ANIMAL SNUGGLES

An introduction for young children to the world of animal affection.

A spare, rhyming text showcases 13 animals and the various ways that they bond through touch. A mother otter and her pup snuggle “belly to belly,” while a young colt nestles a mare “cheek to cheek.” Kangaroos hug “elbow to elbow,” while swans touch “beak to beak.” Each pairing radiates love and comfort between adult and youngster. To widen the audience, the main text appears in large, bold lettering, while a smaller typeface adds supplementary information. For instance, “On a cold snow drift, / toes to toes” sits alongside “Emperor penguin fathers hold their / newborn chicks in a special pouch by their feet.” One could simply read the larger text as a lullaby to the youngest listeners, or expound further for older, curious minds. Appended facts at the end provide additional context on each animal. Braun’s golden highlights shine on sands, forests, ponds, and grasslands. Even the underwater and icy tundra landscapes exude warmth from the cuddles. The final pairing shows humans with a variety of skin tones giving snuggles: “Nothing is sweeter. / Nothing more true. / Heartbeat to / heartbeat. / Me with you.” Readers will no doubt want to practice the adorable nuzzling actions of the animals as well.

Love in its most natural state.