Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Hug Time
Picture Book Series
For ages 5 and up
Little Brown, 2007 ISBN: 978-0316114943
Jules is a little kitten with a big heart. He is so "filled with love" that he wants to give the "whole world a hug." Jules is convinced that hugging the whole world will "make it better" and so he sets off to hug as many living things as he can.
Jules tenderly hugs little birds and trees in the park. He boards a ship and hugs an enormous blue whale – which is not an easy thing to do. In Africa he hugs a long-necked giraffe and a baobab tree. In the rainforest he welcomes a never-before-seen species with a hug. In India he patiently looks for a tiger to hug, and this takes some time because tigers are now "so few." And on the loving little kitten travels, giving away hugs wherever he goes.
Patrick McDonnell has given us several exceptional Mutts books over the years featuring Mooch, Earl, and his other wonderful cartoon strip characters. Each book has something special, something universal to say to readers of all ages. In this title Patrick McDonnell once again finds a way to say a great deal with a minimal text and touching illustrations. He reminds us that sharing hugs and love is one way that we can make the world a better place. He also gently highlights the plight of animals around the world, animals that are in danger of disappearing for good if we do not do something to save them.
