The Hedgehog's Journey

One autumn morning, Sam and Maya went into their garden. Their dog was barking near the old shed.

"Look!" said Maya. "There's a hedgehog under the big leaves."

The children went closer. The hedgehog was very small. It could not move. Its eyes were closed.

"It is poorly," said Sam. "We must help it."

The children put the hedgehog in a box with a warm blanket. They gave it a little water. They took it inside the house.

For three days, Sam and Maya looked after the hedgehog. They gave it food and water. Slowly, the hedgehog got better.

On the third day, the hedgehog opened its eyes. It looked at the children. Then it started to move around the box.

"It is ready," said their mum. "Winter is coming. Hedgehogs must sleep in winter. It is time to let it go."

Sam and Maya took the hedgehog to the garden. They put it near the old shed where they first found it. There were lots of leaves there.

The hedgehog walked slowly into the leaves. It found a warm place and went to sleep.

"Goodbye, little hedgehog," said Maya. "Sleep well until spring."

The children smiled. They were happy they helped the hedgehog. They looked at the leaves and hoped their new friend was warm and safe.