Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Hugless Douglas

Hugless Douglas

David Melling
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Tiger Tales, 2010   ISBN: 978-1589250987

One spring morning, a young bear called Douglas wakes up from his winter nap. Like so many youngsters when they get up after a long sleep, Douglas finds that he needs a hug. So, after putting on a scarf, Douglas goes outside to find something to hug.

He soon discovers that rocks are far too heavy to hug, trees are too splintery, and sheep do not appreciate being hugged at all. Nor do owls.  Next Douglas finds a rabbit, and he wipes his nose on its fluffy tail, which the rabbit does not enjoy one little bit. What is poor hugless Douglas to do? Is there someone out there who can give this hug deprived bear a warm snuggly hug?

This deliciously funny picture book will have readers of all ages smiling in no time. Douglas - with his unfortunate mistakes - is a delight, and by the end of the story many readers may find that they too are in need of a hug.