Children’s Author Lauren Castillo Shares Lessons from Our Friend the Hedgehog: School for Woodland Creatures
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Asia Tabb
aired; July 16, 2026
What makes a great teacher—and what happens when you don’t think you’re an expert? On The Spark, we spoke with acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Lauren Castillo about her newest book, Our Friend the Hedgehog: School for Woodland Creatures, released July 14. The latest installment in her beloved Hedgehog series follows a group of woodland friends as they create their own school, where Hedgehog learns that kindness, curiosity, and helping others are just as valuable as having all the answers.
During our conversation, Castillo shared the inspiration behind the story, her passion for writing and illustrating children’s books, and the important lessons young readers can take away about self-confidence, friendship, and believing in their own abilities.
Families will also have an opportunity to meet Castillo in person during a special Book Party & Story Time on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Café, 1302 N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg. The event will feature story time, a celebration of the new book, and opportunities for readers to connect with the author.
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.