The Hodgeheg: questions to ask and activities to try
Max the hedgehog is determined to cross the busy road safely. The Hodgeheg is Dick King-Smith's timeless classic about bravery and determination.
What age is it for? The Hodgeheg is best for ages 6–8. Good for: A brave hedgehog with a plan, in a classic chapter book.
The Hodgeheg (Dick King-Smith)
- Age
- 6-8
- Best for
- A brave hedgehog with a plan, in a classic chapter book
Read a chapter a night. Enjoy Max's muddled words, and talk about road safety.
What it helps with
- Determination
- Road safety
- Animals in towns
- Classic chapter books
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where did Max want to go?”
- “Why was the road dangerous?”
- “What happened to his words?”
- “How did he solve the problem?”
- “How do you cross a road safely?”
- “What would you be brave about?”
5-minute activities to try together
Muddled words
Swap the starts of words, like Max: hodgeheg, packpack.
Road rules
Practise the Green Cross Code together.
Free printables: The Hodgeheg worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
How to Help a Hedgehog and Protect a Polar Bear (Jess French and Angela Keoghan)
- Best for
- 70 everyday ways to help animals and the planet
- Age
- 6-9
Harry the Poisonous Centipede (Lynne Reid Banks and Tony Ross)
- Best for
- A centipede's adventures in the world of the Hoo-Mins
- Age
- 6-9
Olga da Polga (Michael Bond and Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- A guinea pig with a big imagination and tall tales
- Age
- 6-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.