(2) PS Illustrated by Erin Kraan. Tracy and Kraan provide humorous (faux) insight into the thoughts of one of nature's more formidable creatures: the brown bear. Our protagonist begins the story's narration with reassurances that, rather than being ferocious, "I am friendly. I've been thoughtful my whole life." But despite good intentions, the bear's repeated attempts to assist other forest creatures just cause chaos, often because the other animals are terrified at the bear's intimidating presence. Disorder also results from the bear's strength; for instance, vigorously scratching one's back on a signpost can rearrange the signs and prevent future travelers from reaching their destinations. Even more amusingly, the protagonist is completely oblivious to all the tumult (or, in the case of the signpost, "fixes" it in a way that doesn't help). Cartoonish illustrations enhance the plot and humor using varied compositions, from full-bleed spreads to sequential vignettes and panels. At the book's end, the bear, tuckered out from a long day of helping others, addresses readers directly with a "bear hug" -- which looks scary, but readers and listeners can draw their own conclusions.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) PS Gosling Ollie (Ollie the Stomper) is feeling out of sorts, and "Nothing feels right!" One by one, his friends kindly offer help. Does he want to wear Gertie's boots or play with Peedie's ball or go exploring with Gemma? Ollie patiently refuses each offering ("Ollie would rather stomp alone... / Ollie isn't hungry") until Gideon innocently suggests some quiet time. And with that, Ollie has reached his limit: "Ollie wants to be loud!" Dunrea's spot-on illustration shows our frustrated gosling yelling, beak wide open. Cue Gossie, who now knows exactly what Ollie needs: a hug. Just right for toddler attention spans and well-aimed at little ones learning to identify emotions and get their needs met, this board book is a soothing story for trying times. Get your hugs here.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2022

(3) K-3 Cactus Hank spends life sitting in the window of a desert home and snubbing the odd turtle, tumbleweed, or other passerby. After Hank snaps at a cowboy, the man says, "Seems to me, somebody needs a hug." That gets Hank thinking... This wry tale of blossoming self-awareness boasts watercolors of amazing variety given that all scenes feature an immobile plant.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) PS Illustrated by Lisk Feng. A father and daughter connect the natural world with their affection for each another in this cozy, rhyming picture book. Saturated, rosy-toned illustrations of whimsical nature scenes--such as eggs holding hatchlings "warm and snug" and the "strong yet gentle" hug of a cocoon--alternate with images of the stylized protagonists sharing sweet moments outdoors. A succinct, tender, and visually appealing read.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) PS A young boy enthusiastically explains why he is the "best at hugging" everyone and everything. After a busy day full of hugging, he discovers it's just as nice to be hugged. Campbell's story retains its humor and accessibility in this smaller board-book trim size, thanks to plentiful white space surrounding the cartoony watercolor illustrations and a pithy, toddler-friendly text.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(4) PS Illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown. Wally, a boa constrictor, is an enthusiastic hugger. When his animal friends at school are scared of his hugs, Wally expresses how sad he is. If Wally agrees to be gentle, his classmates will gladly accept his hugs. The end feels slightly problematic--Wally kisses everyone without permission because "he couldn't help himself"--but the expressively illustrated story could start discussions on consent.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) K-3 I Like to Read series. A small child happily hugs her cat, her dog, a friend, a tree. The text consists of a single sentence on each page; the "I hug my..." structure repeats, with only the object nouns changing. McPhail's familiar pen and watercolor-wash illustrations, a variety of vignettes and full-page art, convey warmth and security. A positive, upbeat experience for the youngest readers.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Annie and Woody can't stop fighting, so their exasperated mother offers a unique solution: every time they argue, they have to "hug it out." Loosely sketched illustrations reveal many more forced hugs, but once they finally learn to share, they begin to appreciate the hugs. This light tale balances the contrasting feelings of frustration and love that only sibling relationships can elicit.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Emilia Dziubak. Daddy Bear and Little Bear decide to give a number of reluctant forest animals hugs, because as Daddy Bear says, "Hugging always makes you feel good." The evocative illustrations feature borders that range from leafy edges to carrot tops to spikey forest branches, among other organic surroundings. The lush pictures help make up for the saccharine story line.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty