HUG A BUG

Twenty-two brief sentences accompany lighthearted illustrations to extol the virtues of hugging. Spinelli’s simple, rhyming text is exuberant and affectionate, inviting the listener/reader to join in, and by the second reading some small children may have the book nearly committed to memory. Shy or cautious children and parents may find the prescriptive “Hug the dentist. / Hug a clown. / Hug the mayor of your town” either emboldening or a bit indiscriminate. But Andreasen’s sweetly round, twinkling-eyed people look pleased with themselves as first a little girl and then a small boy—redeemed by a hug from grouchiness—hug just about anyone and anything that crosses their path. The all-Caucasian cast is a bit disheartening in this day and age, but it’s hard to hold too big a grudge against this open-armed celebration. Endearing, if you like hugging, and light as a feather. (Picture book. 2-5)