Irina and Stefan spend their Easter holidays on their grandparents' farm in South Tyrol. The children are particularly interested in a hedgehog that has recently awakened from hibernation. Every day at dusk, they watch as it goes in search of food. Their grandfather teaches them a lot about the animal's lifestyle, diet, and reproduction. After the children return home, the grandparents regularly write letters to update them about "their" hedgehog. In the meantime, they have realized that the hedgehog is a female and has mated. A week later, the hedgehog babies are born. Of course, the children want to witness this! Irina and Stefan are relatable characters for boys and girls in the 2nd and 3rd grades. The story incorporates easily understandable factual information about hedgehogs. Reading this book effectively fosters motivation to read.