Like a wordless book, the story unfolds through a series of expressive pictures rather than language. Alborough makes clear the chimp's distress as he tries to communicate with only the repeated word 'HUG,' and the elation the animals gain from their shared affection.
Did you ever feel like you needed a hug? A really big one from someone who loves you? That's how Bobo the chimp feels. But his friends don't seem to understand. From the tiny chameleons to the tallest giraffes, all of them are happily cuddling with their jungle mothers. But every time Bobo blurts out the word "HUG" and points, it's to no avail. Will he ever find what he's looking for? With Hug, acclaimed author-illustrator Jez Alborough transforms a total of three words -- and some of the most tenderly expressive animals you've ever seen -- into a warm and fuzzy tribute to love and belonging.
Favorite characters return for the picture-book crowd as well. With just five words and a band of his always-merry animal creations, Jez Alborough weaves a sweet tale about the monkey from Hug, determined to make it to the top-and teaching youngsters about relative heights at the same time-in Tall. While the premise is simplicity itself, it's expertly paced. An oversize, huggable board book edition of Hug is also available now. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Infused with heartfelt themes, board books and novelty titles galore emerge just in time for Valentine's Day. Hot on the trail of little Bobo's love-seeking jungle jaunt, author/ illustrator Jez Alborough's witty marker pen illustrations supplement spare text in Hug. After witnessing many other animals' embraces, he finds a hug of his own. ( Jan.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
PreS-Gr 1-This picture-book protagonist is even more endearing than Alborough's bears in Where's My Teddy? (1992) and My Friend Bear (1998, both Candlewick). Bobo, a tiny chimp, searches the jungle for a hug. Witnessing elephant, iguana, giraffe, and other parent-child couples embracing reduces him to tears, until his mother finally appears to make things right. Cross-species hugs complete the satisfying and reassuring tale. Marker-pen illustrations expertly run the range of brilliant blue skies to tan dusty trails. The rounded cartoon figures demonstrate an array of emotions to augment the text that consists of only three words: "HUG," "BOBO," and "MOMMY." From the warm golden cover to the animal grins at the end, Alborough's simplicity results in another gem.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
A lonesome, wee chimp wanders the jungle, hoping for a hug. Then, with a little help from his animal friends, he finds his way back to his mom, who's waiting for him with open arms. Droll watercolors help tell this nearly wordless tale. Parenting
Alborough's latest endeavor is brief on text but big on emotion. A juvenile chimp wanders the jungle searching for—what else?—a hug. In his journey he encounters familiar inhabitants in adult/infant pairs; elephants, snakes, lions, and others embrace in genial expressions of affection as the forlorn chimp ambles past, plaintively calling out,"Hug." Soon a menagerie of concerned animals trail in Bobo's wake as he becomes increasingly distressed. Just when things seem dire, out from the trees swings Bobo's mom, who joyously envelops her offspring in a warm clasp, inspiring a hug-fest among all the congregated animals. Comprised of only three words ("hug,""mommy," and"Bobo"), the spare text leaves plenty of room for Alborough's eloquent illustrations, a true testimony to the adage"a picture's worth a thousand words." The full-color, full-bleed illustrations are rendered in marker pen, allowing Alborough to impart a wealth of expression on the faces and in the body language of the various creatures. Little ones will be tickled pink by the inventive manner in which each creature embraces: chameleons engage in body-to-body hugs while clasping tails; giraffes intertwine their lanky necks; and a young hippo gleefully perches atop its recumbent parent. This warmly inviting tale is bound to inspire many a loving snuggle during storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)
