Hugless Douglas
(Book)

PreS-Gr 1-Melling gives new meaning to the phrase, "a big bear hug" with this tale of a cub who sets off one morning in search of that special feeling he needs. A gigantic boulder is too heavy to hug and a tree trunk is too splintery. Douglas knows that a hug feels comfy, and he is not having an easy time locating one. Colorful illustrations enhance the humor. Lines of larger font sizes frequently wave throughout the text, contributing to the movement from page to page as Douglas continues his quest. The final spread demonstrates 14 varieties of hugs to bring additional hilarity and closure. Children will understand Douglas's need for that warm, secure feeling. They might even want to demonstrate as they ask for this book to be read aloud again and again.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

When Douglas the bear wakes up, he sets out to find a hug. But that's no easy task: trees are too splintery, sheep are too squirmy, and the rabbit doesn't want a hug. Rabbit is helpful, however and helps Douglas find his mother. The illustrations are appealing, but they don't always clarify the action of the story. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(Picture book. 3-6)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1—Melling gives new meaning to the phrase, "a big bear hug" with this tale of a cub who sets off one morning in search of that special feeling he needs. A gigantic boulder is too heavy to hug and a tree trunk is too splintery. Douglas knows that a hug feels comfy, and he is not having an easy time locating one. Colorful illustrations enhance the humor. Lines of larger font sizes frequently wave throughout the text, contributing to the movement from page to page as Douglas continues his quest. The final spread demonstrates 14 varieties of hugs to bring additional hilarity and closure. Children will understand Douglas's need for that warm, secure feeling. They might even want to demonstrate as they ask for this book to be read aloud again and again.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA