PREMIUM PREVIEW: Little Hedgehog and the Snow Tunnel

Summary

Podcast Summary: Little Stories for Tiny People – PREMIUM PREVIEW: Little Hedgehog and the Snow Tunnel

Episode Release Date: January 11, 2025
Host/Author: Rhea Pechter
Podcast Title: Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and Bedtime Stories for Kids

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Introduction

In the PREMIUM PREVIEW of "Little Hedgehog and the Snow Tunnel," host Rhea Pechter offers listeners a tantalizing glimpse into an exclusive episode available to Little Stories Premium subscribers. This preview sets the stage for an enchanting winter tale filled with friendship, adventure, and a touch of mystery.

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Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in the heart of winter at the school attended by Little Hedgehog and her best friend, Bebe. The entire class is yearning for a magical snow night—a cherished tradition where students experience a night filled with snow without the confines of school.

Rhea Pechter introduces the narrative with warmth and excitement:

[01:03] Bebe: "A tunnel. But not the tunnel you're thinking of—a snow tunnel."

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Characters and Their Motivations

• Little Hedgehog: The protagonist eager for a snow night adventure.
• Bebe: Little Hedgehog's best friend, imaginative and enthusiastic about the snow night.
• Mr. Hedgehog: Little Hedgehog's supportive yet concerned father.
• Ms. Swindletooth: The school activities director passionate about making the snow night a reality.
• Ms. Hammer Thistle: The homeroom teacher skeptical about the snow night tradition.

The characters' interactions highlight their diverse perspectives on the snow night. While most teachers and students are excited, Ms. Hammer Thistle remains unconvinced, emphasizing the importance of regular school days.

Ms. Hammer Thistle’s Determination:

[02:41] Ms. Swindletooth: "Students should be in school every day of the year. I have been petitioning to get rid of summer break and weekends, to no avail yet."

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The Quest for a Snow Night

Determined to bring about the snow night, Ms. Swindletooth engages the students with a catchy song to rally their efforts:

[03:15] Ms. Swindletooth: "Snow night. We all want a snow night... Because we all want a snow night."

The students embark on a series of whimsical rituals—throwing ice over their shoulders, adding salt to their tea, placing spoons under their pillows, drawing snowflakes in the dirt, and even eating beetles at twilight—all in hopes of summoning the magical snow night.

Little Hedgehog and Bebe's Commitment:

[04:23] Mr. Hedgehog: "Oh, that is salty."
[04:25] Bebe: "You mean salt tea."

Despite their efforts, snow remains elusive, leading to growing anticipation and excitement among the students.

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The Prediction and the Blizzard

An unexpected turn occurs when an old crow predicts a blizzard, igniting a frenzy of hope and intensified rituals:

[04:51] Ms. Swindletooth: "It will snow for 26 hours. If I am wrong, you can fry me up in a barbecue."

The prophecy spreads rapidly through the forest, reaching various woodland creatures and culminating in another fervent plea from Ms. Swindletooth to cement the idea of a snow night.

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The Long-Awaited Snow Night

On the designated night, Little Hedgehog and Bebe stay up with high hopes, only to find themselves snowed in rather than experiencing the enchanting overnight snowfall they anticipated. The picturesque snowy landscape they envisioned is replaced by an "unbroken wall of white," leading to feelings of confinement and uncertainty.

Little Hedgehog’s Realization:

[08:04] Radio Announcer: "And Primary Forest Academy. Actually. Sorry about that... have a fun night in the snow."

Feeling snowed in dampens their spirits as they contemplate the possibility of missing out on creating a memorable snow night anecdote—a cherished tradition where students share their unique snow night experiences.

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The Mystery of the Snow Tunnel

During breakfast, the concept of "FunhoSna"—the fear of not having a snow night story—is introduced, adding depth to the characters' emotional landscape. Just as Little Hedgehog and Bebe ponder their predicament, a surprising knock at the burrow door reveals a dazzling snow tunnel guarded by a diligent rabbit dressed in a jumpsuit and hard hat.

Mr. Hedgehog’s Surprise:

[08:53] Bebe: "A tiny avalanche of snow fell upon their heads."

This mysterious tunnel hints at untold adventures and sets the stage for further exploration, promising that there is much more to the story yet to be uncovered.

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Cliffhanger and Teaser

As the preview concludes, Rhea Pechter leaves listeners eager for the full episode, teasing that the story delves deeper into the origins of the snow tunnel and the rabbit's significance in the winter magic that encompasses Little Hedgehog’s world.

[12:31] Rhea: "There is so much more to this story. You can hear the full episode by becoming a Little Stories Premium subscriber. Visit littlestoriespremium.com to join."

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Conclusion

This preview of "Little Hedgehog and the Snow Tunnel" intricately weaves themes of friendship, community effort, and the magic of winter traditions. With engaging characters and a blend of humor and mystery, the story promises to enchant listeners of all ages. The introduction of the snow tunnel and the enigmatic rabbit sets up an exciting adventure that awaits in the full episode, making it a must-listen for families seeking delightful and heartwarming tales.

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For the complete enchanting journey of Little Hedgehog and the Snow Tunnel, subscribers can access the full episode through Little Stories Premium at www.littlestoriespremium.com.

Transcript

[Rhea]

Hello, everyone. This is Rhea with a quick note. This is a preview of an episode exclusive to Little Stories Premium. Little Stories Premium gives you more of the stories you love, an ad free listening experience, and access to Little Stories for Sleep, an exclusive bedtime podcast featuring brand new sleepy stories. Perfect for that last track on a bedtime playlist. Subscribe or purchase a gift subscription by visiting littlestoriespremium.com now onto the show. This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny Pretzels. I mean people. Our story today features Little Hedgehog and a.

[Bebe]

A tunnel. But not the tunnel. You're thinking of a different tunnel. A snow tunnel.

[Rhea]

Let's get to it. It's called Little Hedgehog and the Snow Tunnel.

[Bebe]

Take it away.

[Rhea]

Isa and Sophie.

[Little Hedgehog]

Remember, there are no pictures.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

You'll have to imagine the pictures in your mind.

[Little Hedgehog]

You can imagine them however you want. Okay, here we.

[Bebe]

It was the middle of winter. Little Hedgehog, Bebe, her best friend of all time, and their classmates were desperate for a snow night off from school.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Bebe, what if it doesn't snow at all this winter?

[Bebe]

My cousin Angus's uncle Roberto once told us about a winter back in yesteryear when it only snowed.008 inches. Uncle Roberto and his 18 siblings built snow hedgehogs out of mud.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Tragic, Bebe.

[Bebe]

He had surprisingly fond memories of it.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Oh, okay.

[Bebe]

But no one was more desperate for a snow night than the teachers. Mind you, not all the teachers at Little Hedgehog and Bebe's school wanted a snow night. Their homeroom teacher, Ms. Hammer Thistle, made it clear she did not believe in snow nights.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

Students should be in school every day of the year. I have been petitioning to get rid of summer break and weekends, to no avail yet.

[Bebe]

But every other teacher wanted a snow night. Ms. Swindletooth, the school activities director, performed an original song on the topic over the loudspeaker.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

And now, your favorite school activities director, Ms. Swindletooth.

Snow night. We all want a snow night. Be honest, truly. Don't try to fool me. I know you want a snow night. So you should throw some ice over your shoulder. Toss some salt into your tea. Put a spoon under your pillow. You want a snow night. Listen to me draw a snowflake in the dirt. Now eat a beetle at twilight. Because you. Because me. Because we all want a snow night.

Uh. Thank you, Ms. Swindletooth, for that enriching performance.

[Bebe]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe had thrown ice over their shoulders, accidentally hitting Little Hedgehog's dad. Hey, what is this ice where did you get this? They'd added salt to their tea.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Oh, that is salty.

[Bebe]

You mean salt tea.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Good one, Bebe.

[Bebe]

They'd slept with spoons beneath their pillows for weeks. They'd drawn snowflakes in the dirt. They'd eaten beetles at precisely twilight. Still no snow. Until one evening, the old crow who lived in a nest down by the river predicted a blizzard.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

It will snow for 26 hours. If I am wrong, you can fry me up in a barbecue.

[Bebe]

It was a confident statement and word traveled fast. The forest crows told the squirrels. The squirrels told the chipmunks. The chipmunks told the porcupines. One of whom was a teacher at Little Hedgehog's school. She made an announcement over the loudspeaker.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

Redouble your efforts, children. This is our big chance to get the snowdight of our. I mean your dreams. Add extra salt to your tea when you get home. Wake up at twilight and eat seven beetles.

[Bebe]

There was a frenzy of excitement as the students filed out of school. At the end of the night, the students hopes were so high they stayed up past dawn and did no homework. They threw blocks of ice over their shoulders. They put serving spoons under their pillows. Little Hedgehog. Her own hopes sky high, convinced her dad to allow Bebe to speak. The night at their burrow. The two friends fell asleep on the floor of Little Hedgehog's room. The days were short this time of year and the sun passed over the underground burrow in a few brief hours, then sank below the hill once more. Little Hedgehog was fast asleep on the floor of her room beside her best friend, dreaming of hippos wearing ill fitted jackets.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Why do you such tiny jackets on?

[Bebe]

She murmured when all of a sudden, inside her dream, Little Hedgehog heard heavy footsteps and a strange voice.

[Little Hedgehog]

Forget about our jackets. We help each other get them on and off so it's okay that they're too tight. Don't worry about it. Just wake up Prickle Bear. Because it's a snow night.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

But the jackets. The seams are about to pop.

