Hug (Toddler)

Released August 2009

www.candlewick.com

Reviewed by Bob Walch

Everyone needs a hug from time to time and never was that more true than for the little monkey in this picture book. As Bobo walks through the jungle he sees a moma elephant hug her baby, two snakes in an entangled embrace and a mother lion snuggling her two cubs.

What's going on here? Even the little hippos and giraffes are receiving parental affection but not Bobo. "Hug, hug, hug!" says the monkey. When he's just about to give up, along comes Bobo's mother and now he gets the BIGGEST HUG of all!

There's really only one word in this book for preschoolers and I'm sure after looking at this book just once or twice, "HUG" will be part of your child's vocabulary.

Also, pay close attention to the expressions on the all the animal's faces for Jez Alborough's illustrations have captured the full range of emotions this picture book creates.