Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2026

Summary

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Little Stories for Tiny People: "Little Hedgehog's New Year's Noon 2026"

Host: Rhea Pechter
Episode Release: January 1, 2026
Featured Voices: Dante, Logan, Flora

Episode Overview

This episode follows Little Hedgehog and her friend Bebe as they prepare for the much-anticipated “Hedgehog Roll,” a beloved New Year’s noon tradition in the forest. The story brims with warmth, humor, and community antics, providing young listeners with a whimsical take on perseverance, friendship, and rolling with (literal) twists and turns.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. Opening Antics & Unexpected Resolutions

• Rhea sets the scene by sharing the comedic lengths she has gone to ensure no storytime interruptions—silencing emails, moving clocks, and negotiating with crows.
• A tiny envelope slides under the door, supposedly from the "studio spiders" (with editorial help from "studio beetles"), containing an amusing list of resolutions for her—primarily to “vacuum less and relax more.”
• Memorable Quote:
  • “From now on, I resolve to wedge a blanket under my studio door so that no tiny envelopes can be slid under it.” – Rhea (03:46)

2. Life in Little Hedgehog’s World

• The story opens with an “unseasonably warm evening,” as Little Hedgehog and Bebe lounge in anticipation of forest news via radio.
• Radio News Segment:
  • Includes lighthearted forest problems: an acorn avalanche, a lost mouse in plaid pants named Swinson, and updates on the “Hedgehog Roll.”
  • “A raccoon on the west end of the forest has reported a lost pet mouse last seen wearing plaid pants and moseying near the Great Pine. He is said to respond to the name Swinson and will smirk at puns if found.” (08:19)

3. The Drama of the Hedgehog Roll

• The annual Hedgehog Roll, usually led by the secretive and capable Terrence Hedgeling, is in chaos after he takes a job organizing a pond cruise for hedgehogs, leaving the anxious Mildred Prickletoast in charge.
• Problems arise: mountain goats on the hill; an alley cat convention nearby; tickle grass invading the event space.
• Mildred’s comic inability to handle crises leads to a series of on-again, off-again cancellations, leaving forest residents exasperated.
• Notable Exchange:
  • Mildred: “If anyone would like this job, you’re welcome to it.” (08:42)
  • Wanda Warthog: “Are you certain that’s necessary?” Mildred: “Well, what else can I do?” (09:21)

4. Community Confusion and Resolution

• Hilarious confusion spreads as news keeps shifting about whether the roll will happen.
• The crisis finally resolves when a herd of rabbits eats all the poisonous tickle grass.
• The event is back on, met with “perhaps the most lukewarm announcement ever to be given.”
  • Mildred: “Well, I suppose, I imagine. Yes, I expect…” (12:15)
  • Wanda Warthog: “Right.”
  • Mildred: “That the annual hedgehog roll is… well, it’s back on.” (12:29)

5. The Morning of New Year's Noon

• Little Hedgehog and Bebe try to sleep beforehand, but excitement (mostly Little Hedgehog’s) keeps them awake.
• When Little Hedgehog’s dad catches a cold, Nana Hedgehog steps in to take them to the festivities.
• Nana's forgetfulness provides comic relief as she searches for her glasses, only to discover they’re on her head.
  • Bebe: “Your glasses are also currently attached to your head.” (17:12)

6. The Festival Crowd & Attractions

• Booths and Games:
  • The trio explores festival games, including a "win a pet" booth requiring the payment of a live cricket. Bebe wins—a very familiar cricket!
  • The cricket soon escapes, but all are assured another pet will come along.
• A pen pal auction offers comic relief, as well as the eating contest (grasshopper oatmeal). Most contestants doze off mid-contest.

7. The Main Event – The Hedgehog Roll

• Announcements remind everyone to avoid the alley cats’ adjacent territory (“we ask that you do not interfere with the sardine distribution”).
• Pre-roll stretches are underway; they overhear a “burrow and pop” racing strategy being discussed, even funnier than rumored jetpacks.
  • Trainer: “This year we’re gonna burrow and pop.” (28:34)
  • Hedgehog: “But what if there’s rocky soil? My prickles will get mussed.” (28:53)
• Memorable Countdown Chaos:
  • Mildred Prickletoast’s mixed-up countdown clashes with the crowd’s tradition (“13… 10… 12… 9…”), creating a cacophony.
  • “The hedgehogs were accustomed to beginning the countdown with the number 10, not 13...” (30:19)
  • The crowd and organizer end up counting at cross-purposes before the race begins.

