Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A solitary purple slug called Doug is the unlikely star of this silly story about finding companionship. Seeking a hug, Doug first grins hopefully at an ant, an earthworm, and others, but their rejection is decisive: "But who wants to hug/ a slug called Doug?// No one. That's who./ Not him.// Not me./ Not you." When Doug meets a bespectacled snail with full red lips, it would seem she's the One: a series of Polaroids comically envisions the course of their romance, including a getaway to the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, the union fails and Doug is left weeping--that is, until an unexpected ladybug appears, and he learns that love can arrive when least expected. Shireen's bright, bold illustrations pair with Bright's wry, rhyming narration, which embraces bolded text, italics, and capitalization for readaloud effect. Ages 4--8. (Dec.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Doug the slug is in desperate need of a hug. But who will give him one? The ant says he's too "grimy, slippy" and the spider thinks he is "icky mucky." The worm feels that he is too "squelchy, slimy" and the bug thinks he is "yucky, sticky!" Even the snail, who is a lot like Doug, will not give him what he is looking for. What is a poor slug to do? The answer comes in the form of an unexpected friend, at an unexpected time. This funny picture book is a great reminder that friends come in all shapes and sizes. Using a bold palette that changes as Doug's feelings evolve, the illustrations really takes center stage. The animals are created using simple shapes, but the careful details in the eyes and lips add humor and character. The use of comic panels and dialogue bubbles is easy for young readers to navigate. The text relies on spare language and "feeling" words that will expand vocabulary. Rhyming couplets are used throughout, but not consistently; that might be most noticeable when reading aloud. VERDICT A succinct tale with a strong message about friendship, this book makes a nice addition to most K--2 collections.--Louie Lauer
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A slug longs for a hug and finds it unexpectedly. Doug the slug would really like a hug and plods on, seeking affection. But a caterpillar, bug, spider, and worm want no part of hugging a slug. They are just not feeling it (might they feel sluggish?), voicing their disdain in no uncertain terms with expressions like, "Grimy, slippy!" and "Squelchy, slimy!" What's a slug to do? Undeterred, Doug keeps trying. He meets Gail, a snail with crimson lipstick and hip, red glasses; she happens to be as grimy and squelchy as he is, so he figures she is the hugger of his dreams. The two embark upon a madcap romantic courtship. Alas, Gail also draws the (slimy) line at hugging Doug. Finally, mournful Doug meets the best hugger and the true love of his life, proving there's someone for everyone. This charmer will have readers rooting for Doug (and perhaps even wanting to hug him). Expressed in simple, jaunty verses that read and scan smoothly, the brief tale revolves around words that mainly rhyme with Doug and slug. Given that the story stretches vocabulary so well with regard to rhyming words, children can be challenged after a read-aloud session to offer up words that rhyme with slug and snail. The colorful and humorous illustrations are lively and cheerful; googly-eyed Doug is, like the other characters, entertaining and expressive. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sweet, reassuring fun--and a story to fully embrace. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
