Hug

by Jez Alborough, Jez Alborough (Illustrator)

Overview

"Alborough celebrates the pleasure of giving and receiving good hugs, as well as the joy inherent in finding just the right word." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Bobo needs a hug. But his friends don't seem to understand. "Hug," he implores, time and again. Time and again his puzzled pals—from the smallest chameleon to the tallest giraffe—shrug and cuddle with their jungle mothers. As the lonely chimp's plea escalates, his friends grow concerned. Can the elephants lead Bobo to his heart's desire?

Jez Alborough, the acclaimed author-illustrator of Where's My Teddy?, It's the Bear!, and My Friend Bear transforms a total of three words—and some of the most tenderly expressive animals ever created—into an endearing tribute to love and belonging.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763645106
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	08/11/2009
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

About the Author

 

Editorial Reviews

Did you ever feel like you needed a hug? A really big one from someone who loves you? That's how Bobo the chimp feels. But his friends don't seem to understand. From the tiny chameleons to the tallest giraffes, all of them are happily cuddling with their jungle mothers. But every time Bobo blurts out the word "HUG" and points, it's to no avail. Will he ever find what he's looking for? With Hug, acclaimed author-illustrator Jez Alborough transforms a total of three words -- and some of the most tenderly expressive animals you've ever seen -- into a warm and fuzzy tribute to love and belonging.

bn.com

A lonesome, wee chimp wanders the jungle, hoping for a hug. Then, with a little help from his animal friends, he finds his way back to his mom, who's waiting for him with open arms. Droll watercolors help tell this nearly wordless tale.
— Parenting

Leonard S. Marcus

Alborough's latest endeavor is brief on text but big on emotion. A juvenile chimp wanders the jungle searching for—what else?—a hug. In his journey he encounters familiar inhabitants in adult/infant pairs; elephants, snakes, lions, and others embrace in genial expressions of affection as the forlorn chimp ambles past, plaintively calling out,"Hug." Soon a menagerie of concerned animals trail in Bobo's wake as he becomes increasingly distressed. Just when things seem dire, out from the trees swings Bobo's mom, who joyously envelops her offspring in a warm clasp, inspiring a hug-fest among all the congregated animals. Comprised of only three words ("hug,""mommy," and"Bobo"), the spare text leaves plenty of room for Alborough's eloquent illustrations, a true testimony to the adage"a picture's worth a thousand words." The full-color, full-bleed illustrations are rendered in marker pen, allowing Alborough to impart a wealth of expression on the faces and in the body language of the various creatures. Little ones will be tickled pink by the inventive manner in which each creature embraces: chameleons engage in body-to-body hugs while clasping tails; giraffes intertwine their lanky necks; and a young hippo gleefully perches atop its recumbent parent. This warmly inviting tale is bound to inspire many a loving snuggle during storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)

Kirkus Reviews

Like a wordless book, the story unfolds through a series of expressive pictures. . . .Alborough makes clear . . . the elation the animals gain from their shared affection.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

From the warm golden cover to the animal grins at the end, Alborough's simplicity results in another gem.
—School Library Journal

From the Publisher