What’s the connection between a hedgehog and literacy? Meet the project encouraging kids to read

Tired of your kids glued to screens? A creative content initiative for children will have them eagerly awaiting letters from an adventurous hedgehog, sparking their love for reading and writing.

 Srauka the Hedgehog (photo credit: ALONA LAHAV)
Srauka the Hedgehog
(photo credit: ALONA LAHAV)

Do you feel like your kids are always stuck in front of screens? A new, original content initiative for children is set to change that by encouraging them to wait eagerly by the mailbox for letters from their hedgehog friend, who's exploring the world and sending magical letters from new places.

Many children spend hours on the computer and miss out on the joy of reading—not to mention the development of their imagination. It’s increasingly difficult to get kids to open a book or write something outside of their school assignments. However, a new project aims to inspire children’s reading, writing, and self-expression skills through creative methods. This initiative not only helps develop social skills but also expands their knowledge and curiosity about different cultures, encouraging them to try new experiences.

 Srauka the Hedgehog (credit: ALONA LAHAV)
Srauka the Hedgehog (credit: ALONA LAHAV)

Introducing "The Adventures of Srauka the Hedgehog," an intriguing project where children receive a personalized letter once a month, written by a polite, funny, and adventurous hedgehog. This pen-pal hedgehog embarks on a journey around the world and shares his exciting experiences, making new friends and learning about different cultures and traditions along the way. The letters are beautifully illustrated and filled with engaging stories, stickers, souvenirs, postcards, and more. The first letter includes a large world map and tracking stickers to follow the hedgehog's travels.

The idea behind this project is to create an ongoing story that sparks a love for the written word and a passion for letters, just like in the past. It also aims to strengthen children’s reading, writing, and social skills by introducing them to different animals, cultures, and experiences that our planet has to offer. All letters are fully punctuated and tailored for early readers. After receiving a letter, children can write back to the hedgehog and receive a personalized reply.

Alongside Srauka’s adventures, the project includes another exciting storyline: "Jacobla’s Treasure Hunt." Jacobla is a wise and curious squirrel who also acts as a pen pal. She sets off on a journey to find a mysterious treasure, sending personalized letters to children in a treasure hunt format, filled with puzzles, souvenirs, and postcards to decorate their personal travel journals.

Jonathan Troim, the project’s founder, explains: “Srauka the hedgehog was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our previous business, which focused on children’s festivals, came to a halt due to the lockdowns, so we sought a way to bring an educational, fun, and family-oriented experience directly to children at home. We gathered a variety of stories we’ve told our children over the years—some family tales from my childhood, some invented, and some ideas our children came up with—and turned them into one big adventure starring an adorable and innocent hedgehog who writes letters to his friends and invites them on exciting experiences."

“In an era where many, including children, experience loneliness, Srauka the hedgehog brings warmth, friendship, and love. He is kind-hearted and reflects values we feel are sometimes lost in today’s world. Through his letters and adventures, we hope to give children a sense of belonging, trust in friendships, and optimism. Srauka represents the power of positivity, generosity, and the ability to find good in every situation—messages we believe are more important than ever. We’re constantly seeking new ways to engage and spark children’s curiosity. The letters, illustrations, stickers, postcards, and souvenirs are the result of hard work, with a commitment to originality and quality, developed in collaboration with educational consultants.”

"Srauka the Hedgehog" is designed for children aged 4-8, while "Jacobla the Squirrel" is suitable for ages 6-9. Letters are sent both within Israel and internationally.

Prices:Monthly subscription - NIS 45 Half-year subscription - NIS 245 Annual subscription - NIS 439 For more details, visit: www.srauka.co.il