FROM OUR EDITORS

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.

ANNOTATION

Bobo the chimp seeks hugs among various jungle animals and their young, but he does not get what he wants until he is reunited with his own parent.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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!

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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Favorite characters return for the picture-book crowd as well. With just five words and a band of his always-merry animal creations, Jez Alborough weaves a sweet tale about the monkey from Hug, determined to make it to the top-and teaching youngsters about relative heights at the same time-in Tall. While the premise is simplicity itself, it's expertly paced. An oversize, huggable board book edition of Hug is also available now. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

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.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

The title says it all in this simple book about loving families. A small chimpanzee skips through the colorful jungle scenes exclaiming, "HUG," as he observes young animals being nuzzled affectionately by their parents. His expression is happy in the beginning, bringing smiles to the faces of the elephants, lizards and snakes he passes. Then he seems to be missing something. The mother elephant understands his plaintive plea and offers him a ride. They continue on past loving groups of lions, giraffes and hippopotami. When his "HUG" turns into a sob, all of the animals become concerned. They are relieved when an adult chimpanzee bounds onto the next page calling, "BOBO." He answers, "MOMMY," and all the animals join in the "HUG" chorus. This likeable little chimp and his compassionate friends will bring joy to young children and their parents, who will surely want to share a hug after reading the book. 2000, Candlewick Press, $14.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer

School Library Journal

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 Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Leonard S. Marcus - Parenting

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. Read all 6 "From The Critics" >