It probably does not surprise you that I have a house full of books - and it probably does not surprise you that I often get sent hedgehog related books. But it might surprise you quite how many books for children feature hedgehogs - I have an enormous stack of them in my shed/office!

Most recently I have been sent The Hedgehog's Full Moon Party - written by Richard Mayers (who wrote the excellent Spikez) is a sweet and easy read picture book that manages to smuggle key hedgehog conservation messages into the story.

And, rather brilliantly eccentrically, an introduction to yoga as mediated through the story of shy hedgehog Doris. (author Lindsay Flower has said she will offer a make a donation to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for every book order that includes a reference to me prodding you into action!) 

Why should we care about these seemingly trivial things? Because they are yet more ways of stirring an interest in nature, and more specifically hedgehogs, in young people. And, as these are picture books that will be most likely read by an adult - in the adults too!

Some of my earliest memories of wildlife are from the stories I was told and then the stories that I read - and I think they set a foundation that has kept me fascinated and entertained for many many years!

So what were the stories that got you into wildlife? And into hedgehogs? Was Beatrix Potter still an influence? Or are there some hidden gems of books out there that we might have missed? Please let us all know.

And just to remind you (as if you needed reminding) we are getting so close .... need just around 53,000 more signatures. Now, I know that most petitions don't even get that many - but I think we can - we can make it to the half million. And with that make a story that cannot be ignored.