Hedgehog or Echidna: Animals who are the same . . . but different! by Ashleigh Barton, illustrated by Amadine Thomas

Title: Hedgehog or Echidna? Animals Who are the Same but Different

Author: Ashleigh Barton, illustrated by Amadine Thomas

Genre: Non-fiction

Publisher: Lothian/Hachette Australia

Published: 30^th July 2025

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: A fun rhyming picture book with bright and engaging illustrations that teaches children about animals who look similar, but have unique differences, from acclaimed author Ashleigh Barton and illustrator Amandine Thomas.

When a hedgehog and an echidna meet and realise they have many similarities, they take a look at other animal pairs around the world who look the same but aren’t.

Crocodiles and alligators, llamas and alpacas, rabbits and hares, and more. Join Echidna and Hedgehog as they meet animals who look similar to one another – and learn to tell the difference between them! Written by popular children’s author Ashleigh Barton, with vibrant and expressive watercolour illustrations by Amandine Thomas.

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Did you know that there are animals out there that look the same, but have a different name? Just like humans, an animal can look like something it’s not. One day while out exploring, Echidna meets a Hedgehog, and they start talking about what makes them the same, because people are always confusing them. So, they head off to see if it happens to anyone else. And they meet many pairs of animals who look the same, and are very annoyed that people always get them confused.

Ashleigh Barton’s rhyming story is a delightful chance to learn about animals, what makes them stand apart, and how to make sure you don’t call a rabbit a hare, a llama an alpaca or a crocodile an alligator. From the search-and-find end papers to the glorious story and journey, this is a wonderful book to share with children of all ages. Ashleigh’s story is filled with the same fun and zest I have found in her Solomon Macaroni books, the same heart that I found in How to Sail to Somewhere, and the joy of discovering new things that I have found in many books and picture books over the years.

Ashleigh’s delightful rhymes are complemented by lovely watercolour illustrations from Amandine Thomas. They bring all the animals to life, and give them a voice as well as joyful smiles and eyes. When combined, the story is evocative and joyful. It’s powerful and educational, but it does so in a fun way. It’s a good way to help children learn the right names for things, and learn that using the right name for a person or thing is the right thing to do.

It’s always a joy reading a book by Ashleigh Barton. Her ability to create so many different characters shines out in her writing, and this is one that I loved, and think will be great for younger kids. It’s a delight for anyone reading it, and one that I think will be a good reread. It’s entertaining and fun, and the bright colours will draw kids into the book. This is another wonderful picture book from fantastic Australian creators that families will enjoy for many years to come.