Diana Shaul Fine Art

Story: 'Now, cubs, I know you want to make friends, but you need to stay away from those hedgehogs!'

'But they're so cute! I really want to play with them, Mum!'

'You listen to me, those hedgehogs may look sweet, but they're dangerous. You certainly won't like playing with them when they turn themselves into spiky balls! You steer clear of them, do you hear me?'

'Aww, but Mum, they seem lovely!'

'They're prickly, not lovely! The very moment you reach out your paw to touch one of them, it'll raise its spines and you'll get pricked.'

'Wow, that's amazing!'

'I know what you're thinking, Eddie, and you and your brothers and sisters mustn't try it. I don't want to spend all afternoon attending to your injuries!'

'But Mum, what they do with their spines – that's totally cool, don't you think?'

'Well, I suppose it is interesting. I mean, they may be small, but hedgehogs totally know how to protect themselves. I can respect that.'

'Okay, so we should respect them, then!'

'Yes, you should respect the hedgehogs and LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!'

Media: Acrylic and mixed media

Surface: Box canvas

Size: 21cm x 15cm x 1.5cm [depth]; 8.27" x 5.91" x 0.59" [depth]