8. Rolling, Winning, and Heading Home

• Little Hedgehog and Bebe roll—Bebe creatively, as her family lacks “the rolling gene.”
• Nana cheers from the sidelines, taking care of the motion-sick chameleon, Little Guy.
• After the Roll:
  • An urgent announcement warns of a sardine-snubbing alley cat entering the clearing, leading everyone to promptly disperse.
  • The friends spot the lost mouse Swinson (in plaid pants, smirking at a pun), safely returning him to the West End Lost and Found.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:46] Rhea (opening):
  “From now on, I resolve to wedge a blanket under my studio door so that no tiny envelopes can be slid under it.”

• [08:42] Mildred Prickletoast (comedic leadership):
  “Um, if anyone would like this job, you're welcome to it.”

• [17:12] Bebe (to Nana Hedgehog):
  “Your glasses are also currently attached to your head.”

• [24:54] Sylvia T. Hedgehog (penpal auction):
  “Well, I have excellent penmanship. Also, I use few adverbs only when they are absolutely, totally and completely necessary.”

• [28:34] Festival Coach (race strategy):
  “This year we’re gonna burrow and pop.”

• [30:19] Crowd/Announcer (countdown confusion):
  “The hedgehogs were accustomed to beginning the countdown with the number 10, not 13. So while Mildred Prickletoast continued her modified countdown over the loudspeaker… the rest of the hedgehogs stuck with tradition.”

• [32:53] Nana Hedgehog (leaving):
  “Come now, let's go. I'd rather not encounter that cat…”

• [32:56] Closing wordplay:
  Bebe (on sardine-averse cat): “It is purr-posterous.”
  (The mouse, Swinson, smirks at the pun.)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 04:00 — Opening monologue, comedic set-up, and spider/beatle resolutions
• 04:22 – 07:45 — Little Hedgehog and Bebe listen to the radio, learn about forest news
• 07:45 – 12:53 — Chaos surrounding the event’s cancellations/resumptions; various obstacles arise and are solved
• 14:57 – 17:25 — Getting ready to go; Dad is sick, Nana steps in; fun with Nana’s glasses
• 19:03 – 24:10 — Arriving at the festival, exploring games and booths, “win a pet” adventure
• 24:30 – 26:45 — Auction, eating contest, and jazz sloths
• 28:25 – 29:13 — Pre-roll stretching, overhearing odd racing strategies
• 29:13 – 31:02 — The confused countdown and the Hedgehog Roll
• 32:14 – 32:53 — Crowd disperses, Swinson the mouse is found, returning home and hoping for a sparkling new year

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Tone & Style

The story is whimsical, gentle, and filled with warm humor, puns, and silly twists that encourage imagination and laughter. Rhea’s narrative style is engaging, often breaking the fourth wall to address young listeners directly and encouraging them to imagine alongside the characters.

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For Listeners: Why This Episode Shines

• Perfect for family listening, bedtime, or anytime laughter is needed
• Encourages creative thinking (“imagine the pictures in your mind”)
• Reinforces the value of community, persistence, and adaptability, lightly and joyously
• Memorable characters and relatable moments for all ages

“I hope you have a sparkling new year too.” — Rhea Pechter (32:57)

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Transcript

[A]

