Group Hug

PreS-K—A group hug begins when one very kind slug hugs a lonely beetle. A mouse then stumbles onto the scene, and the hug expands; skunk, squirrel, and beaver follow, and so the comfort of a hug is shared with every animal that feels frustrated, down, misunderstood, or alone. Frightened when a bear appears, the animals scatter, but the slug remains to show how the hugger finds happiness, too. Rhyme and repetition creates an excellent storytelling experience for young children. Bright digital artwork renders every beautiful characterization, enhancing the message of kindness and understanding. VERDICT The need for a hug and the expression of different emotions is a valuable lesson, making this a good candidate for curriculum units discussing feelings.—Rachel Zuffa, Case H.S., Racine, WI

A yellow and orange slug in need of a hug finds a lonely beetle who could also benefit from the shoring up that can accompany physical contact. Their embrace sets off a growing collective clutch of woodland critters, all having a bad day for one reason or another ("A groundhog, forgotten./ A goose, out of luck.// A fox nicknamed 'Sneaky.'/ A moose, feeling stuck") and each welcomed into the literal fold with the refrain, "GROUP HUG!" A bear "needing someone to care" momentarily tests the group's resolve, but when the slug bravely proffers a hug, the others return from their respective hiding places to join the huddle once again. The economic text has a surfeit of aural pleasures, and Reidy (Truman) strikes a comic tone that never sinks into sentimentality: an overworked beaver is beckoned with "Come join our crew./ Let the hugging ensue!" Digital art by Chou (Ways to Welcome) combines strong lines and shapes with intricate, expertly balanced overlays of color and texture. Together, text and art radiate a sense of unalloyed communal joy. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (Nov.)

[A] sweetly endearing charmer, highlighting kindness . . . Readers will embrace this captivating winner. —Kirkus Review, starred review