Handful of Happiness

Author(s): VACCHETTA, MASSIMO

Biography and Memoir

The heart-warming story of how a tiny hedgehog helped one man find hope.


'Could you look after it for a couple of days? . . .' So begins the extraordinary friendship between veterinarian Massimo, who is at a low spot in his life, and a tiny, orphaned hedgehog. Only a few days old, covered with soft, white quills and mewling quietly, this little creature will turn around his life forever. Through the sheer force of Ninna's personality - curious, playful, affectionate - and the sudden, unexpected paternal protectiveness he feels nursing her back to health, Massimo reconnects with the world - and finally begins to feel like home.


But as Ninna wakes from her first hibernation, she grows up, like any teenager, longing for freedom. A creature of the wild, she craves the free range of the woods beyond Massimo's house. Massimo must accept that Ninna is ready to move on . . . but one little hedgehog saved and released into her natural habitat is a new beginning for Massimo: setting up a sanctuary for the injured, orphaned, fragile - but with a will to live so strong it is truly contagious.


A Handful of Happiness is their funny and life-affirming story - a celebration of our favourite prickly wildlife creature, which will make you laugh and cry. Perfect for animal lovers and fans of A Streetcat Named Bob, Arthur, Finding Gobi and Monty Don's Nigel.


Product Information

This is such a wonderful, heartwarming story. The relationship that grows between the vet Massimo and the tiny orphaned hoglet is truly inspirational, moving and oh so satisfying. Tailor-made for animal lovers, including children.

Alicia, The Book Grocer

General Fields

  • : 9781786489104
  • : Quercus
  • : Quercus
  • : February 2018
  • : January 2018
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : VACCHETTA, MASSIMO
  • : 208