Foreign. This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. I am excited to dive right into our story. So I made sure to prevent any interruptions. I silenced my email notifications. I pushed my tower of breakable plates and into the corner so I wouldn't jostle it with my frequent hand waving. I put out the crackling fire in my studio hearth. I even asked the crows in the tree outside to read their favorite books silently for approximately 29 minutes and 46 seconds. I moved my clocks, all 37 of them, into the attic. I readied my hard metal stool. And here I am, prepared to focus completely on. What was that? Huh? A tiny envelope has slid into my studio from beneath the door. I'll just look at it later. Moving on to our story, I think you're really going to. You know, it could be urgent. What if it's gravely important? I was all set to focus, but now I'm not going to be able to focus at all if for an entire half an hour. I'm wondering whether this miniature envelope contains extremely serious and unbelievably important information. I'm going to have to open it. This is so small. Hang on now I need my magnifying glass. All right. Dear Rhea, thank you for opening this letter as it contains tremendously serious and urgent information. Glad I went with my gut on that one. Okay, it goes on. We've observed you do many things lately. Decorate Christmas cookies, wrap presents, make detailed checklists, wear sweatpants at all hours. Hey, everyone does that. One thing we have not seen you do is write a list of New Year's resolutions. So we, the studio spiders, with some editorial assistance from the studio Beatles, took it upon ourselves to make one for you. I see. Resolution number one. I, Rhea, notorious frog caster, resolve to vacuum less and relax more. Especially vacuum less in nooks and crannies and upper corners. Hmm. Interesting. Resolution number two. I resolve to be more generous to flies by leaving out delicious stale bread in my studio. Wow. It just keeps going. There are 21 resolutions here that I will not be reading. But you know what? You guys were right. I did not come up with any New Year's resolutions until just now. Here it is. From now on, I resolve to wedge a blanket under my studio door so that no tiny envelopes can be slid under it. Let's get to the story before any more ridiculous things happen. It's called Little hedgehog's New Year's 2020. 26. Take it away, Dante, Logan and Flora.

[B]

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.

[A]

It was an unseasonably warm evening in the forest. The perfect night to be outdoors doing somersaults. But alas, Little Hedgehog and her best friend Bebe were in Little Hedgehog's bedroom, lying on their tummies with their heads propped up on their paws and their feet kicking behind them, listening to the radio. I'm Bob Siegel and this has been your hourly weather report on the Hour with me, Bob.

[B]

Bob Siegel.

[A]

And now a quick word from our sponsor.

[B]

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[A]

Bebe, when do you think the Forest News will come on? My mom listens to this channel while she weaves snowshoes. It's always the Bob Siegel, then a commercial, then Forest News with Wanda Warthog. This is Wanda Warthog with your local Forest News. In a minute. This is it, Bebe. Indubitably. We begin tonight with reports of an acorn avalanche inside Forest Mart. Early this evening, a prairie dog identified as Quince J. Tripley reportedly set off the cascade in aisle eight, marking the sixth such incident in the establishment this week. Three surrounding chipmunks are said to have slipped on the fallen acorns and report having sore backsides. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a look. A raccoon on the west end of the forest has reported a lost pet mouse last seen wearing plaid pants and moseying near the Great Pine. He is said to respond to the name Swinson and will smirk at puns if found. Please return Swinson to the West End lost and found. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged another look. Then came the news report they'd been desperately hoping to hear. Next up, we've got an update on the fate of the annual Hedgehog Roll, cancelled again again yesterday by the Roll's new organizer, Mildred Prickletoast. This might be a good time to drop in with some explanation. For years, the annual Hedgehog Roll was run by a reclusive hedgehog named Terrance Hedgeling. Little was known about Mr. Hedgeling given that he never spoke publicly, gave no interviews, never actually attended the New Year's noon festivities, and was believed to only come out of his burrow for 10min Thursday. But most importantly, no one knew anything about Mr. Hedgeling because he was excellent at his job. He Spotted problems miles away and dealt with them before they would be noticed by a casual onlooker. Terrence Hedgeling was a natural born leader. But the thing about natural born leaders is eventually they get plucked away to do even more interesting work. The timing could not have been worse. He was drawn away just weeks before New Year's noon. No one could blame him. It was a truly sparkling opportunity. It's not every day that a hedgehog is asked to serve as the event planner for the premier pond cruise ship for hedgehogs. But it meant that the New Year's noon festivities were dropped in the lap of a nervous hedgehog by the name of Mildred Prickletoast. For years, she had painted 37 colorful posters that she then plastered around the forest to market the upcoming festivities. She was excellent at the job. But Mildred Prickletoast, by all accounts, including her own, should simply not have been put in charge of anything. Days after she'd reluctantly taken up the post.

[B]

Um, if anyone would like this job, you're welcome to it.

[A]

A problem appeared on the Big hill. Mildred had no idea what to do. So when Wanda Warthog put a microphone in her face as she scampered to pick up stress relieving tea at the forest market, she said the first thing to come to her mind. Now, Mildred, are the reports true that there's been a prolific proliferation of mountain goats on the Big hill?

[B]

It's dreadful. If they don't leave soon, we'll have to cancel the annual hedgehog roll.

