The Catalogue of Hugs

PreS-Gr 2–Who needs a hug? Everyone does, as this brief but delightful book explains. People of every skin tone, body size, age, and physical ability are shown embracing in all the variations that seem humanly possible, only the authors give outrageously funny names to these positions. The “koala” shows the child hanging on an adult’s leg; the “flying squirrel” is executed by leaping from a bed. A child with arms wrapped around a grandpa’s neck demonstrates the “necklace,” while another perched on the arm of a parent’s wheelchair shows us the “rolling hug.” “Classic,” “frontpack,” “backpack,” and “blindfold,” are among the many variations, along with the “tantrum” hug and the “work at home” hug. At the end, there’s even a compilation of additional positions for those wishing to experiment with showing affection in new ways. Colorful artwork conveys energy and joy in this very clever concept book.