The Best of the Bargain

A parent might reach for this book when their child is frustrated by a friend or sibling who isn't playing fair. This classic Polish folktale tells the story of Hugo the hedgehog and Olek the fox, who agree to be farming partners. The greedy fox always tries to manipulate the deal to get the best part of the crop for himself. However, the small but clever hedgehog consistently outsmarts him, teaching a gentle but powerful lesson about fairness. For children ages 5 to 8, it's a wonderfully empowering story that champions intelligence over greed and shows that you don't have to be the biggest or strongest to come out on top. It’s a perfect, humorous way to start a conversation about creative problem-solving and standing up for yourself.