[A]

Are you certain that's necessary?

[B]

Well, what else can I do?

[A]

Days later, the mountain goats left. Apparently, the big hill was actually quite small for a mountain goat. Come on, guys. Mildred immediately shared an update with the public.

[B]

The goats are gone. We won't have to cancel after all.

[A]

You heard it here, folks. The annual hedgehog roll is back on. It was threatened again days later by the news that an alley cat convention would be taking place in the clearing adjacent to the big hill on New Year's noon.

[B]

Unfortunately, Wilma, Wanda. Unfortunately, Wanda, I don't know how we can risk the safety of our hedgehog attendees with predatory creatures in such close proximity.

[A]

Isn't there anything we can.

[B]

Well, I can't think of anything. Can you?

[A]

You heard it here first, folks. The annual hedgehog roll might be cancelled. Around the region, hedgehogs threw up their paws in frustration, desperate to know what would become of their favorite New Year's tradition. And everyone had different information.

[B]

I can't believe it's been canceled. It's supposed to Be my niece Dottie's first year Rolling.

[A]

Oh, I heard it was back on as of yesterday. The owl said they'd provide more security to deal with the alley cats. Also, they're planning to toss sardines into the clearing just before the roll.

[B]

Really? That's wonderful. I heard it's canceled again as of today, due to a patch of poison tickle grass discovered on the hill. Can't they just pull it out? I'll do it myself. Let me get my gloves.

[A]

It was hard to keep up with all the cancellations and reversals, which is why Little Hedgehog and Bebe huddled around the radio to find out once and for all whether in several hours time they'd be scampering to the big hill around the forest. Hedgehogs held their breath as Wanda Warthog went on. Mildred, as of yesterday, you told us the annual hedgehog roll would have to be cancelled due to poisoned tickle grass discovered on the hill. But my producer tells me you have an upright.

[B]

That's right, Wanda. Thankfully, a herd of rabbits stopped by and ate the tickle grass up by its roots.

[A]

So then that means the annual hedgehog roll is.

[B]

Well, I suppose, I imagine. Yes, I expect.

[A]

Right.

[B]

That the annual hedgehog roll is.

[A]

Yes, Mildred.

[B]

Well, it's back on.

[A]

It was perhaps the most lukewarm announcement ever to be given. It didn't matter. Hedgehogs all around the region finally released the breaths they'd been holding and let out a cheer. Little Hedgehog and Be Phoebe were no exceptions.

[B]

Yay.

[A]

The last yay came not from Little Guy, Little Hedgehog's pet chameleon, who was fast asleep in his leafy enclosure, but from a caterpillar who'd found her way inside the burrow and milled around the rug. She had no idea what the excitement was about, and she certainly wouldn't be rolling down any hills. But sometimes the excitement of others is enough to warm one's heart. Now that it was back on, the annual hedgehog roll was just hours away. It was essential that Little Hedgehog and Bebe get some sleep before staying up until noon. But every time one of them nodded off, my first cousin twice removed, Uncle Jonah Prickelhopper, once published a book about the importance of sleep. It was called Nap. Like your life depends on it. The other would have a burst of insight. Bebe, what do you think the eating contest will be this year? Could it be Pickles? Well, it was really just Bebe nodding off and Little Hedgehog having bursts of insight. Finally, an hour before dawn, Little Hedgehog fell asleep beside her best friend on her bedroom floor for all of 17 minutes before the forest itself began to shudder and shake above their heads with the pitter patter of dozens, nay, hundreds of hedgehogs. Those aren't hedgehogs. Perhaps they're hedgehogs posing as alley cats. Or alley cats posing as hedgehogs posing as alley cats. Or. But the friends were interrupted by the sound of a very powerful sneeze, followed soon after by a cough.

[B]

Oh, my.

[A]

We should investigate. Hello, Mr. Hedgehog. Greetings. Don't come in. I don't want you to get whatever this is. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a significant look. Is it the dreaded spots? Is it whisper sneeze fever? Just a cold. That is a relief. Nana Hedgehog is gonna take you to New Year's noon. I sent a dragonfly messenger to let her know. She'll be thrilled. BB I let your mom know. It's all arranged.

[B]

Yay. Yay. Yay.

