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How can it be that a book with only one word--hug--repeated throughout, can be so good? The proof is in the pudding (or the wilds of Africa) in Jez Alborough's picture book Hug, a delightful mini odyssey of a baby chimpanzee on the hunt for his mum and a cuddle.

Our little friend wanders through the trees, witnessing many other animals from chameleons to giraffes as they snuggle together. "Hug," he says, happily, at first, but then with growing despair as he sees there are no hugs for him. The story is told purely by the expression on the little chimp's face as his hopes are built up and dashed again until eventually, with a huge smile, he finds his mum and reaps the reward.

Hug is a clever, unusual book that portrays the art of children's illustration at its very best: a story brought to life with the stroke of a brush through facial expressions and body language that children will immediately understand.

FROM OUR EDITORS

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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

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.

Children's Literature

The title says it all in this simple book about loving families. A small chimpanzee skips through the colorful jungle scenes exclaiming, "HUG," as he observes young animals being nuzzled affectionately by their parents. His expression is happy in the beginning, bringing smiles to the faces of the elephants, lizards and snakes he passes. Then he seems to be missing something. The mother elephant understands his plaintive plea and offers him a ride. They continue on past loving groups of lions, giraffes and hippopotami. When his "HUG" turns into a sob, all of the animals become concerned. They are relieved when an adult chimpanzee bounds onto the next page calling, "BOBO." He answers, "MOMMY," and all the animals join in the "HUG" chorus. This likeable little chimp and his compassionate friends will bring joy to young children and their parents, who will surely want to share a hug after reading the book. 2000, Candlewick Press, $14.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer

School Library Journal

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.

Leonard S. Marcus - Parenting

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.

Kirkus Reviews

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)