One More Hug

by Megan Alexander, Hiroe Nakata (Illustrator)

Overview

From Inside Edition’s national correspondent Megan Alexander comes a heartwarming picture book in the tradition of The Wonderful Things You Will Be that shows us there’s always time for one more hug as a young boy starts his day and his journey through life.

A tree branch tapping on a window, a pretend sword breaking in two, the skreeeetch of a school bus door: one more hug by mom is always needed to comfort and reassure a young boy that he has the inner confidence to carry on. As time passes, and he outgrows his childhood fears, he returns the favor by giving his mother one more hug as he goes on his way.

This timeless tale of unconditional love and comfort for an anxious young boy as he leaves the nest and starts his journey through life is a perfect story for mothers to share with their sons to show them that it’s okay to have fears and needs—even as they get older—and it’s okay to share those feelings with the people who love them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534429710
Publisher:	Aladdin
Publication date:	11/12/2019
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	AD530L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Megan Alexander is a national news correspondent, host, emcee, speaker, producer, and actress. She can be seen every evening as a correspondent on the top-rated national news television show Inside Edition. She was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and graduated from Westmont College. Megan splits time between New York City and Nashville, Tennessee. She and her husband have two young sons.

Hiroe Nakata has illustrated numerous picture books including Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate, Shoe Bop!, One More Hug, Duck Skates, and The Magic of a Small Town Christmas. Encouraged in her art by her grandfather who is a painter in Japan, Hiroe graduated from the Parsons School of Design. She currently lives and works in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

08/19/2019

TV personality Alexander makes her children’s book debut with a story about a parent’s bottomless reserves of love for a child. The mother of a bumptious boy watches him grow and become increasingly self-assured and independent, part of a bigger world of friends and school. Along the way, a little extra reassurance from his mother—“one more” hug, kiss, or squeeze—makes all the difference in uncertain moments. Time flies (“and before long” is a recurring phrase here), and the child goes from outgrowing his superhero pajamas to riding his bike “without any help” to driving off in a packed-up car. Mom is allowed some wistful gazes as she steps away from the center of her son’s life, and even a soupçon of self-pity (“If you knew how proud you made me... if you knew you were still my boy, now and forever”). Airy, buoyant gouache illustrations by Nakata (Not That Tutu!) record the moments, large and small, of the relationship, and readers of all ages will be heartened to see how the creators bring it all home, literally and figuratively, at the end. Ages 4–8. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

2019-07-14
The reassurance of "one more hug" allows a little boy to take on fears, new challenges, and responsibilities as he grows into an older boy, adolescent, and finally young man.

Graceful gouache paintings delineate a child's progress, from coping with the fear of a storm and a broken toy through the first time on a school bus, growing older and learning to climb a tree, ride a bike, play soccer, training with the track team, and, ultimately, driving away to life on his own. All the while, Mama is there to provide support and love, always with a special hug. Related in the past tense by Mama, the narrative reflects a nostalgic remembrance yet conveys the constant unbreakable bond between mother and child. "But even though you were older, you were still my boy. And you asked for… // one more hug before your big performance." In a final sentimental reflection, Mama wonders if her now-adult son understands her pride and love for him and is happily rewarded with a surprise visit and "one more hug." Children will enjoy reviewing the relatable illustrations of a growing child's activities; however, it's parents who will undoubtedly identify with the emotions. According to the author's note, the intent is to assure parents that sons should be allowed to express their feelings. Both Mama and son are white.

Less pathological than Love You Forever but aimed at the same audience. (Picture book. 5-10)

Kirkus Reviews