[Little Hedgehog]

Never you mind. Just wake up, Little Hedgehog.

[Bebe]

Wake up. It's a snow night. Little Hedgehog bolted up in bed. Her dad was leaning over her.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Oh, Hi Dad.

[Bebe]

Greetings, Mr. Hedgehog. Oh, hey Bebe. Little Hedgehog, you were sleep talking about hippos in tiny jackets.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

They were so ill fitting. Dad.

[Bebe]

I too had a dream about hippos in tiny jackets. Little Hedgehog's eyes went wide with disbelief.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Do you mean jackets so tiny that you'd worry the seams would pop if the hippos attempted to button them.

[Bebe]

Not that tiny. The hippos would be able to button the jackets without straining the seams.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

That was really close to being a strange coincidence.

[Bebe]

Too true. Mr. Hedgehog cleared his throat. So, like I said, it's a snow night.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Really?

[Bebe]

Truly.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Finally.

[Bebe]

They just announced it over the radio. Listen. Mr. Hedgehog held up his portable radio and pressed a button.

[Radio Announcer]

I repeat, the following forest schools are closed for a snow night. Little Forest School. Forest Little School.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Oh, that's us, dad.

[Radio Announcer]

And Primary Forest Academy. Actually. Sorry about that. Primary Forest Academy. There was a smudge on my paper. You do have school, everybody, aside from Primary Forest Academy, have a fun night in the snow.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Yay.

[Bebe]

From across the room in his leafy enclosure, Little Guy. Little Hedgehog's pet chameleon said, yay. Little Hedgehog and Bebe immediately ran to the burrow door and flung it open. Eeek. Expecting to see a beautiful snowy forest landscape. Instead, they saw an unbroken wall of white.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Hmm.

[Bebe]

A tiny avalanche of snow fell upon their heads.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

That was kind of funny, Bebe.

[Bebe]

Little Hedgehog said, brushing snowflakes off her prickles. It was.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

But also, I am noticing we are snowed in.

[Bebe]

I am noticing that too. Over a breakfast of snails and mushrooms, Little Hedgehog and Bebe considered their predicament. If we're snowed in, we may not be able to go on a marvelous adventure.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Bebe, I am having a major case of van Hasna.

[Bebe]

As am I. Mr. Hedgehog, who was making himself a cup of tea, turned to look at his daughter. I may live to regret this, but. What did you just say? Fun House something. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a significant look.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Oh, dad.

[Bebe]

Oh, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Fun Hasna. It stands for fear of not having a snow night anecdote.

[Bebe]

You've explained it and it makes less sense than it did before.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

A mixtotal sense, dad. Allow bebe to explain.

[Bebe]

Mr. Hedgehog. After a snow night, students are encouraged to share stories of how they spent their snow nights.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Dad, last year, so many kids had these amazing anecdotes. Bebe, do you remember Percy's story?

[Bebe]

I will never forget it.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

So my family all hopped in our wild turkey and flew down to a tropical island, where we spent our snow night on a beach, making sandcastles and befriending a ghost crab named Marcus. We just got back 10 minutes ago. Is it just me, or is it really cold in here?

[Bebe]

Mr. Hedgehog furrowed his brow. His family has its own turkey. Percy's dad is a famous ornithologist oh.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Bebe, do you remember Sandy's snow night anecdote from last year?

[Bebe]

Do I ever.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

My brother and I wheedled spears at sundown and went ice fishing on the frozen lake. We speared 17 fish. One had fangs.

[Mr. Hedgehog]

Bebe, if we're snowed in, I don't see how we will ever come up with an amusing snow night anecdote.

[Bebe]

It is a conundrum. Mr. Hedgehog was unmoved. Snow nights should just be fun, not fodder for stories to tell other people. When I was a kid, we made snowmen and went sledding. It was great. But before little Hedgehog and Bebe could reply to this reasonable, albeit old timey comment, there came a knock at the burrow door. When Mr. Hedgehog opened the door, he expected to encounter a wall of snow. Instead, in the few minutes he'd spent hearing about Funhosna, something else had appeared. Leading away from the front door was a tall, glistening tunnel. A tunnel made entirely of snow. Inside the tunnel was a rabbit in a jumpsuit and a hard hat. The hard hat had openings for his tall ears, in case you were wondering. Anyway, upon seeing the snow tunnel, Mr. Hedgehog nodded. Huh. I forgot about this. To understand what Mr. Hedgehog forgot, we'll have to go back in time to the middle of the summer when this same rabbit had shown up at the Burrow.

[Rhea]

There is so much more to this story. You can hear the full episode by becoming a Little Stories Premium subscriber. Visit littlestoriespremium.com to join. And thank you, as always, for listening in.