Elmore by Holly Hobbie (review)

Elmore the porcupine loves his cozy den in the big old maple tree, but he's lonely living there all by himself. It's hard for a porcupine to make friends, though; the other animals don't like being around someone so prickly. Elmore's uncle tells him to treasure his quills, because they make him a handsome porcupine, and his compliment gives Elmore an idea. He takes all his shed quills from his den and gives them away to the forest creatures as quill pens. Soon, all the animals are exchanging letters and drawings, and Elmore's got a forest full of friends who treasure his quills as much as he does. With his messy quills poking through his blue sweater, splayed pink toes, and expressive face, Elmore is an endearing and sympathetic protagonist as he tries to get the other forest denizens to see though his prickly exterior. The forest scenes, rendered in soft greens and browns in a loose watercolor style, are warm and inviting, even if some of its residents are standoffish. It's a little disappointing that Elmore has to give his quills away in order to get the other animals interested in being friends with him, but any kid who's struggled to make friends will be glad of Elmore's success. SS