by Leslie Jones
First published 2014
Hercule the hedgehog begins his education at obedience school alongside his devoted owner, Jean-Pierre Bear. Their peaceful village of Apple Tree sits between distant mountains and far-off seas, providing the perfect backdrop for learning. At school, they encounter Werner von Bark, a stern instructor whose rough exterior masks deeper lessons about compassion. As Hercule navigates his classes, he discovers that academic success matters less than treating others with genuine care. Young readers follow along as simple German vocabulary weaves through the story, making language learning feel natural and fun. This second installment in the Apple Tree series shows how kindness transforms both student and teacher, proving that the most important lessons happen outside the classroom.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary
Vibes: thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, transformation
Setting: Apple Tree, Mountains, Seas
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
34 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform