Hedgehog or Echidna?

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.

About the Author

Ashleigh Barton is a children's author and copywriter. Before writing full time, she pursued her love of books (children's books especially) by working in some of Australia's biggest publishing houses, running marketing and publicity campaigns for globally renowned authors and illustrators. Ashleigh is the author of eight successful and highly acclaimed picture books and two junior fiction series, and has been recognised on the CBCA Notables and/or Shortlist in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Her picture book Dinosaur in My Pocket was a 2025 CBCA Notable Book. In 2025 Ashleigh published her acclaimed middle grade fiction book How to Sail to Somewhere and her picture book Hedgehog or Echidna? will be published in August 2025. Ashleigh lives in Sydney with her husband, three children and their dog.

About the Illustrator

Amandine Thomas is a French award-winning author and illustrator based in the leafy Dandenong Ranges , near Melbourne. In her stories and illustrations she explores the themes she is passionate about - such as our environment and the many ways it can inspire and amaze us. Her vibrant watercolour illustrations have featured in children's books and magazines around the world.