Hug?

PreS-Gr 1--The pleasures and perils of hugs are explored in this adorable picture book. A little girl, with tan skin and black hair in a ponytail, offers her cat a hug after he hacks up a hairball; she is observed by a dog who then approaches in search of a hug of his own. The girl is happy to oblige until each hug seems to inspire more and more animals to show up for a hug. With each new encounter, the poor girl becomes increasingly bedraggled and smelly, there's ducks, a skunk, and more alarmingly, a bear, porcupine, and tiger, among others. Eventually she has had enough hugging and finds that she needs comfort of her own. Preschoolers will love this simple, humorous book featuring charming watercolor and pencil illustrations and speech bubbles, used by animals and humans alike. They'll want to guess who is coming in for a hug next, as each illustration provides a small hint of the next creature looking for love. This book may also be used for discussions, or even just as a helpful reminder, that kids can exert control over their own bodies and comfort levels when it comes to contact with others. It's okay to say no! VERDICT A cheerful, funny, and timely story that belongs in all collections.--Kristy Pasquariello, Westwood P.L., MA

This kid learns to really hug it out. An unnamed protagonist with black hair and light brown skin watches in surprise as a gray tabby hacks a hairball and announces, "I don't feel well." Sympathetic, the kid replies, "Do you want a hug?"--unwittingly initiating the formation of a line of animals in want of a hug. The text is limited to spare dialogue in speech bubbles, and so it is the lively illustrations that largely carry the plot. The first handful of furry friends are gentle, with a dog and a pair of ducks against a pastel watercolor backdrop. As the action escalates, so does the choice of animals, which include a skunk, a porcupine, a bear, and a sneaky tiger who attempts to make a snack out of the tabby. As the obscurity and size of the animals comically escalate, so do the kid's reactions. Generously, the kid acquiesces to each request despite the personal toll. The kid's appearance and reactions, however, go from neat through frazzled to full-out disheveled, with frayed hair and stained clothes. Eventually an eclectic ensemble of demanding creatures, complete with a fiery dragon, provokes the beleaguered protagonist to yell, "STOP!" After this eruption, the tabby helps the kid find peace--with a hug, of course. Short and sweet, the book gently guides readers to find balance between helping others while acknowledging their own emotional needs. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 69.4% of actual size.) This silly romp is sure to elicit giggles while promoting emotional intelligence. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.