls at the top of the hill.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I'm sure she's fine.

[Rhea Pechter]

This is the same kid who goes on quarterly survival expeditions. She'll turn up. Little Hedgehog reluctantly held up her sign that read, keep going, you're on a roll. Still using her one good eye to search for her best friend.

[Announcer]

3. 2. 1. Happy New Year.

[Rhea Pechter]

Under the glowing midday sun, hundreds of hedgehogs spilled down from the top of of the big hill, creating the effect of a wave of prickles catching the light. Some of them rolled in such tight coils that their heads were nowhere to be seen. Others toppled, head over feet, cackling as they went. Still others employed the latest tough training advice to hop from hedgehog head to hedgehog head to varied effect. Ow.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Watch it, buddy.

[Rhea Pechter]

The main pack of rollers passed, hurtling towards the bottom of the hill, followed by a slower, more deliberate group that included elder hedgehogs, cautious hedgehogs, and Bebe.

[Bebe]

Dad. Dad. That's Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

But it couldn't be Bebe, could it? If you recall, the rolling gene did not run in Bebe's family.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

My mom says our family does not.

[Rhea Pechter]

Have the rolling gene, but miraculously, it was BB.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Huh. Didn't see that one coming, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Rhea Pechter]

Said with a yawn. He and his daughter and his daughter's delightful pet chameleon watched as Bebe rolled past them down the big hill. She did not roll in the traditional head over feet fashion, but sideways without being curled up at all. It was more of a tumble, if we're getting technical, but it got the job done.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I guess Bebe has been keeping this.

[Rhea Pechter]

In her back pocket this whole time. Little hedgehog and Mr. Hedgehog scampered down to the finish line. They found Bebe laying on crisp fallen leaves, staring up at the bright blue sky.

[Bebe]

Happy New Year's Noon, Bebe.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Thank you, little Hedgehog.

[Bebe]

Happy New Year's noon, kiddo.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Thank you, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Bebe]

That was me, Bebe. That was my dad voice that sounded nothing like me.

[Rhea Pechter]

Happy New Year's Noon, Bebe.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Thank you, real Mr. Hedgehog.

[Rhea Pechter]

After getting to her feet, and after Little Hedgehog's repeated requests Please, can you tell us?

[Bebe]

Please, please can you tell us?

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe explained how she'd been able to overcome her family's lack of a rolling gene.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I was recently re reading the diaries.

[Rhea Pechter]

Of the late Giancarlo D. Pricolito that.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

I keep in the Great Adventurers section of my bookshelf. In one memorable passage, he describes his unlikely survival after a shipwreck involving a giant hermit crab stranded on a remote archipelago.

[Rhea Pechter]

He drank rainwater caught in a single.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Concave leaf and ate only the seeds of the famously bitter iguana iguana plant for 3,002 days until being rescued by a band of traveling banjo players who took a wrong turn on their way to a neighboring island.

[Rhea Pechter]

Wow, Bebe, what does this have to.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Do with excellent question, Mr. Hedgehog. Upon reflecting on Sir Prickalito's harrowing experience.

[Rhea Pechter]

I reasoned that if he could survive.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

In such trying circumstances, I could survive.

[Rhea Pechter]

Rolling down a hill in order to cheer up my best friend. Little Hedgehog grinned. Prickle to prickle.

[Bebe]

Then she said, bebe, my dad said you've been keeping something in your back pocket.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

That was just a figure of it is true.

[Rhea Pechter]

Presently, Bebe withdrew a paper from the back pocket of her fanny pack.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Here, Mr. Hedgehog, please do the honor.

[Rhea Pechter]

Since you somehow mysteriously guessed that I.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Had been keeping something in my back pocket.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog chuckled to himself and read from the paper. This certificate is awarded to Bebe Hedgehog for completing the official annual Hedgehog Role training course for hedgehogs who do not.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Have the rolling gene.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe smiled bashfully.

[Bebe]

I'm officially cheered up. Bebe, you are the best friend a hedgehog could ever have.

[Rhea Pechter]

Thank you.

[Bebe]

And I think my eye is better. Does it look better?

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog said, lifting her eyepatch.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

No.

[Rhea Pechter]

No matter. It was still a wonderful day and a perfect beginning to a new year. I hope you have a very happy new year. Two Little Stories for Tiny People is written, performed and produced by me. Rhea Pechter, my in house Technical Director. Peter K. Runs my website and puts my stories in the Internet for all of you to enjoy. Thank you so much to my Little Stories Premium subscribers who are making it possible for me to keep doing this. 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. Visit littlestoriespremium.com to join or to gift a subscription. Thank you to Riley 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 Ellie Lander Presley, Gabe, Gavin, Rain, Sylvie, Julette, Mia, Madeline, Riley, Issa, Sophie, Atticus, Orla Clanston, Catalina, Emery, Camden, Yachim, Zora, Eleanor, Sophie, Kenzie, Alice, Tama, Luna, Felix, Clem, Autumn, Emily, Charlie, Eponine, Remy, Micah, Lorelai, Maxwell, Lyra, Eddie, Ezri, Annabelle, Ivy, Fiona, Flora, Alma and Andrew. And thank you as always, for listening.