"Off-the charts baby animal cuteness and a reassuring message about trusting one's talents ... a snout-standing tale" Publishers Weekly

Meet Hogbert - a baby boar with a big personality and a nose like no other! When Hogbert gets separated from his family he finds himself all alone in the forest. Can he find his way home?

Little Hogbert lives in a fairy-tale forest with his mummy and his brothers and sisters. One day, Mummy Pig decides it's time for her babies to leave the nest for the first time - but they must remember to stick together because the Big Bad Wolf could be about!

When Hogbert sniffs out a super-tasty trail, he forgets Mummy Pig's words and finds himself all alone. Luckily he meets some new animals along the way - who sharp readers may recognize from some of their favourite fairy tales! Can Hogbert learn to follow his nose and lead his new friends back to the safety of their families?

A lusciously illustrated story about making friends, taking your first steps towards independence and learning to trust your instincts, from the creator of Margaret's Unicorn.

WINNER OF AN ABCD PRIZE FOR COVER DESIGN

About the Author
Briony May Smith graduated from Falmouth University with a First Class degree in Illustration. Since then, she has been shortlisted for the British Comic Awards and has twice been highly commended for the Macmillan Children's Prize. She is the author-illustrator of Margaret's Unicorn, The Mermaid Moon, A Practical Present for Philippa Pheasant and Tiny Jenny. She also illustrated The Giant's Necklace, written by Michael Morpurgo and Tooth Fairy in Training and Witch in Training, both written by Michelle Robinson. Find her online at brionymaysmith.com and on Instagram as @BrionyMaySmith.

Reviews
Narration flows smoothly and features a variety of evocative words and phrases. . . . This low-key adventure is a pleasant diversion that effectively capitalizes on the appeal of timeless tales. * Kirkus Reviews *
Sharp-eyed readers will note that the much-feared wolf is actually a mother wolf and her child seeking their own reunion-a perspective shifting detail that, combined with the off-the charts baby animal cuteness and a reassuring message about trusting one's talents, makes for a snout-standing tale. * Publishers Weekly *
[A] heartwarming tale about friendship, family, and finding your way home. . . . * Foreword Reviews *
Smith's descriptive text and detailed illustrations immerse readers in the dense, expansive forest, which makes for a picturesque natural setting. Varied compositions throughout heighten the drama in this inventive adventure until Hogbert's nose expertly leads them to safety and reunion with their families...with quite a story to share. * The Horn Book *
In tender pencil-and-watercolor illustrations that beautifully render the deep forest setting, this story gives kids a safe way to explore the fear of being separated from a parent, while encouraging conversations about empathy and how perception can differ from reality. A heartwarming and thoughtful addition to any library serving young children. * Booklist *


Awards
Short-listed for Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Award 2026 (United States).



Book Information
ISBN 9781529535792
Author Briony May Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 32
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 190g
Dimensions(mm) 266mm * 210mm * 4mm