[A]

This time, the third yay did come from Little Hedgehog's pet chameleon, Little Guy, who emitted this small word from down the hall as he perched in his leafy enclosure, revealing both that he had awakened from his slumber and that he was most likely auditorily gifted. Okay, Feel better soon, dad. Stay hydrated, Mr. Hedgehog. It was then that the two friends noticed that the sound of alley cats had given way to the sound of hundreds of hedgehogs scampering through the forest above the burrow. It was time to go.

[B]

Hello.

[A]

Greetings. The moon was still bright in the sky when Little Hedgehog and Bebe reached Nana Hedgehog's burrow door. Just a moment. I'm just looking for. Well, never mind. Nana Hedgehog squinted at her tiny granddaughter and her granddaughter's best friend. Whatever it is you're selling, I simply don't. Nana Hedgehog is me, Little Hedgehog. And it is I, Bebe. Oh, and here I thought there was just one big misshapen porcupine on my doorstep. I suppose I need my glasses more than I thought, but I can't seem to locate them. Little Hedgehog and Bebe giggled. I do believe I would lose my ears if they weren't attached to my head. Bebe smiled. Your glasses are also currently attached to your head. They're on top of it, little Hedgehog trilled.

[B]

Yay.

[A]

Little Guy added unnecessarily from his spot on Little Hedgehog's shoulder prickles. Oh, Nana said, grasping the spectacles and pulling them down over her eyes. Oh, much better. Now Then children, let's be on our way. I believe we have a hedgehog tumble to attend. Soon the three hedgehogs and one chameleon were on their way through the forest. All around them, hedgehogs, bugs popped up from burrows in the dim pre dawn light and began scampering towards the big hill. Now children, I am wondering how this hedgehog tumble will go given that it's still dark. How will you see where you're going, Nana? Little Hedgehog said as she skipped over a fallen branch. You've been to the annual hedgehog roll before, haven't you? Now let me think about that. I don't think I have. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a look as they ran along, the moonlight sparkling in their wide eyes. This is so exciting, Bebe. It is always a treat to introduce a friend or loved one to a cherished event or activity. Don't worry, Nana. The sun will be up before the roll starts and there is lots to do before then. You'll see. Well, I'll be sure to keep my glasses on.

[B]

Welcome hedgehogs one and all to our New Year's noon festivities. We ask that no hedgehogs wander near, mosey toward, or take a gander at the adjacent tract of land. Please note that our festival organization cannot be held responsible for any loss of prickles, limbs, handbags, or lives due to interaction with the alley cats in the adjacent clearing. Thank you for your attention on this matter. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[A]

Nana, what do you think? Isn't this fun and fanciful? So fun and so fanciful, Nana agreed. The three hedgehogs made their way through the crowd in the great clearing. All around them were booths and signs, various food cellars, and hundreds and hundreds of hedgehogs. They passed a dunk tank where a rat sat on a small wooden seat above a vat of a caramel colored liquid. Little Hedgehog sniffed the air. Bebe, is that. Bebe sniffed the air too. Apple cider? Indeed. It was a lovely cinnamon spiced apple cider and the rat gazed down at it longingly, clearly hoping to be dropped in. Come on, aim a little higher. The rat called to the young hedgehog currently hurling apples at the dunk tank target. Oh, look at that, girls, Nana said, peering at a booth across the way. You can win a pet. Little Guy sat up straighter on Little Hedgehog's shoulder prickles and peered skeptically at the booth. Don't worry, little guy, I would never replace you. He relaxed. Meantime, Bebe's eyes lit up. Her mom had recently given her permission to acquire a pet. They all sidled over to the booth. A sharply dressed hedgehog wearing a three piece suit pressed a button on a music player.

[B]

Win a pet. Yes, win. Win a pet. What kind of pet will you get?

[A]

Eh, that song was a rush job. Hey kids, step right up and try your paw at winning a pet. How does it work? I give you three facts about an animal. You guess what it is. If you guess right, it's yours to take home. Bebe's eyes gleamed. I am extremely good at this type of challenge. You've got to do it, bb. Imagine scampering home with a brand new pet. Only cost one cricket, kids. One live cricket, that is. Hmm. Neither of the friends had any crickets, live or otherwise. But Nana Hedgehog stepped forward with a broad smile.

[B]

Here you are.

[A]

She said, fishing in her pocket. Out leapt one spry greenish brown cricket. He's a wily one, he is. Has been trying to jump out of my pocket all morning, Little Hedgehog. And Bebe giggled. The Natalie dressed hedgehog swiftly snatched the cricket out of the air and stored it out of sight behind the booth. Alright then, who's playing? Bebe stepped forward. All right, kid. Fact number one, this pet is very loyal. Hmm. BB furrowed her brow. This was not the kind of fact she had anticipated. Fact number two, this pet enjoys eating shredded carrots. Hmm. Bebe furrowed her brow further. Fact three, this pet is the most common pet kept by hedgehogs and moon rats. Without skipping a beat, Bebe said, it is a cricket. Wow, kid, you're really good at this. Here you go. The snappily dressed hedgehog reached behind the booth and withdrew a very familiar looking greenish brown cricket. He placed it in Bebe's paws. Enjoy your new pet. Who's next?

[B]

Win a pet. Yes. Win. Win a pet. What kind of pet will you get?

[A]

Only cost one cricket, kids. One live cricket, that is. Well, that was unexpected. Nana said as they scampered away. The cricket was a wily one. He swiftly leapt out of BB's paws and vanished into the throng of hedgehogs, never to be seen again. Don't worry, Bibi. I'm sure we can find you another pet soon. Indubitably. And while the sun might have set on that particular pet acquisition attempt just then, the real sun rose above the big clearing.

[B]

Beautiful.

[A]

It was beautiful. Little Hedgehog, Bebe and Nana Hedgehog stopped and watched as the clearing was flooded with golden morning light. Then they headed off to see a few more sights before the day's big Event.

[B]

Attention, hedgehogs. Be sure to visit the lost and found if you have misplaced any items, such as a water bottle or a pet snail named Snelson.

[A]

On the main stage, an auction was in full swing. A pen pal auction. All right, folks, next up is Sylvia T. Hedgehog. Sylvia, why don't you tell the crowd why you'd make a phenomenal pen pal?

[B]

Well, I have excellent penmanship. Also, I use few adverbs only when they are absolutely, totally and completely necessary.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

That's my kind of pen pal.

[A]

You heard that, folks. Let's start the bidding at 23 crickets. Do I hear 23? Next, they stopped by the eating contest to find out what was on the menu this year. Bebe, do you think it will be pickles? It turned out to be grasshopper oatmeal. It was the quickest eating contest on record, as two of the three contestants fell asleep midway through their second bowls. The winner, an exhausted looking hedgehog named Philmont, had this to the first and second bowls were okay, but the third bowl got really difficult. I feel like I have cement in my stomach. And on the second stage, the soulful sloths played smooth jazz, which worked out nicely, as the hedgehogs were up way past their bedtimes and needed a nap. They were all startled awake by an announcement from the loudspeakers posted here and there in the surrounding trees.

[B]

Attention, hedgehogs. It is now time to make your way to the big hill for the event we all feared would not take place. I mean, for the event we've all been waiting for. For. And I am pleased to announce that our new organizer, Ms. Mildred Prickletoast, will be making a brief statement of welcome to you all before the commencement of the roll. As a reminder, please steer clear of the adjacent plot of land, and we ask that you do not interfere with the sardine distribution.

[A]

Hedgehogs began streaming towards the big hill. Girls, do hold my paws. I don't want to lose you in this stampede. Little Hedgehog, Bebe and Nana Hedgehog all scampered, holding paws, and finally arrived breathless at the top of the hill. Every available surrounding spot was taken by a hedgehog doing his or her stretches. Nana, are you going to roll down with us? Little Hedgehog said, dropping into a lunge. You are permitted to go as slow as you wish. I know this because I reread the Hedgehog Roll official rules every year, Bebe said, rotating her ankles one at a time. You have no idea how tempted I am, girls. Nana Hedgehog said, peering down the hill at the dry winter ground at the back bottom. But my knees will never forgive me if I do. No, I'm going to cheer you on from right over there. See you at the finish line. Oh, Nana, can you take Little Guy? He gets motion sickness. Little guy nodded solemnly as he was whisked away. With the chameleon on her shoulder, Nana Hedgehog scampered off and was soon swallowed up in the dense thicket of prickles. As Little Hedgehog and Bebe continued doing their stretches, they overheard a tough hedgehog trainer nearby. All right, this year we got a totally new strategy, and I think you're really gonna dig it.

[B]

Is it jet packs? Are we getting jet packs?

[A]

Even better. This year we're gonna burrow and pop.

[B]

Burrow and pop? What does that mean?

[A]

It means that as soon as that countdown hits zero, you burrow underground the whole way down the hill. Then you pop up triumphantly at the bottom before any of these other hedgehogs has even done their first full rotation.

[B]

But what if there's rocky soil? My prickles will get mussed.

[A]

This ain't a beauty contest. If you want to win, you're gonna.

[B]

Beat the crowd by going under it.

[A]

Fine, if that's what it's gonna take. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a grin and held back giggles.

[B]

Attention, rollers. We are mere moments from our big New Year's noon countdown. But before we definitely get to that, here's our new organizer, Mildred Prickletoast.

[A]

The crowd, still somewhat miffed by the many cancellations, offered muted applause.

[B]

Is this on? Oh. Oh, that. That's what that red light means. Okay. Hello, I am Mildred Prickletoast, and I am pleased to preside over this, this year's, and likely only this year's, annual New Year's noon celebrations. Now then, where was I? Oh, the countdown, of course.

[A]

The hedgehogs in attendance stared blankly up at the speakers.

[B]

Now then, Let us begin. 13.

[A]

10.

[B]

12. 9. 11. 8.

[A]

The hedgehogs were accustomed to beginning the countdown with the number 10, not 13. So while Mildred Prickletoast continued her modified countdown over the loudspeaker in 7, 9, 6, the rest of the hedgehogs stuck. Tradition.

[B]

5, 7.

[A]

4.

[B]

6.

[A]

3.

[B]

5. 2, 4.

[A]

1.

[B]

3. Happy.

[A]

They all set off down the hill.

[B]

Happy New Year's morn. I mean, noon.

[A]

Mildred Prickletoast cried out several seconds late. As an aside, when Mildred later learned about this disastrous clash of counting, she was so embarrassed that she threatened to cancel the whole event altogether. But she couldn't because it had already taken place along with dozens of other hedgehogs. Little Hedgehog tucked her chin and tumbled head over feet down the hill. Bebe toppled down sideways nearby. She couldn't roll in the traditional way. Her family did not have the rolling gene. With the toughest hedgehog rollers burrowing underground, the trip down the hill was less crowded than usual. The two friends took their time going at a leisurely pace. When they reached the bottom, they sat up and dusted bits of grass from their prickles. Nana Hedgehog met them with Little Guy asleep on her shoulder. Well done girls.

[B]

Now.

[A]

I think it's time for us to But Nana was interrupted by an announcement over the loudsp speaker.

[B]

Attention hedgehogs. Please make your way out of the big clearing. I repeat, make your way out of the clearing. We have received word that a single alley cat was unimpressed with the sardines and has moseyed into our event. He is currently on the prowl. I repeat, hedgehogs, please make a hasty exit and have a Happy New Year's noon.

[A]

Come now, let's go. I'd rather not encounter that cat, nana said, leading them towards home. Whoever heard of a cat who didn't like sardines? Little Hedgehog said, her eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun. The two friends passed by a mouse wearing plaid pants and standing near a tall pine tree. I do not know, bebe said. It is purr posterous. In response to this pun, the mouse smirked. Bebe, did you see that mouse smirk? It must be Swinson. Indubitably. Come on little fella, Bebe said, scooping him up. Let's get you home. They all headed off, first to the West End Lost and Found, then to their respective burrows. It was sure to be a sparkling new year. Oh, that's the crows. They must be done with the reading. Right on schedule. I hope you have a sparkling new year too. Little Stories for Tiny People is written, performed and produced by me, Rhea Pector, my in house Tech Director. Peter K. Runs my website and puts my stories on the Internet for all of you to enjoy, to unlock the full Little Stories Library and to access Little Stories for sleep. Join or gift a subscription to link Little Stories Premium by visiting littlestoriespremium.com thank you to Dante, Logan and Flora for this 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 Carol Sue, Cleo, Rhea, Hayley, Joshua, Sophia Briar, Holly Eowyn, Flora Alma, Philip, Jasper, Eleanor Sunny, Emerson, Oscar, June, Ivy, Fiona, Eleanor, Beatrix, Clara, Riley, Ruthie, Kenna, Margaret, Mabel, Mitali, and Isaac. And thank you, as always, for listening in.