It is hard for Priscilla Porcupine to attend parties with her friends because her prickly quills ruin the fun and hurt people. After a birthday party that ends badly, she sadly retreats to her den because she doesn’t want to hurt anyone else. But she is hurting, too. So her friends put their heads together and collect items from the forest to create a soft coat Priscilla can wear in public to keep her quills from hurting others. Priscilla is overjoyed and grateful for the kindness of her friends. It’s Hard to Hug a Porcupine reminds readers that friends who struggle to fit in are often the ones who need kindness most.