Hug

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A tiny chimp invokes the universal language, uniting his friends in a group hug to end all group hugs. Just try to resist Jez Alborough's latest charmer!Ever feel like you need a hug? A really big hug from someone who loves you? That's how Bobo, the little chimp in this book, feels. Walking through the jungle he passes lots of creatures enjoying a cuddle together: elephants, chameleons, lions, giraffes, hippos - even the snakes have got someone special to squeeze. But poor Bobo is alone. Will he ever find the hug he needs? Using only the single word "hug" throughout the book, this simple, endearing story is told through Jez Alborough's gorgeous, detailed artwork.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Infused with heartfelt themes, board books and novelty titles galore emerge just in time for Valentine's Day. Hot on the trail of little Bobo's love-seeking jungle jaunt, author/ illustrator Jez Alborough's witty marker pen illustrations supplement spare text in Hug. After witnessing many other animals' embraces, he finds a hug of his own. ( Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 1-This picture-book protagonist is even more endearing than Alborough's bears in Where's My Teddy? (1992) and My Friend Bear (1998, both Candlewick). Bobo, a tiny chimp, searches the jungle for a hug. Witnessing elephant, iguana, giraffe, and other parent-child couples embracing reduces him to tears, until his mother finally appears to make things right. Cross-species hugs complete the satisfying and reassuring tale. Marker-pen illustrations expertly run the range of brilliant blue skies to tan dusty trails. The rounded cartoon figures demonstrate an array of emotions to augment the text that consists of only three words: "HUG," "BOBO," and "MOMMY." From the warm golden cover to the animal grins at the end, Alborough's simplicity results in another gem.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

In this small board book edition, a young chimpanzee in need of a hug searches for his mother and is accompanied by an array of friendly animals. The minimal text--three words repeated in different contexts--isn't very effective, but the expressive illustrations invite participation. Young listeners will readily sympathize with the chimp's satisfyingly resolved dilemma. From HORN BOOK Fall 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

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)