Hugs are the best! They really make everything better...or do they? In her exciting author debut HUG! artist Charlene Chua explores how hugs can sometimes make you feel better and sometimes not.

When you are feeling upset a hug can cheer you up but what happens if all of a sudden you are the one giving all of the hugs and not getting any in return? It can be so exhausting to always be giving and not receiving in return. This concept is so interesting and fantastic to explore in a children’s book, plus makes for some laugh out loud moments. We read this book over and over and it was still funny each time. Charlene Chua creates a whole cast of animals who need hugs, some who are soft and cuddly and some who are not so much. We also loved how on each page you got a little hint of which animal was coming in for a hug next, building anticipation and humour into the story.

We love Charlene’s art and the books she has illustrated are counted amongst some of our favourites. Her use of space and colour is captivating and entertaining! HUG! gets 5 stars from this family and we are confident this book will be beloved in early years classrooms and homes all over the country.