"Hug?" - a bookwrap

Hug Anyone?  

Unwrapping

HUG? 
Written and Illustrated by Charlene Chua


* Ages:  3-7
* Grade Level:  PS-2
* Hardcover:  32 pages
* Publisher:  Kids Can Press
* Pub. Date: September 1, 2020
* Language:  English 

Unwrapping Some Great Illustrations for You to Enjoy

The Book

To hug or not to hug that is the question?  A compassionate little girl takes pity on her beloved kitty when it hacks up a hairball.   She asks if he would like a hug?  He, feeling ill, consents.  When she cuddles him in a big hug her dog takes note and asks for a hug too.  She readily complies and then along come some ducks, a skunk, a bear, a porcupine, a tiger, a unicorn ( who insists he's good and doesn't need one ), and a dragon, just to name a  few,  also wanting a hug!   Wow!  She is turning into a hugging machine.  All those hugs leave her drained, exhausted and feeling empty... they just keep on coming.    

"I don't feel well." she says. 

Her adorable, sweet kitty approaches her and asks:  "Do YOU want a hug?" 

 The book sparks discussions on boundaries, consent, and assuring yourself that it is okay to sometimes say no.  It also shows the importance of self-care and looking after your own needs.  

The illustrations are so well done and expressive.  They enrich the meaning of the story so much.  I love the message and how it is implemented.  I highly recommend this book. 

Storywraps Rating - 5 +++ HUGS!

Meet the Author/Illustrator

Charlene Chua (pronounced: CHOO-ah)  has illustrated many things over the years for kids of all ages.  Her illustration work has won several awards, while books she has illustrated have been nominated for USBBY Outstanding International Books, OLA Best Bets, Shining Willow Award, and Kirkus Best books. 

Charlene's author/illustrator debut, Hug?, will be published by Kids Can Press in 2020.

Charlene was born and grew up in Singapore, and moved to Canada in 2007. She started work in 1998 as a web designer, and went on to become a senior designer, web producer and interactive project manager.  However, what she really wanted to do was draw pictures all day. In 2003, she decided to give it a go, and after a few years, she became a full-time illustrator.

When she is not making art, she enjoys cooking, reading, and playing with her cats. She now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.

She is represented by Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary for all book projects.

Follow Storywraps

*Blog Link:  www.babybookworms.blogspot.ca

*Instagram: Storywraps

*Email:  storywrapsblog@gmail.com

*Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Storywraps

*Twitter: Storywraps@Storywraps1

*Pinterest: Storywraps

I put hours of work finding the best kid's books to review for you each day.  If you enjoy visiting Storywraps and would like to donate something for my time and effort I would greatly appreciate it.

Go to the top of my blog at the right hand corner (below my photo) and please donate what you feel lead to give.  The amount you donate and the frequency you donate is totally up to you.  

I also have added a new button... ko-fi.com/storywraps  Simply buy me a cup of coffee if you would rather.  That would be fun.  Coffee and blogging go together like two peas in a pod as I'm always brewing up something here on Storywraps. 

 I thank you in advance for your support.  I adore what I do and would appreciate any amount that you may give so that I can make our Storywraps' community more thriving and exciting.  Thanks a million!  Books bind us together.   

Read on.....Read always!

It's a wrap! 

💜💜💜