Riddle for a 2-year-old: “A spiky ball goes sniff-sniff, uncurls and runs” — Answer: Hedgehog

Riddle: A spiky ball goes, sniff-sniff, uncurls and runs.

Answer: Hedgehog.

Why? A hedgehog is a small animal with spines on its back. When it is scared it curls into a spiky ball. It uses its nose to sniff, and when it is safe it uncurls and walks or runs away.

Play and teach (for a 2‑year‑old):

1. Show the riddle and say it slowly: "A spiky ball... sniff-sniff... uncurls and runs."
2. Act it out together: curl up into a little ball (hug knees or sit and tuck in arms), make a soft "sniff-sniff" noise, then uncurl and crawl or toddle away slowly.
3. Say the word "hedgehog" and point to a picture or toy so the child connects the word with the animal.

Safety tip: Tell the child not to touch wild animals. Look and learn from pictures or toys.